How much down payment assistance can I get in Washington, DC?

HPAP — one of the largest down payment assistance programs in the country — offers up to $202,000 in gap financing to households at or below 50% of median family income (lower caps at higher incomes), plus up to $4,000 toward closing costs, when HPAP has funds. Other programs like DC Open Doors add 3–3.5% of the purchase price. Your actual amount depends on your income, household size, and the gap between your mortgage and the purchase price.

Do I have to be a first-time buyer?

For most DC programs, 'first-time' means you haven't owned a primary residence in the last three years. DC Open Doors goes further — it's open to first-time AND repeat buyers with a 640 minimum credit score.

Is the $202,000 HPAP number real?

It is real, but it is the top tier. Under DHCD's July 2026 HPAP table, $202,000 is the gap financing cap for households at or below 50% of median family income (MFI). For households at 51-80% MFI the cap is $161,600, $141,400 or $101,000, and at 81-110% MFI it is $80,800 or $70,000, depending on income and household size. Eligible households can also get up to $4,000 toward closing costs. All of it depends on HPAP having funds, so confirm current funding with DHCD and ask a participating lender for your real number.

Can I stack more than one DC program?

Often, yes. DC4ME — for full-time DC government employees — can be combined with HPAP. Stacking rules vary by program and situation, so review your combination with a licensed lender.

What credit score do I need?

DC Open Doors requires a 640 minimum credit score. Other programs vary by lender and loan type, so it's worth checking your full eligibility picture.

What does it cost to find out if I qualify?

Nothing. The eligibility check on this site is free, the buyer consultation is free, and the assistance programs themselves carry zero percent interest.

DC Down Payment Assistance Programs: Complete Buyer Guide

What is down payment assistance?

Down payment assistance (DPA) is help — usually a zero-interest deferred loan or gap financing — that covers part of the cash needed at closing. Washington, DC offers some of the most generous DPA in the country, led by HPAP.

Who is DPA for?

Most DC DPA targets first-time buyers and moderate-income households — but the definitions are broader than people expect. Many buyers are surprised to learn they qualify, and DC Open Doors even welcomes repeat buyers.

First-time vs. repeat buyer

Most DC programs define a first-time buyer as someone who hasn't owned a primary residence in the past three years. DC Open Doors is the exception: it's open to first-time AND repeat buyers with a 640 minimum credit score. Its down payment assistance is a 0% second trust that is repaid in full when you sell or transfer the property, refinance the first mortgage, stop living in the home as your principal residence, or at 30 years, whichever comes first.

The five DC programs

These are the five programs worth knowing right now — from HPAP's massive gap financing to the brand-new HomeAdvantage DC.

Home Purchase Assistance Program

Up to $202,000

DC Open Doors

3.5% FHA / 3% Conv.

DC4ME

DC Gov't Employees

HomeAdvantage DC

May 2026

Employer-Assisted Housing Program

Full-Time DC Gov't Employees

Timing matters: first-come, first-served

HPAP is funded each fiscal year and the money is claimed first-come, first-served. Buyers who are pre-approved and documented early are the ones who receive it — start before you find the house, not after.

Stacking programs

DC programs can often be combined. DC4ME — for full-time District government employees, including charter school staff — can be combined with HPAP, pairing a reduced-rate first mortgage with significant gap financing.

Common mistakes

Assuming you don't qualify before checking
Waiting until you find a house — HPAP funding is first-come, first-served
Working with a lender who doesn't know DC programs
Ruling yourself out because you've owned before (the three-year rule, and DC Open Doors)
Not verifying current guidelines — program details and funding change frequently

Next step

See which programs may fit you.

Run the 2-minute eligibility check, then book a free consultation.

Find Programs I May Qualify For