Virginia Housing DPA
The grants and the Plus Second, explained.
Virginia Down Payment Assistance: Grants You Never Repay
Virginia Housing offers something most states do not: true grants toward your down payment and closing costs that you never pay back, plus a larger repayable second when you need more. Here is how to use them.
How Virginia down payment assistance works
Buying in Virginia does not have to mean saving your whole down payment first. Virginia Housing, the state agency, pairs a first mortgage with two kinds of help. The DPA Grant and CCA Grant are true grants, money toward your down payment and closing costs that you never repay. The Plus Second Mortgage is a larger second loan for the same purpose that you do repay. A 620 credit score qualifies, and Virginia Housing’s reduced- or no-mortgage-insurance conventional loans can lower your monthly cost on top of it.
The Virginia options at a glance
The DPA & CCA Grants
Money you never repay.
Grant vs. Plus Second
Free but smaller, or larger but repaid.
Repeat buyers & no-MI
Non-bond loans + reduced mortgage insurance.
DPA + VA loan
A grant covers closing costs on a zero-down VA loan.
Eligibility & limits
620 credit, income limits by locality.
Why work with us
A participating lender, not a referral site.
Cornerstone First Mortgage originates your Virginia Housing loans directly, we are an approved participating lender, not a lead broker that sells your information. Mike Certo has closed these loans across Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and the Richmond region, and he will tell you straight whether a grant fits your income or whether the Plus Second is the better move before you apply. No obligation, no pressure.
Ready to see what you qualify for?
Tell us your locality, credit range, and whether you have owned before or served, and we will map your Virginia Housing options in a no-pressure call. Start with the quiz above, or reach Mike at (480) 296-6513.
Local guides
Down payment assistance by county
Explore your metro and compare your options.
Northern Virginia
Fairfax/Loudoun/PW — highest income limits.
Virginia Beach / Hampton Roads
Navy region — grant + VA loan stack.
Richmond
Henrico/Chesterfield — attainable prices.
Roanoke
Southwest VA — grants stretch furthest.
Fredericksburg
NoVA commuters & Quantico.
Eligibility & limits
620 credit · income limits by locality.
Compare your options
The DPA & CCA Grants
Money toward down payment/closing you never repay.
Grant vs. Plus Second
Free but smaller, or larger but repaid.
Repeat buyers & no-MI
Non-bond loans + reduced mortgage insurance.
DPA + FHA loan
A grant toward FHA's 3.5% down.
DPA + VA loan
A grant covers closing costs on zero-down VA.
Virginia DPA blog
Guides and updates as programs change.
FAQ
Common questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Virginia?
Virginia Housing offers a DPA Grant (toward the down payment) and a CCA Grant (toward closing costs), both true grants you never repay, plus a larger, repayable Plus Second Mortgage. The grant and second amounts are published at virginiahousing.com; a 620 credit score is required.
Is Virginia down payment assistance a grant?
Partly. The DPA Grant and CCA Grant are true grants you never repay. The Plus Second Mortgage is a larger second loan you do repay. You choose the one, or the mix, that fits your purchase.
What credit score do I need for Virginia down payment assistance?
Virginia Housing requires a 620 minimum credit score. First mortgages include reduced- or no-mortgage-insurance conventional loans, plus FHA, VA, and USDA. Income and price limits are set by locality.
Can repeat buyers get Virginia down payment assistance?
Yes. Virginia Housing's non-bond programs can serve repeat buyers. The bond first mortgages are for first-time buyers, though waived in targeted areas and for veterans. Income limits differ between bond and non-bond programs.
See your Virginia options
Tell us your county, credit range, and price target, and we’ll map your Virginia path in a no-pressure 20-minute call. No obligation.