Down payment assistance in District of Columbia
District of Columbia's primary statewide down payment assistance program, run by DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Numbers and eligibility reflect the program's published 2025 guidelines.
Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP)
Deferred loan- Maximum assistance
- Up to $202,000 in DPA + $4,000 in closing-cost assistance
- Income limit
- Up to 110% of MSA median (~$176,500 for a household of 4)
- Home price limit
- No formal cap; based on appraised value and loan eligibility
- First-time buyer
- Required
- Eligible loan types
- FHA, VA, Conventional
- •0% interest, deferred for 5 years, then amortizing or repaid on sale.
- •Among the largest single DPA awards in the country.
- •Employer Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) adds extra DPA for DC government employees.
How District of Columbia DPA fits into your purchase
Down payment assistance reduces the cash you need at the closing table. District of Columbia's Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) pairs with the standard FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgage from a participating lender; the DPA flows through the same closing.
Two things to budget for: most state DPA requires a homebuyer-education course (typically online, 6-8 hours, ~$75) and you usually have to use a lender on the agency's approved list. The agency keeps the list public on its website.
Common questions
District of Columbia's primary statewide DPA is Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) from DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Up to $202,000 in DPA + $4,000 in closing-cost assistance. Many District of Columbia cities and counties also run additional DPA layered on top.
Yes. The Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) requires that you have not owned a primary residence in the past 3 years. Veterans and target-area buyers are sometimes exempt.
Yes. Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) works with these loan types: FHA, VA, Conventional. The DPA is layered behind your first mortgage as a separate lien (or grant), and both close together.
Usually no. Deferred and forgivable loans typically have no monthly payment, so most lenders do not include them in your DTI calculation.
Deferred and second-mortgage DPAs are generally repaid in full when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.