It's tough to save for a down payment on your first home in Northern Virginia. Many programs can help first-time homebuyers with down payments and closing costs, and while some must be repaid over time, there are also grants (money that never needs to be repaid) available to first-time buyers in Virginia.

Here's a guide to the homebuyer assistance programs available to first-time buyers in Virginia in 2026.

Do You Count as a First-Time Buyer?

It's common for buyers to assume that because they've owned a home before, they don't qualify as first-time buyers. However, most first-time buyer programs, including Virginia Housing's, define a first-time buyer as someone who has not owned and lived in a primary residence within the past three years.

Virginia Housing Programs

Virginia Housing (formerly VHDA) is Virginia's state housing finance agency. It offers first mortgages and several types of assistance through approved Virginia Housing lenders.

Down Payment Assistance Grant. A grant of 2% of the purchase price on an eligible conventional loan, or 2.5% on an eligible FHA loan. It's a true grant that never has to be repaid, but it must be paired with a Virginia Housing first mortgage.

Closing Cost Assistance Grant. Up to 2% of the purchase price for homes financed with government-backed loans such as FHA, VA and USDA. This grant is also non-repayable and can be used toward the buyer's closing costs.

Virginia Housing Plus Second Mortgage. A repayable second mortgage that covers part of the down payment and is paired with a Virginia Housing first mortgage. It generally cannot be combined with the Down Payment Assistance Grant.

Community Heroes Grant. Virginia Housing's newest grant gives eligible first-time buyers $10,000 toward down payment and closing costs. It's available to:

  • Educators and school personnel
  • Childcare workers
  • Law enforcement officers, firefighters and first responders
  • Healthcare workers

It can be paired with other Virginia Housing grants and with some assistance programs offered outside of Virginia Housing.

Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC). An MCC lets first-time buyers claim a portion of the mortgage interest they pay each year as a federal tax credit, helping offset their annual tax bill for the life of the loan.

Common Requirements

Most Virginia Housing programs require:

  1. Working with a Virginia Housing-approved lender
  2. Completing a free homebuyer education course
  3. Household income within Virginia Housing's income limits for the area where the home is located
  4. A purchase price within the program's sales price limits
  5. A minimum credit score (often around 620, depending on the program)

Local Programs in Northern Virginia

Some Northern Virginia localities offer their own homebuyer programs, which may be combined with Virginia Housing assistance:

  • Fairfax County: First-Time Homebuyers Program for income-qualified buyers, including price-restricted homes
  • Arlington County: Moderate Income Purchase Assistance Program (MIPAP)
  • City of Alexandria: Flexible Homeownership Assistance Program

Loan Options to Know

  • FHA loans: As little as 3.5% down, with higher loan limits in high-cost areas. In Fairfax County, the 2026 FHA limit for a one-unit home is $1,249,125.
  • Conventional loans: As little as 3% down through first-time buyer programs.
  • VA loans: Zero down for eligible veterans and service members.

Tips for First-Time Buyers in Northern Virginia

  1. Talk to a Virginia Housing-approved lender before you start touring homes.
  2. Complete the free homebuyer education course, which most programs require.
  3. Consider condos and townhomes in areas with lower entry prices, such as Alexandria's West End, Reston or Annandale.
  4. Ask about seller concessions to help cover closing costs.
  5. Work with an agent who knows these programs, since grant timelines can affect your offer and closing date.

Ready to Buy Your First Home?

Our team helps first-time buyers throughout Northern Virginia. We can refer you to lenders who offer these programs and help you find a home that fits your budget. Browse Alexandria condos for sale to get started, or contact us.

Sources: Community Heroes Grant, Virginia Housing; First-Time Home Buyer Guide for Vienna, VA: 2026, NFM Lending; Home Loans in Virginia, NFM Lending