Down Payment Assistance Programs in DC, Maryland & Virginia: What's Available in 2026

Coming up with a down payment is the number one barrier to homeownership for most first-time buyers in the DC Metro Area. The good news: there are multiple down payment assistance (DPA) programs available right now in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC — and many buyers who think they can't afford a home actually can, once they know what's available.

What Is Down Payment Assistance?

Down payment assistance programs provide funds — either as grants, forgivable loans, or second mortgages — to cover all or part of the down payment and sometimes closing costs on a home purchase. They are typically government-funded or nonprofit-backed, and they pair with standard mortgage programs like FHA or conventional loans.

National DPA Programs Available in the DMV

TRIO / LINK Program

The TRIO program, specifically its LINK loan product, is one of the most accessible DPA options we work with across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

• Minimum 620 credit score
• ~90% approval rate on the LINK loan
• Covers the down payment requirement
• Can be combined with FHA loans
• Non-occupant co-borrowers allowed
• No first-time buyer requirement for most options

Chenoa Fund

The Chenoa Fund is a national program that provides down payment assistance paired with FHA financing.

• Minimum 640 credit score
• Covers the 3.5% FHA down payment
• Forgivable option available: loan forgiven after 36 months of on-time payments
• Repayable option: 0% interest second mortgage
• Available in Maryland, Virginia, and DC

Maryland Down Payment Assistance Programs

Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP)

The Maryland Mortgage Program is the state's primary homeownership program, administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

• Income limits vary by county and household size (higher limits in high-cost counties)
• First-time buyer requirement for most programs (3-year rule)
• Partner Match: some employers and counties add additional DPA on top
• 1st Time Advantage: competitive rates + DPA options
• HomeStart: up to $10,000 in DPA for eligible buyers

Virginia Down Payment Assistance Programs

Virginia Housing (formerly VHDA)

Virginia Housing offers multiple homeownership programs for Virginia buyers:

• Down Payment Assistance Grant: covers up to 2.5% of purchase price — no repayment required
• Closing Cost Assistance Grant: additional funds for closing costs
• Income and purchase price limits apply — higher in Northern Virginia
• First-time buyer requirement (or buying in a Targeted Area)
• Homeownership Education required

Washington DC Down Payment Assistance Programs

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors is the District's down payment assistance program for buyers purchasing in DC:

• Up to 3% of the loan amount in DPA for DC residents
• 0% deferred payment loan — no monthly payments required
• Forgiven after 5 years of residency
• Income limits apply
• Available with FHA and conventional loans

Which DPA Program Is Right for You?

The right program depends on your credit score, income, the county you're buying in, and which mortgage program you're using. Here's a quick guide:

As a broker, we compare DPA programs across all three jurisdictions and stack the best combinations for your situation — at no cost to you.