How Alexandria FHAP works
FHAP currently applies only to City-marketed Affordable Set-Aside, NSP or Resale Restricted homes, not open-market purchases. It is a 0% deferred second trust loan repaid at resale or in 99 years.
Tier caps: HUD 80% up to $50,000; Mathematical 80% up to $40,000; HUD 90% up to $30,000; HUD 100% up to $20,000. NSP homes can offer up to $75,000 when offered. Income caps for 1/4 people: Tier 1 $74,800/$106,800; Tier 2 $93,040/$132,880; HUD 90% $104,670/$149,490; HUD 100% $116,300/$166,100.
You must have lived or worked in the City for 6 or more months. The first-time buyer rule differs across City documents; confirm with the program. Buyers pay at least $2,000 or $3,000; net worth is up to 50% of the price; ratios are 32/41. Virginia Housing class and counseling are required.
A resale within 5 years has a surcharge: 25% in year 1, falling by 5% per year. A Virginia Housing first trust is encouraged. FHAP combines with EHIP; SPARC is paused.
Key benefits
Deferred 0% loan
The second trust carries 0% interest and is repaid at resale or in 99 years.
Tiered assistance
Tier caps range from $20,000 to $50,000 by income, with up to $75,000 on NSP homes when offered.
Can combine with EHIP
FHAP can combine with the City's Employee Homeownership Incentive Program.
The steps
Look at City-marketed homes
FHAP currently covers Affordable Set-Aside, NSP and Resale Restricted homes, not the open market.
Confirm your tier
Review the tier income caps and amount with the City; confirm the first-time buyer rule because City documents differ.
Complete education and counseling
Take the Virginia Housing class and counseling.
Review buyer contribution
The buyer pays at least $2,000 or $3,000; confirm which applies with the program.
Watch out for
Shopping on the open market
FHAP currently applies only to City-marketed homes.
Assuming a single first-time definition
City documents differ on the first-time buyer rule; confirm with the program.
Selling early
A resale within 5 years has a surcharge of 25% in year 1, falling 5% per year.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use FHAP on any Alexandria home?
No. It currently applies only to City-marketed Affordable Set-Aside, NSP or Resale Restricted homes, not open-market purchases.
Is FHAP a grant?
No. It is a 0% deferred second trust loan repaid at resale or in 99 years.
Can FHAP combine with EHIP?
Yes. FHAP combines with EHIP; SPARC is paused.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
The first-time buyer rule differs across City documents; confirm the current rule with the program.
See which programs may fit
Check your options and confirm City-marketed home availability with Alexandria.
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.
Last updated: October 2026. Licensed in VA, MD and DC. Not affiliated with Virginia Housing, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, or any county or city housing office.
Related programs
Source: City of Alexandria (alexandriava.gov). Checked 2026-10-02.