Status checked October 12, 2026: DHCD's HPAP dashboard shows FY2026 funds Available $0.0M (data as of 5/4/2026), and DHCD's HPAP page has not posted FY2027 information. DHCD's FY2026 HPAP page required NTP holders to close by August 1, 2026. That date has passed, and DHCD had not posted FY2027 HPAP timing as of October 12, 2026. DCHFA's lender rate sheet (updated 10/9/2026 for DC Open Doors and DC4ME, 10/8/2026 for HomeAdvantage DC) shows rates with down payment assistance for most options; DC Open Doors FHA with 3.5% DPA and DC4ME VA with DPA show N/A. DCHFA says DPA pricing can be unavailable on some days. Confirm current status with DHCD, DCHFA or a DCHFA-approved lender.
How DC Open Doors works
DC Open Doors is one of the District's most flexible down payment assistance options. It provides 3.5% of the purchase price on FHA loans, or 3% on conventional loans, structured as a zero-interest loan.
The assistance is a 0% second trust with no monthly payment. It is repaid in full when you sell or transfer the property, refinance your first mortgage, stop living in the home as your primary residence, or at 30 years, whichever comes first. It is normally paid from the sale proceeds, so there is nothing to budget for month to month.
Unlike many assistance programs, DC Open Doors is open to first-time AND repeat buyers, with a 640 minimum credit score. That makes it a strong option for move-up buyers and for anyone who owned a home more than three years ago.
Key benefits
Open to repeat buyers
You do not have to be a first-time buyer — repeat buyers qualify too.
3.5% on FHA, 3% on conventional
Assistance scales with your loan type to cover the down payment.
Zero-interest assistance loan
The assistance carries no interest and no monthly payment.
No monthly payment on the assistance
The assistance is a 0% deferred second trust. Nothing is due until you sell, transfer, refinance the first mortgage, move out, or reach 30 years, whichever comes first.
The steps
Check your credit score
DC Open Doors requires a 640 minimum credit score — know where you stand first.
Choose your loan type
Decide between FHA (3.5% assistance) and conventional (3% assistance) with your lender.
Get pre-approved
Work with a lender who participates in DC Open Doors.
Find your DC home
Shop with your pre-approval and assistance amount in hand.
Structure the assistance at closing
Your zero-interest assistance loan closes with your first mortgage.
Know when the assistance comes due
The 0% second trust is repaid in full when you sell, transfer, refinance the first mortgage, or stop living in the home as your primary residence, or at 30 years, whichever comes first. Plan your refinance and move timeline with that in mind.
Watch out for
Thinking it's only for first-time buyers
DC Open Doors allows repeat buyers — don't rule yourself out if you've owned before.
Forgetting the assistance is a real loan
Selling, transferring, refinancing the first mortgage, or moving out at any time makes the 0% second trust due in full. It is normally paid from the sale proceeds, but a refinance in year two still triggers repayment.
Applying with a credit score under 640
The program has a firm 640 minimum — if you're below it, work on your score before applying.
Source: DCHFA DC Open Doors page (dchfa.org). Program details checked September 1, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be a first-time buyer for DC Open Doors?
No. DC Open Doors is open to first-time AND repeat buyers — it's one of the few DC programs where previous homeownership doesn't disqualify you.
When do I have to pay the assistance back?
There is no monthly payment. The 0% second trust is repaid in full when you sell or transfer the property, refinance your first mortgage, stop living in the home as your primary residence, or at 30 years, whichever comes first. It is normally paid from the sale proceeds.
What credit score do I need?
A minimum credit score of 640.
Can I use DC Open Doors with an FHA loan?
Yes — FHA loans receive 3.5% of the purchase price in assistance, while conventional loans receive 3%.
Not a first-time buyer? You may still qualify
DC Open Doors welcomes repeat buyers. Run the eligibility check to see if it fits your next move.
Check If You May Qualify
Find Programs I May Qualify ForProgram details change frequently — verify current guidelines with a licensed lender; this is not a commitment to lend or a guarantee of eligibility.
Funding status checked: October 12, 2026. Ronnie Gilmer · Samson Properties · Licensed in Washington DC and Maryland. Independently operated and not affiliated with any government agency, the DC Department of Housing and Community Development, or the DC Housing Finance Agency.