First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Washington, D.C.

D.C. Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) Programs:

DC Open Doors:

Eligibility: Open to first-time homebuyers (no homeownership in the past three years) and repeat buyers purchasing in D.C.
Offerings: Provides a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional) with competitive rates; includes optional down payment assistance up to 3% or 5% of the purchase price.
Requirements:

• Income must not exceed $171,900 (as of 2025).
• Minimum credit score of 640 (or 660 for conventional loans).
• Debt-to-income ratio capped at 45% (50% with higher scores).
• Homebuyer education course required for first-time buyers.

DC Open Doors Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL):

Benefits: Offers up to 3% or 5% of the purchase price as a 0% interest, deferred second loan (due on sale, refinance, or after 5 years if not paired with an FHA loan); combinable with DC Open Doors mortgage.
Eligibility: Must use a DCHFA first mortgage; no income limit for the assistance portion, but first mortgage income cap applies.

Local Programs:

District of Columbia

Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP): Provides up to $202,000 as a 0% interest, deferred loan (forgivable after 5 years) for down payment and closing costs; income must not exceed 110% AMI (e.g., $149,050 for a family of four), with higher assistance for lower incomes.

D.C. Government Employees

D.C. Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP): Offers up to $20,000 as a 0% interest, deferred loan for down payment and up to $1,500 in closing cost assistance; available to full-time D.C. government employees who are first-time buyers in D.C.

Public Safety and Education Workers

Negotiated Employee Affordable Home Program (NEAHP): Provides up to $15,000 as a 0% interest, deferred loan for down payment and up to $1,500 in closing cost credits; targets D.C. police, firefighters, teachers, and other public servants buying their first home in D.C.

Additional Information:

• D.C. Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): Offers a federal tax credit of up to 20% of annual mortgage interest (max $2,000) for first-time buyers when using a DCHFA mortgage; requires a $500 fee.
• USDA and VA Loans: Zero-down payment options for veterans/active military (VA); USDA not applicable in urban D.C.
• FHA Loans: Minimum 3.5% down payment, suitable for credit scores as low as 580 (10% if below 580).