Listed as open as of October 2, 2026: the Virginia Housing DPA Grant, Closing Cost Assistance Grant and Plus Second Mortgage. Paused or closed: SPARC rate reductions (expected to reopen in January 2027) and FirstHome Dream. Confirm current status with a Virginia Housing-approved lender. Checked October 2, 2026.
How DPA Grant works
The Virginia Housing Down Payment Assistance Grant is a grant, meaning it is a gift and not a loan. It is paired with a Virginia Housing first mortgage.
The grant is up to 2% of the price with a Virginia Housing Conventional Bond first mortgage, or up to 2.5% with an FHA Bond first mortgage. The percentage is based on the lesser of the price or the appraised value.
The grant can be used for the down payment only, not for closing costs. You still put at least 1% down yourself, and a gift is allowed for that 1%.
You must be a first-time buyer, meaning no owner-occupied home in the last 3 years, unless you are buying in a targeted area. Whole-household income must be within the grant limits effective 8/1/2026. For example, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area limit is $148,000 for 1-2 people and $174,000 for 3 or more; the All Other Areas limit is $90,000 for 1-2 people and $103,000 for 3 or more.
Key benefits
A grant, not a loan
The DPA Grant is a gift toward your down payment, not a loan.
Up to 2% or 2.5% of the price
Up to 2% with a Conventional Bond first mortgage, or 2.5% with an FHA Bond first mortgage, based on the lesser of price or appraised value.
Your 1% can be a gift
You put at least 1% down, and a gift is allowed for that contribution.
Works with other non-Virginia Housing help
It can be combined with other acceptable assistance that does not come from Virginia Housing.
The steps
Complete homebuyer education
Take the free Virginia Housing class, or another course Virginia Housing accepts, before loan approval.
Choose a Virginia Housing-approved lender
The grant is paired with a Virginia Housing Conventional Bond or FHA Bond first mortgage.
Confirm income and first-time status
Check your whole-household income against the grant limits effective 8/1/2026, and whether you meet the 3-year first-time rule or are buying in a targeted area.
Plan your 1% contribution
Line up at least 1% down from your own funds or a gift.
Watch out for
Expecting help with closing costs
This grant is for the down payment only, not closing costs.
Counting only your own income
Income limits apply to the whole household, not only the borrowers.
Trying to stack it with the Plus Second or CCA Grant
The DPA Grant cannot be combined with the Plus Second Mortgage or the Closing Cost Assistance Grant.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to repay the Virginia Housing DPA Grant?
No. It is a grant, which is a gift, not a loan.
What credit score do I need?
The minimum score is 640 with a Conventional Bond first mortgage or 620 with an FHA Bond first mortgage.
Can I use the grant for closing costs?
No. The DPA Grant is for the down payment only.
Can I combine it with other help?
It cannot be combined with the Plus Second Mortgage or the Closing Cost Assistance Grant. It can be combined with other acceptable help that does not come from Virginia Housing.
See if the DPA Grant fits you
Answer a few quick questions to see which Virginia programs you may qualify for.
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: Virginia Housing (virginiahousing.com). Checked 2026-10-02.