Washington DC runs one of the most generous first-time buyer programs in the entire country — HPAP, which can provide gap financing of up to $202,000 — alongside an employer program for District workers and a below-market mortgage through the housing finance agency.
Because DC is a district rather than a state, its programs work as both local and state-level help. This guide covers all three — HPAP, EAHP, and DC Open Doors — and what it realistically takes to buy here in 2026.
Washington DC’s own first-time buyer programs
The District offers three distinct programs, run by two agencies:
- Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) — from the DC Department of Housing and Community Development, a deferred, interest-free or low-interest gap loan of up to $202,000 toward the down payment plus up to $4,000 in closing costs — note it is awarded by lottery and the amount scales to your income, so most buyers receive less than the maximum
- Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) — a $20,000 deferred loan (plus an additional grant for first responders and teachers) for full-time DC government employees, which can be combined with HPAP
- DC Open Doors — from the DC Housing Finance Agency, a below-market first mortgage paired with a Down Payment Assistance Loan — a 0%, deferred second that covers the required minimum down payment; open to repeat buyers too, with a 640 minimum credit score
These District programs can often be combined — a DC government employee, for example, might pair EAHP with HPAP — and because they are run by DC agencies rather than a lender, they are exactly the kind of help buyers miss if they do not go looking.
What it takes to buy in Washington DC
Washington DC’s median sale price is roughly $630,000 — one of the most expensive markets in the country, where down payment assistance is often essential for entry-level and moderate-income buyers. That is what makes HPAP so significant: gap financing that can reach into six figures, structured as a deferred loan with no monthly payment, can bridge an otherwise impossible down payment on a DC home.
Before you shop, pin down your budget. Our home affordability guide walks through how income, debt, and rates set your price range, and our first-time home buyer checklist keeps the rest of the process on track.
Loan options for Washington DC buyers
Most Washington DC first-time buyers use one of a few loan types, each of which can pair with the assistance above:
- FHA loans — 3.5% down with flexible credit, popular with first-time buyers
- Conventional loans — as little as 3% down, with reduced mortgage insurance through housing-agency versions
- VA and USDA loans — zero down for eligible veterans and in qualifying areas
- Down payment assistance — the programs above that layer on top (see our down payment assistance guide)
How to buy your first home in Washington DC
- Check your budget and credit first — see our guide to credit score requirements.
- Complete a homebuyer education course — nearly every Washington DC program requires one, and it is usually free.
- Find a lender who works with the District’s programs (HPAP, EAHP, and DC Open Doors), and ask them to run your options together.
- Get pre-approved, then line up your assistance before you make an offer.
One note: local program funding and terms change, and some rounds close when the money runs out. Always confirm current amounts and availability with the program administrator before counting on a figure.
Washington DC first-time buyer FAQ
What down payment help is available in Washington DC?
DC offers three main programs. HPAP (from DHCD) provides up to $202,000 in gap financing plus $4,000 in closing costs, awarded by lottery and scaled to income. EAHP gives full-time DC government employees a $20,000 deferred loan (more for first responders and teachers). DC Open Doors (from DCHFA) pairs a below-market first mortgage with a 0% deferred down payment loan. HPAP and EAHP can be combined.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer to qualify in Washington DC?
HPAP and EAHP require first-time buyer status, defined as no ownership interest in a principal residence in DC in the prior three years, and both require an 8-hour homebuyer education course through a DHCD-approved organization. DC Open Doors is open to both first-time and repeat buyers (up to 170% of area median income). Because HPAP uses a lottery and income tiers, confirm current terms with the administering agency.
Is the $202,000 HPAP amount what I would actually receive?
Not usually. The $202,000 is the maximum HPAP award, but the actual amount scales to your income tier and household size, so most buyers receive considerably less. HPAP is also awarded through a lottery as of 2025, so being eligible does not guarantee funding in a given round. Treat the $202,000 as a ceiling, complete the required homebuyer education, and confirm your likely award and the current lottery process with the DC Department of Housing and Community Development.