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DC First Time Home Buyer Programs

DC offers up to $202,000 in assistance for qualifying first-time homebuyers. Here's what's available.

HPAP – Home Purchase Assistance Program

Up to $202,000

The HPAP program offers qualifying first-time homebuyers up to $202,000 in assistance (effective October 1, 2022) for down payment, gap financing, and up to $4,000 in closing cost subsidies. Assistance ranges from $70,000–$202,000 on a sliding scale based on income and household size. Low-interest loans are deferrable for up to 5 years.

Eligibility Requirements:

Head of household AND first-time homebuyer
Low-to-moderate income per Department standards
No residential real estate ownership in the prior 3 years
Primary residence purchase located in DC
Good credit rating

DC Tax Abatement

Thousands in tax savings

Qualifying buyers receive an exemption from DC Recordation Tax, a seller credit equal to DC Transfer Tax, and a property tax exemption for the first 5 years of ownership. Subject to purchase price and income limits.

Reduced Recordation Tax Rate

0.725% rate

Recordation tax is reduced to 0.725% for qualifying first-time homebuyers. Requires an application filed at closing.

EAHP – Employer Assisted Housing Program

Up to $25,000

For DC government employees: up to $20,000 no-interest loan plus up to $5,000 matching grant. Enhanced benefits available for first responders.

DC Open Doors

Down payment assistance

Down payment assistance loans with 30-year deferral options, facilitated by the DC Housing Finance Agency.

Homestead Deduction

Up to $74,850 assessed value reduction

Reduces your property's assessed value before calculating real estate taxes, plus caps annual assessment increases at 10%.

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