What is HPAP in Washington DC?

HPAP stands for the Home Purchase Assistance Program, administered by the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). It provides deferred 0% interest loans of up to $202,000 for first-time buyers who have lived or worked in DC for at least 12 months. The amount is income-tiered: households at 50% AMI receive up to $202,000, while households at 80% AMI receive lower amounts (approximately $70,000 to $90,000). No payments are required for the first 5 years; small deferred payments begin after that. HPAP also includes up to $4,000 in closing cost assistance. Income limit is 110% AMI (approximately $143,000 for a family of four). Contact DHCD at (202) 442-7200.

What is DC Open Doors?

DC Open Doors is a statewide DPA program available through DC FHFA-approved lenders. It provides up to 3% of the first mortgage (conventional loans) or 3.5% (FHA loans) as a forgivable second mortgage, forgiven after 5 years of continued occupancy. Unlike HPAP, DC Open Doors does not require first-time buyer status. Income limit is $154,800 for a single borrower. Minimum credit score is 640. This is the easiest access point for repeat buyers and for buyers who need fast processing compared to HPAP's 60 to 90 day timeline.

Can I stack HPAP and DC Open Doors together?

No. HPAP and DC Open Doors cannot be combined with each other. You must choose one program. However, HPAP can be stacked with the DC First-Time Homebuyer Tax Exemption, which reduces transfer and recordation taxes at closing. DC Open Doors may also be combined with the tax exemption if the buyer qualifies as a first-time buyer. Speak with a DHCD-approved lender to confirm what is allowed based on your loan structure.

Do I have to be a first-time buyer for DC down payment assistance?

Not for all programs. HPAP requires first-time buyer status. DC Open Doors does not. EAHP does not require first-time buyer status but is limited to DC government employees. The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Exemption applies only to first-time buyers. Repeat buyers in DC have a clear path through DC Open Doors, which provides up to 3.5% forgivable and requires only a 640 credit score and an income below $154,800.

What is the EAHP program for DC government employees?

The DC Employer Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) provides a forgivable loan of up to $20,000 plus a matching down payment grant of up to $5,000 for employees of the DC government, including teachers and first responders. The loan is forgiven after 5 years of continued employment with the DC government. Verify current availability and eligibility directly with your DC agency HR department or DHCD, as program funding can fluctuate.

How long does it take to close using HPAP?

HPAP typically requires 60 to 90 days to close. The program requires HUD-approved housing counseling before application, and the DHCD review process adds processing time beyond a standard loan. Buyers using HPAP should communicate this timeline to their real estate agent and sellers before writing an offer. DC Open Doors closes on a more standard 30 to 45 day timeline through approved lenders. If timeline is a constraint, DC Open Doors is the faster path.

What credit score do I need for DC down payment assistance?

DC Open Doors requires a 640 minimum credit score. HPAP does not have a published hard credit minimum but requires the applicant to qualify for a first mortgage, which has its own credit requirements depending on loan type (typically 580 for FHA, 620 to 640 for conventional). EAHP credit requirements depend on the first mortgage lender. The practical floor for accessing DC DPA programs is 580 to 640 depending on program and loan type.

Down Payment Assistance Washington DC 2026 | HPAP Up to $202,000, DC Open Doors

Q: How much down payment assistance is available in Washington DC?

Washington DC offers up to $202,000 through HPAP (Home Purchase Assistance Program) for income-qualified first-time buyers at the lowest income tiers. Buyers at 80% AMI receive approximately $70,000 to $90,000. DC Open Doors provides up to 3% (conventional) or 3.5% (FHA) of the first mortgage as a forgivable loan, forgiven after 5 years, with no first-time buyer requirement. DC government employees may access an additional $20,000 forgivable loan plus a $5,000 matching grant through EAHP. First-time buyers also benefit from reduced transfer and recordation taxes, saving $4,350 to $7,350 on a $600,000 purchase.

Q: What is the income limit for HPAP?

HPAP's income limit is 110% of Area Median Income, which is approximately $143,000 for a family of four in DC. The program is tiered by income: lower-income households qualify for larger amounts. Households at 50% AMI (approximately $65,000 for a family of four) receive up to $202,000. Households at 80% AMI (approximately $104,000 for a family of four) receive approximately $70,000 to $90,000. HPAP also requires the applicant to have lived or worked in DC for at least 12 consecutive months before applying.

Q: What is the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Exemption in DC?

DC first-time buyers purchasing a primary residence qualify for reduced recordation and transfer tax rates. Standard rates are 1.1% and 1.45% respectively. First-time buyers pay 0.725% each instead. On a $600,000 purchase, this saves approximately $4,350 to $7,350 in taxes due at closing. This is not a DPA program but directly reduces cash needed at settlement. It stacks with HPAP and is applied automatically at closing.

Last updated: April 2026 · Program availability changes frequently

Down Payment Assistance in Washington, DC: Overview

DC built HPAP knowing what this market costs. The program's $202,000 maximum is not a coincidence. It is a policy decision by a government that owns the problem. No other city-level DPA program in the country comes close to that dollar amount for a standard income-qualified buyer. DC buyers who do not know about HPAP are leaving six figures on the table.

The median home price in DC sits around $620,000. The FHA loan limit is $1,149,825, one of the highest in the country. The 3.5% FHA down payment on a $620,000 home is $21,700. HPAP for a household at 80% AMI provides approximately $70,000 to $90,000. That covers the down payment with $50,000 to $68,000 remaining for closing costs, rate buydowns, or reserves. HPAP at the lowest income tier delivers up to $202,000, which covers the down payment, all closing costs, and leaves meaningful buffer on most DC purchases.

For buyers who do not qualify for HPAP, or who need to close faster, DC Open Doors provides up to 3.5% of the first mortgage as a forgivable loan, forgiven after 5 years. No first-time buyer requirement. A repeat buyer with a 640 credit score and income under $154,800 qualifies. On a $620,000 FHA purchase, 3.5% of the loan is approximately $21,000. That covers the minimum FHA down payment.

The DC First-Time Homebuyer Tax Exemption is a third lever most buyers overlook. Standard transfer and recordation taxes on a $600,000 DC purchase add up to roughly $15,450. First-time buyers pay half that rate, saving $4,350 to $7,350 at closing. It stacks with HPAP. It applies automatically. There is no separate application.

Quick Answer

Yes. Washington DC has some of the most generous city-level DPA in the country. HPAP provides up to $202,000 for income-qualified first-time buyers who have lived or worked in DC for 12 months. DC Open Doors provides up to 3.5% forgivable with no first-time buyer requirement. Both programs cannot be combined with each other, but HPAP stacks with the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Exemption.

HPAP is the more powerful program. DC Open Doors is the faster and more accessible one. DC government employees have a third option: EAHP, which provides up to $20,000 forgivable plus a $5,000 matching grant.

On a $620,000 purchase with HPAP at the 80% AMI tier: $80,000 in assistance covers the FHA down payment ($21,700) and all estimated closing costs ($12,000 after tax exemption savings), with $46,300 remaining. Net cash from buyer: $0 with buffer.

DC Market Context: Why These Programs Exist at This Scale

The Market Reality

DC's median home price of approximately $620,000 puts it among the five most expensive housing markets in the country. The average first-time buyer household earning $100,000 to $130,000 faces a standard 3.5% FHA down payment of $21,700, plus closing costs that routinely run $15,000 to $20,000 before the tax exemption. Without assistance, that is $35,000 to $40,000 in cash required at closing on top of maintaining a reserve. For government workers, nonprofit employees, and middle-income DC residents, that barrier is functionally prohibitive.

DC's government recognized this math decades ago. HPAP has existed in various forms since 1978. The $202,000 maximum reflects deliberate policy calibration to the DC market, not program generosity for its own sake. The program is funded to serve the income tiers where homeownership is otherwise inaccessible.

The 12-Month Residency Rule

HPAP requires applicants to have lived or worked in DC for at least 12 consecutive months before applying. This is a policy choice: the program serves the DC community, not buyers relocating to DC for the first time. Buyers who are new to DC but plan to purchase within their first year do not qualify for HPAP. DC Open Doors has no residency requirement. New DC residents can access Open Doors immediately.

How DPA Programs Work in Washington, DC

Deferred Loans (HPAP)

HPAP is a 0% interest deferred loan. No payments for the first 5 years. After year 5, small deferred payments begin. The full balance is due on sale, transfer, or refinance. For long-term DC residents who plan to stay, HPAP is effectively free money for the duration of occupancy. The trade-off is the 60 to 90 day processing timeline and the HUD counseling requirement before application.

Forgivable Loans (DC Open Doors)

DC Open Doors funds are forgiven after 5 years of continued occupancy. No monthly payment during the period. If you sell or refinance before 5 years, you repay the remaining prorated balance from proceeds. The forgiveness structure is cleaner than HPAP's deferred repayment model for buyers who expect to stay a defined period. No first-time requirement makes this the go-to for repeat buyers in DC.

Employer-Assisted (EAHP)

EAHP is a DC government employer benefit. The $20,000 forgivable loan is forgiven after 5 years of continued DC government employment. The $5,000 matching grant is available dollar-for-dollar against what the employee contributes as down payment. If you stop working for the DC government before 5 years, a prorated portion may be due. Verify current terms with DHCD or your agency HR department.

Check Your DC Eligibility

See which Washington DC programs you qualify for based on your income, credit, and buyer status.

Use the Eligibility Tool

Open Programs for DC Buyers (2026)

Program	Type	Amount	Credit	First-Time?	Status
HPAP	Deferred 0% loan	Up to $202,000	First mortgage std	Yes (12-mo DC residency)	Verify Funding
DC Open Doors	Forgivable (5yr)	Up to 3.5%	640	No (repeat buyers welcome)	Open
EAHP	Forgivable + grant	$20K + $5K match	First mortgage std	No (DC employees only)	Verify Funding
First-Time Tax Exemption	Tax reduction at closing	$4,350-$7,350 savings	N/A	Yes	Open

HPAP administered by DC DHCD: (202) 442-7200. DC Open Doors available through approved lenders. FHA limit for DC is $1,149,825.

Status legend: Open = available through approved lenders, confirm before contracting. Verify Funding = city/district program subject to annual funding cycles; confirm active status with DHCD before writing an offer.

What DC Buyers Are Actually Using in 2026

Real Purchase Scenario: $600,000 Home in DC

With HPAP at 80% AMI tier (conservative estimate)

Purchase price: $600,000
FHA down payment (3.5%): $21,000
Closing costs after tax exemption: ~$12,000
Total needed: ~$33,000
HPAP assistance: ~$80,000
Net cash from buyer: $0 with ~$47,000 buffer

With HPAP at 50% AMI tier (maximum)

Purchase price: $600,000
FHA down payment (3.5%): $21,000
Closing costs after tax exemption: ~$12,000
Total needed: ~$33,000
HPAP assistance: up to $202,000
Net cash from buyer: $0 with $169,000 buffer

Closing cost estimate reflects First-Time Homebuyer Tax Exemption reducing transfer and recordation taxes. Actual costs vary. Verify current HPAP tier amounts with DHCD before contracting.

1. HPAP + First-Time Tax Exemption (First-Time Buyers with 12-Mo DC Residency)

The most powerful combination available to DC buyers. HPAP provides up to $202,000 depending on income tier, and the tax exemption cuts $4,350 to $7,350 off closing costs automatically at settlement. The limitation is time: HPAP requires 60 to 90 days to process, plus mandatory HUD housing counseling before application. Buyers using this path should tell their agent the timeline upfront and avoid competing in situations where sellers expect 30-day closes. Budget the counseling and application process before going under contract. The payoff is unmatched: six figures in assistance at 0% interest.

2. DC Open Doors (Repeat Buyers and Faster Closings)

DC Open Doors is the right choice for three buyer types: repeat buyers who cannot use HPAP, first-time buyers who need a faster close, and buyers who moved to DC within the past year and do not meet HPAP's 12-month residency requirement. On a $600,000 FHA purchase, the loan amount is approximately $579,000. DC Open Doors at 3.5% of the loan provides $20,265. That covers the FHA minimum down payment ($21,000) within rounding and lender minimums. Five-year forgiveness is clean and predictable. A 640 credit score and income under $154,800 is all it takes to qualify.

3. EAHP (DC Government Employees)

DC teachers, first responders, and agency employees who have access to EAHP should run both EAHP and HPAP scenarios side by side. EAHP's $20,000 forgivable loan plus $5,000 matching grant totals $25,000 if the employee contributes $5,000. HPAP at most income tiers delivers more, but EAHP processes differently through the employer and does not require 12 months of DC residency in the same way. Verify current terms and processing timelines with your agency HR department or DHCD before making program decisions.

DC DPA Program Details

Verify Funding DC Government Program

HPAP: Home Purchase Assistance Program

Amount: Up to $202,000 (income-tiered)

Type: Deferred 0% interest loan

Income limit: 110% AMI (~$143,000 family of 4)

First-time buyer: Required

Residency: 12 months lived or worked in DC

Also includes: Up to $4,000 closing cost assistance

Payments: None for first 5 years; small deferred payments after

Contact: DC DHCD (202) 442-7200

HPAP is tiered by income. Households at 50% AMI receive up to $202,000. Households at 80% AMI receive approximately $70,000 to $90,000. No other city-level DPA program in the country reaches $202,000 for a standard income-qualified buyer. Requires HUD-approved housing counseling before application. Budget 60 to 90 days for closing. Tell your real estate agent before writing offers.

Open DC Through Approved Lenders

DC Open Doors

Amount: Up to 3% (conventional) or 3.5% (FHA) of first mortgage

Type: Forgivable after 5 years

Income limit: $154,800 (single); varies by household size

First-time buyer: Not required

Credit score: 640 minimum

Loan types: FHA and conventional

DC Open Doors is the most accessible DC DPA program. No first-time requirement makes it the clear choice for repeat buyers. The 5-year forgiveness is clean: stay 5 years and the balance disappears. Works on standard lender timelines. The repeat buyer option is consistently overlooked by buyers and agents who assume DPA is only for first-timers.

Verify Funding DC Government Employees Only

EAHP: DC Employer Assisted Housing Program

Amount: Up to $20,000 forgivable loan

Grant: Matching down payment grant up to $5,000

Eligibility: DC government employees (teachers, first responders, agency staff)

Forgiveness: After 5 years of continued DC employment

First-time buyer: Not required

Contact: DC DHCD or your agency HR department

EAHP rewards DC public servants with a forgivable loan and matching grant. A DC teacher who contributes $5,000 of their own funds receives $5,000 in matching grant plus $20,000 forgivable, totaling $25,000. Both are forgiven after 5 years of continued DC government employment. Verify current availability and funding cycle with DHCD before planning around this program.

Open Applied Automatically at Closing

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Exemption (DC)

Savings: $4,350 to $7,350 on a $600,000 purchase

How: Reduced recordation and transfer tax rates

Standard rate: 1.1% + 1.45% = 2.55%

First-timer rate: 0.725% + 0.725% = 1.45%

First-time buyer: Required

Application: None. Applied at closing automatically.

Not a DPA program in the traditional sense, but directly reduces cash required at settlement. On a $600,000 purchase, the difference between standard and first-time rates saves approximately $4,350 to $7,350 depending on exact tax calculation. Stacks with HPAP. Applied automatically when the settlement agent records the deed for an eligible first-time buyer purchasing a primary residence in DC.

Assistance Range by Buyer Profile and Income Tier

How HPAP assistance scales by income tier on a $620,000 DC purchase:

Income Tier	Approx. Household Income (Family of 4)	HPAP Amount	FHA Down Payment	Remaining After Down Payment
50% AMI	~$65,000	Up to $202,000	$21,700	$180,300
60% AMI	~$78,000	$120,000-$150,000 est.	$21,700	$98,300-$128,300 est.
80% AMI	~$104,000	~$70,000-$90,000	$21,700	~$48,300-$68,300
100% AMI	~$130,000	Lower tier; verify with DHCD	$21,700	Verify with DHCD
DC Open Doors	Under $154,800	3.5% of loan (~$20,000)	$21,700	~$0 (covers down payment)

HPAP amounts are approximate. Exact tier amounts are set by DHCD and updated periodically. FHA down payment based on $620,000 purchase price. Verify current tier amounts at DHCD before contracting. HPAP also includes up to $4,000 in separate closing cost assistance.

Income Limits for DC DPA Programs

DC Area Median Income: approximately $130,000 for a family of four in 2026.

Program	Income Limit	Key Notes
HPAP	110% AMI (~$143,000 for family of 4)	First-time buyer; 12-month DC residency; tiered amounts by income
DC Open Doors	$154,800 (single); varies by household size	No first-time requirement; 640 credit; 5-year forgiveness
EAHP	Set by DHCD; verify current limits	DC government employees only; 5-year employment forgiveness
First-Time Tax Exemption	No income limit	First-time buyer; primary residence only; automatic at closing

DC AMI is updated annually by HUD. The DC market's high AMI means that buyers earning $120,000 to $130,000 still fall within HPAP's 110% AMI cap, making HPAP accessible to a broader income range than similar programs in lower-cost markets. Confirm exact household-size limits with DHCD for your specific situation.

Veterans and DC Government Employees

Veterans: VA Loans in a High-Cost Market

DC's FHA loan limit of $1,149,825 is among the highest in the country. Veterans with full VA entitlement have no loan limit, which matters in a market where the median price is $620,000 and move-up purchases routinely exceed $800,000. A veteran using a VA loan brings $0 down payment. DC Open Doors may be stackable with VA loans for closing cost assistance, depending on lender and program rules. Confirm VA and DPA stacking eligibility with a DC-approved lender before writing an offer.

Veterans who are also DC government employees may access EAHP as well. A DC veteran teacher or first responder who uses a VA loan and qualifies for EAHP could cover all closing costs through EAHP's $20,000 forgivable loan, achieving a zero-cash close on many DC purchases.

DC Government Employees: Teachers, first responders, agency staff, and other DC government employees should evaluate EAHP before defaulting to HPAP or DC Open Doors. EAHP's $25,000 total (forgivable loan plus matching grant) processes through a different channel than HPAP and has different residency and processing timelines. Running both EAHP and HPAP scenarios side by side with a DHCD-approved lender is the best way to determine the higher-value path for your income level and timeline.

Find Programs That Fit Your Situation

Answer a few questions and see your personalized DC results.

Start Now

How to Apply for DPA in Washington, DC

Determine your program path first. First-time buyer with 12 months DC residency: evaluate HPAP as your primary option. Repeat buyer or new DC resident: DC Open Doors is your path. DC government employee: add EAHP to the comparison. All first-time buyers: confirm the First-Time Tax Exemption applies to your purchase. Know which program you are pursuing before engaging lenders.
Complete HUD-approved housing counseling (HPAP requirement). HPAP requires HUD-approved housing counseling before you can apply. This is a one-time requirement, not a suggestion. The counseling typically takes one session of several hours and is available online or in person through HUD-approved DC agencies. Schedule this before you are under contract. Do not wait until you find a home to start the counseling process.
Contact DHCD for HPAP pre-qualification. Call DC DHCD at (202) 442-7200 or visit their website to begin the HPAP process. HPAP has its own application separate from your mortgage. DHCD will review income documentation, residency verification (12 months lived or worked in DC), and first-time buyer status. Build 60 to 90 days into your closing timeline from the start.
Find a DC Open Doors-approved lender (for DC Open Doors). DC Open Doors is available through DC Housing Finance Agency-approved lenders. Contact DCHFA or use their lender locator to find approved lenders in DC. Confirm the lender originates the loan type you need (FHA or conventional) and has experience with DC Open Doors processing.
Get pre-approved with DPA modeled. A standard pre-approval does not include the DPA layer. Ask your lender to provide a pre-approval and closing cost estimate that includes the specific DPA program you plan to use. This gives you and your agent an accurate picture of your true cash to close and total buying power.
Communicate the HPAP timeline to your agent. HPAP's 60 to 90 day processing time is longer than standard DC transactions. Your real estate agent needs to know this before writing offers. Sellers in competitive DC markets may not accept offers with extended closing timelines. HPAP buyers should discuss this with their agent and be prepared to negotiate timelines with sellers or consider homes with less competition.

Can You Combine DC DPA Programs?

No: HPAP and DC Open Doors cannot be stacked. These two programs cannot be combined with each other. You must choose one. If you qualify for HPAP, the dollar amounts available at most income tiers exceed what DC Open Doors provides. Choose HPAP unless the timeline or eligibility requirements are a barrier.

Yes: HPAP stacks with the First-Time Tax Exemption. HPAP covers down payment and closing costs. The tax exemption reduces transfer and recordation taxes owed at settlement. These are separate mechanisms that apply simultaneously. A first-time buyer using HPAP also qualifies for the tax exemption automatically.

Yes: DC Open Doors can stack with the tax exemption (if first-time buyer). A first-time buyer using DC Open Doors instead of HPAP still qualifies for the First-Time Tax Exemption. Both apply to the same transaction if the buyer is a first-timer purchasing a primary residence in DC.

Ask your lender: EAHP stacking with other programs. EAHP may be combinable with other assistance depending on lender and program structure. Verify stacking options with DHCD and your lender before planning a combined stack. Do not assume programs stack without confirmation.

Ask your lender: VA loans and DC Open Doors. Whether DC Open Doors can be applied toward closing costs on a VA loan depends on lender guidelines and program rules. Some VA servicers allow DPA for closing cost assistance. Confirm before writing an offer that includes this stack.

Common Mistakes DC Buyers Make

Not knowing HPAP exists at $202,000

Most buyers discover HPAP after they have already gone under contract with conventional financing. The time to research HPAP is before you start home shopping. A buyer who closes without HPAP when they qualified for it has left six figures on the table. Pull the DHCD information first, determine your income tier, and build the HPAP timeline into your search strategy.

Not budgeting 60 to 90 days for HPAP

HPAP does not close in 30 days. Buyers who write standard-timeline offers while planning to use HPAP create contract conflicts. The HUD counseling, DHCD review, and program processing add substantial time. Your real estate agent must know the timeline before writing any offer. Sellers in DC's competitive market may reject extended-close offers without the right negotiation strategy.

Assuming HPAP and DC Open Doors stack

These two programs do not combine. Buyers who plan a combined HPAP plus DC Open Doors stack will discover the error at underwriting when it is too late to restructure the transaction without timeline damage. Know which program you are using before going under contract and structure the entire transaction around that one program.

Overlooking DC Open Doors as a repeat buyer

Repeat buyers often assume DPA is not for them. DC Open Doors has no first-time requirement. A repeat buyer with a 640 credit score earning under $154,800 qualifies for a forgivable loan covering up to 3.5% of their FHA loan. On a $600,000 purchase, that is approximately $20,000 forgiven after 5 years. Repeat buyers who do not ask about DC Open Doors are leaving real money behind.

Buyer Scenarios

Scenario A: Federal Employee, First-Time Buyer, Capitol Hill Area

Income: $105,000 (household, family of 3)
Credit score: 680
Target purchase: $580,000 rowhouse in Capitol Hill
First-time buyer, lived in DC for 3 years

Best path: HPAP at approximately 80% AMI tier provides an estimated $75,000 to $90,000. FHA down payment on $580,000 is $20,300. Closing costs after First-Time Tax Exemption: approximately $11,000 to $13,000. Total needed: approximately $33,000. HPAP at the conservative estimate covers everything with $42,000 to $57,000 remaining. Cash from buyer: $0. Key action: complete HUD counseling immediately, contact DHCD to begin HPAP pre-qualification, and inform the real estate agent of the 60 to 90 day close requirement before viewing properties.

Scenario B: Repeat Buyer, Relocating Within DC, Navy Yard Area

Income: $148,000 (household)
Credit score: 720
Target purchase: $650,000 condo in Navy Yard
Selling current DC condo, has owned before

Best path: DC Open Doors (no first-time requirement). FHA loan on $650,000: approximately $628,300. DC Open Doors at 3.5% = $21,990. FHA down payment: $22,750. DC Open Doors covers $21,990 of that, leaving $760 from buyer plus closing costs of approximately $13,000 to $15,000. Proceeds from the condo sale cover closing costs. Net DPA benefit: nearly $22,000 forgiven after 5 years. Income of $148,000 is below the $154,800 limit for a single borrower; confirm combined income limits for two borrowers. This buyer does not qualify for the tax exemption (repeat buyer) but still benefits significantly from DC Open Doors.

Scenario C: DC Public School Teacher, First Home

Income: $82,000 (single teacher)
Credit score: 655
Target purchase: $520,000 in Petworth
First-time buyer, DC government employee, 4 years DC residency

Best path: Run HPAP and EAHP scenarios side by side. HPAP at approximately 60-70% AMI tier for a single earner: estimated $100,000 to $150,000. EAHP: $20,000 forgivable plus $5,000 matching grant if teacher contributes $5,000. HPAP delivers more at this income level. HPAP also includes up to $4,000 in closing cost assistance. FHA down payment on $520,000: $18,200. Total needed: approximately $30,000 to $32,000 after tax exemption. HPAP at $100,000 covers everything with $68,000 to $70,000 remaining. This teacher should complete HUD counseling this week, contact DHCD, and begin the HPAP process before searching for properties. Timeline: 90 days. Start now.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much down payment assistance is available in Washington DC?

HPAP provides up to $202,000 for income-qualified first-time buyers at the lowest income tiers. Buyers at 80% AMI receive approximately $70,000 to $90,000. DC Open Doors provides up to 3.5% of the first mortgage (approximately $20,000 on a $580,000 loan), forgivable after 5 years. EAHP provides $20,000 forgivable plus $5,000 matching for DC government employees. First-time buyers also save $4,350 to $7,350 through the First-Time Tax Exemption.

What is HPAP and who qualifies?

HPAP (Home Purchase Assistance Program) is a DC government 0% deferred loan administered by DHCD. First-time buyers who have lived or worked in DC for at least 12 months and earn up to 110% AMI (approximately $143,000 for a family of four) qualify. Amounts are tiered by income: up to $202,000 at the lowest income tier. No payments for the first 5 years. Budget 60 to 90 days to close. HUD-approved housing counseling is required before application. Contact DHCD at (202) 442-7200.

Can I stack HPAP and DC Open Doors?

No. HPAP and DC Open Doors cannot be combined. You must choose one. HPAP typically delivers more dollars at most income tiers but requires 60 to 90 days to close and 12 months of DC residency. DC Open Doors closes on a standard timeline and has no first-time requirement. HPAP stacks with the First-Time Tax Exemption. DC Open Doors also stacks with the tax exemption for eligible first-time buyers.

Is DC Open Doors available to repeat buyers?

Yes. DC Open Doors has no first-time buyer requirement. A repeat buyer with a 640 credit score earning under $154,800 qualifies for a forgivable loan up to 3.5% of their FHA mortgage, forgiven after 5 years. This is the most overlooked DC DPA benefit for repeat buyers who assume assistance programs are for first-timers only.

How long does HPAP take to close?

60 to 90 days from application to closing. HPAP requires HUD-approved housing counseling before application, then DHCD reviews income documentation, residency verification, and first-time buyer status. This timeline is longer than a standard DC transaction. Communicate this to your real estate agent before writing any offers. Sellers may need to be negotiated with on timeline. DC Open Doors closes on a standard 30 to 45 day timeline.

What is the income limit for HPAP in DC?

110% of Area Median Income, approximately $143,000 for a family of four in DC. The program is tiered: lower income households receive more. Households at 50% AMI (approximately $65,000 for a family of four) receive up to $202,000. Households at 80% AMI (approximately $104,000) receive approximately $70,000 to $90,000. DC's high AMI means buyers earning $120,000 to $130,000 may still qualify. Confirm exact amounts for your household size with DHCD.

What is the EAHP program and who can use it?

EAHP (Employer Assisted Housing Program) is a benefit for DC government employees including teachers, first responders, and agency staff. It provides a forgivable loan up to $20,000 plus a matching down payment grant up to $5,000 (dollar-for-dollar match on what the employee contributes). Both are forgiven after 5 years of continued DC employment. No first-time buyer requirement. Verify current availability and funding with DHCD or your agency HR before planning around EAHP.

What is the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Exemption in DC?

First-time buyers purchasing a primary residence in DC pay reduced transfer and recordation tax rates. Standard combined rate is approximately 2.55%. First-time rate is 1.45%. On a $600,000 purchase, the savings are $4,350 to $7,350 at closing. No application required. Applied automatically by the settlement agent when the deed is recorded. Stacks with HPAP for maximum closing cost reduction.

What credit score do I need for DC DPA?

DC Open Doors requires a 640 minimum. HPAP does not publish a hard credit minimum but requires the applicant to qualify for a first mortgage (580 for FHA, 620 to 640 for conventional). The practical access floor for DC DPA is 580 to 640 depending on program and loan type. Buyers below 640 should focus on HPAP-path with an FHA loan at 580+ credit while working to reach 640 for DC Open Doors access.

Can veterans use DC down payment assistance?

Yes. VA loans in DC have no loan limit for veterans with full entitlement, which is significant given DC's median price of $620,000. DC Open Doors may stack with VA loans for closing cost assistance depending on lender. Veterans who are DC government employees may also access EAHP. A DC veteran teacher or first responder using a VA loan and EAHP could cover all closing costs on many DC purchases with zero cash at settlement. Confirm VA and DPA stacking with a DC-approved lender who originates both VA and DPA-paired loans.

Ready to See What You Qualify For in DC?

Use our free eligibility tool to find programs that match your income, credit, and buyer status.

Check Your Eligibility

DPA in Philadelphia DPA in New York City DPA in Charlotte DPA in Chicago DPA in Seattle All State Programs Eligibility Tool

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend. Program availability, terms, and eligibility requirements change frequently. HPAP and EAHP are subject to annual DC government funding cycles and may have waiting lists or temporary suspensions. All program details should be verified directly with DC DHCD at (202) 442-7200 or an approved lender before making financial decisions. DownPaymentScout is an independent resource and is not affiliated with any government agency or lending institution. Information is believed accurate as of the date shown but is not guaranteed. Last updated April 2026.

Down Payment Assistance in Washington, DC