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First-time homebuyer programs · Virginia

3 First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Virginia

Down payment assistance, grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits available to Virginia buyers. Each program below is verified, with eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and a direct link to the official agency.

Available programs in Virginia

Virginia Housing Plus Second Mortgage

Administered by Virginia Housing

Up to 3-5% of purchase price

Second mortgage at 0% interest for down payment. Deferred until you sell or refinance.

Income limit Income limits apply
Minimum credit score 620
First-time buyer required Yes
Special requirements: Must use with Virginia Housing first mortgage.
View official program page Apply through Virginia Housing-approved lender. Verified December 2024

Sponsoring Partnerships and Revitalizing Communities (SPARC)

Administered by Virginia Housing

Varies by locality

Extra grant funds available in certain localities for targeted neighborhoods.

Income limit Income limits apply
Minimum credit score 620
First-time buyer required Yes
Special requirements: Must purchase in participating locality and neighborhood.
View official program page Apply through Virginia Housing-approved lender. Verified December 2024

Virginia Housing Down Payment Assistance Grant

Administered by Virginia Housing

Up to 2.5% of purchase price

Grant for down payment and closing costs. Does not need to be repaid.

Income limit Income limits vary by area
Minimum credit score 620
First-time buyer required Yes
Special requirements: Must use Virginia Housing first mortgage. Homebuyer education required.
View official program page Apply through Virginia Housing-approved lender. Verified December 2024

Federal programs (also available to Virginia buyers)

Good Neighbor Next Door

HUD · Federal program

50% off list price

Law enforcement, teachers, firefighters, and EMTs can buy HUD homes at 50% discount in revitalization areas.

Fannie Mae HomeReady

Fannie Mae · Federal program

3% down payment

Low down payment mortgage with reduced mortgage insurance. Allows income from non-borrower household members.

FHA Loan

Federal Housing Administration · Federal program

3.5% down payment

Government-backed loan allowing as low as 3.5% down payment. More flexible credit requirements than conventional loans.

Freddie Mac Home Possible

Freddie Mac · Federal program

3% down payment

Low down payment option with flexible sources for down payment including gifts and grants.

USDA Rural Development Loan

US Department of Agriculture · Federal program

0% down payment

No down payment for homes in eligible rural areas. Below-market interest rates available.

VA Loan

Department of Veterans Affairs · Federal program

0% down payment

No down payment required for eligible veterans. No private mortgage insurance. Competitive interest rates.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?

Most Virginia programs require first-time buyer status, but the definition is broader than most people think — the IRS considers you a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a primary residence in the last three years. Each program above lists its specific rules.

What credit score do I need?

Minimum credit scores vary by program. Most Virginia programs require 620 to 660, though some lower-tier products accept lower scores with manual underwriting. Check each program's eligibility section above.

How do I actually apply?

Most state programs aren't applied to directly — you go through a participating lender, who handles the program application as part of your mortgage. Each program above links to the official agency page with the current list of approved lenders.

Can I combine multiple programs?

Often yes — many states allow you to stack a state down-payment grant with a federal FHA or VA loan. Some programs explicitly forbid combining; check each program's "special requirements" above.

Do these programs cost anything?

The programs themselves are free to apply for. Some require completing a homebuyer education course (typically $50–$100, sometimes free). Forgivable second mortgages technically don't cost you unless you sell or refinance early — read the terms carefully.