Last updated: November 5, 2026
Bottom line
Virginia has real help with down payments and closing costs. Most programs are not only for single mothers. They usually serve first-time buyers, buyers within set income limits, veterans, rural buyers, public-service workers, or people buying in a certain city or county.
Start with the free Virginia buyer class, then speak with an approved Virginia lender. Ask the lender to check state grants, deferred loans, local assistance, matched savings, and federal loan options before you sign a purchase contract.
A grant can lower cash needed to buy. It does not lower every future bill. Price the full monthly payment, taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance, homeowners association fees, repairs, and utilities. If buying will leave you short on food, child care, or basic bills, keep renting while you seek a safer budget and local housing advice.
If you need housing help now
Down payment programs do not solve an eviction, shutoff, unsafe home, or homelessness crisis this week. Call 211 Virginia for local shelter, rent, food, and utility referrals. The state also has a housing crisis directory that lists local entry points.
If you have court papers, a lockout problem, or a foreclosure notice, contact legal help quickly. ASMOM’s Virginia emergency guide and Virginia legal guide can help you find the right starting point.
What changed in 2026
Virginia Housing posted updated 2026 income and home-price limits. Its FirstHome Dream program closed to new reservations on June 30, 2026, and its Community Heroes Grant pilot closed in March 2026. Do not count either as an open grant. Check the current lender program list and ask your lender about funds for a new loan. The main DPA Grant, DHCD programs, and VIDA still appear in official program guides, but eligibility and funds must be checked for your address.
Where to start in Virginia
Use this order so you do not apply for the wrong program or shop above your safe price range.
1. Take buyer education
Virginia Housing offers free in-person, virtual, and online education. The self-paced course takes about eight hours. Many assistance programs require a completion certificate.
2. Meet an approved lender
Ask for a written estimate of your full payment and cash needed at closing. Tell the lender that you want every state and local assistance option checked.
3. Check your locality
City and county programs may have stronger help than statewide programs. They may also limit the home location, price, lender, or type of property.
4. Keep emergency savings
Do not use every dollar at closing. A new owner may face moving costs, repairs, utility deposits, child care changes, or a missed workday.
Use ASMOM’s Virginia help page to check other costs that affect mortgage readiness, including food, health care, child care, transportation, and cash assistance.
Keep proof of each step: Save your class certificate, preapproval, written loan estimate, program emails, and any deadline you are given. Have your lender check whether a local provider must approve aid before you sign a contract or pay a nonrefundable fee.
Quick comparison of Virginia buyer help
| Program | What it may provide | Basic fit | Important limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Housing DPA Grant | 2% on an eligible conventional bond loan or 2.5% on an eligible FHA bond loan | Qualified first-time buyers and some repeat buyers in special areas | Must use an eligible Virginia Housing loan |
| Closing Cost Grant | Up to 2% of the purchase price | Qualified buyers using Virginia Housing RHS or VA bond loans | For closing costs and approved fees |
| Plus Second Mortgage | A second loan of up to 5% of the purchase price | Qualified buyers who need down payment help | This is debt, not a grant |
| DHCD HOME DPA | Up to 10% or 15% of price, plus up to $2,500 closing costs; maximum $40,000 | First-time buyers at or below 80% of area median income | Deferred loan with occupancy rules |
| Virginia Pilot DPA | Up to $50,000 | First-time buyers up to 60% of area median income | Available through listed local providers |
| VIDA matched savings | $10 match for each $1 saved, up to $10,000 | Eligible Virginia residents who can save for four to 24 months | Enrollment depends on funds and a local intermediary |
Virginia Housing programs
Down Payment Assistance Grant
The Virginia Housing grant is a true grant, not a second loan. The January 2026 program flyer lists 2% of the sales price for an eligible conventional bond loan or 2.5% for an eligible FHA bond loan. It is designed to reduce the required down payment on those loans to 1% of the purchase price. Ask your lender to confirm the exact amount and whether the loan is a bond product.
Buyers must meet household income and sales price limits. They must use an eligible Virginia Housing bond loan and be a qualified first-time buyer, unless they are a repeat buyer purchasing in an Area of Economic Opportunity.
Reality check: Do not use an online income number from another county. Virginia Housing limits vary by area and loan type. Ask your lender to check the current income and price limits for your address and household.
Closing Cost Assistance Grant
The closing cost grant may provide up to 2% of the home’s purchase price. It is for qualified buyers using a Virginia Housing Rural Housing Service or Veterans Affairs bond loan. Funds can cover approved closing costs, the USDA guarantee fee, or the VA funding fee.
This is also a true grant with no repayment. A buyer must still meet first-time buyer or special-area rules, household income limits, and sales price or loan limits.
Plus Second Mortgage
The Plus Second Mortgage combines an eligible Virginia Housing first loan with a 30-year fixed-rate second loan. It can cover the required down payment. Based on the first-loan type and credit score, eligible buyers may also borrow extra toward closing costs. Ask the lender to calculate the exact second-loan amount; the program is not a flat 5% award for every buyer.
Reality check: This is not free assistance. It adds another loan and can raise your monthly payment. Ask the lender to show the payment with and without the second mortgage before you choose it.
Virginia DHCD programs
HOMEownership Down Payment Assistance
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) offers down payment programs through approved local nonprofit and public providers. Start with the state page’s provider list and ask which provider covers your city or county. You do not receive a payment by applying directly to the state office.
The regular HOMEownership program serves eligible first-time buyers at or below 80% of area median income. Current state information lists assistance of up to 10% of the sales price, or 15% in approved higher-cost areas, plus up to $2,500 for closing costs. The maximum assistance is $40,000.
The Virginia Pilot program may help eligible first-time buyers with income up to 60% of local area median income and offers up to $50,000. DHCD calls both the HOMEownership and Pilot awards deferred loans, not no-strings grants. Payments and interest do not build during the required time in the home. Ask the local provider for written terms on repayment, forgiveness, sale, refinancing, and moving.
Reality check: Ask the provider what happens if you sell, refinance, transfer the title, rent the home, or move before the required period ends. Also ask whether your county is currently covered and whether funds remain.
VIDA matched savings
The VIDA savings program helps eligible Virginia residents save before buying. The current match is $10 for every $1 the participant saves, up to $10,000 for a down payment and closing costs.
Participants must meet income and net-worth rules, be at least 18, and be able to finish the program in four to 24 months. A local VIDA intermediary checks eligibility and helps the saver with training and homebuyer preparation.
Reality check: VIDA is not a quick closing program. It works best when you need time to improve credit, finish education, and build savings. Enrollment depends on funding and having an intermediary that serves your locality.
Grants offered through member banks
FHLBank Atlanta provides homebuyer funds through participating banks and credit unions. Buyers do not apply to the Federal Home Loan Bank by themselves. Ask a participating lender to check current funds before you count on the money.
- First-Time Homebuyer Product: The FHLBank buyer programs list up to $17,500 for down payment and closing costs for eligible first-time buyers.
- Community Partners: Current or retired educators, health care workers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, other first responders, veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses may be eligible for up to $20,000 through a member institution.
- Workforce Housing Plus+: The 2026 program sheet lists up to $15,000 for first-time or repeat buyers with income from 80.01% to 120% of area median income. Buyers must bring at least $1,000 and complete approved counseling. Virginia is in the program area. These funds cannot be combined with a separate FHLBank homeownership set-aside award.
Reality check: These programs have income, buyer contribution, counseling, property, and owner-occupancy rules. Funds are limited and may be used up before the end of the year.
Before you apply: These bank awards have separate income limits and rules. A member bank must request the funds. Ask whether funds are still available for the 2026 round, whether your loan permits the award, and whether the bank can reserve money before you make an offer.
Local Virginia programs
Local help can be larger than a statewide grant, but it may come with shared equity, resale limits, target neighborhoods, or strict application timing.
| Area | Current starting point | What it may offer | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington County | Arlington MIPAP | 0% deferred loan up to 25% of price, capped at $112,500, if funds and buyer rules allow | Shared appreciation; maximum property price and buyer cash rules apply |
| Fairfax County | Fairfax down payment loan | No monthly payments for eligible first-time buyers at or below 80% AMI | Uses shared equity and requires a Virginia Housing first mortgage |
| Alexandria | Alexandria buyer resources | Some eligible, often resale-restricted homes may qualify for up to $50,000 in shared-equity help | Limited eligible homes; SPARC rate help is subject to allocation |
| Prince William area | Prince William program | Down payment and closing cost assistance during open application periods | Application periods and funding change; do not assume the next round is open |
| Hampton Roads | Hampton Roads assistance | A forgivable, no-interest soft second loan for eligible first-time buyers | Locality, income, occupancy, recapture, and refinance rules apply |
| Norfolk target areas | Homeward Norfolk | Up to $40,000 for households from 80% to 120% AMI, or up to $60,000 below 80% AMI | Home must be in Ingleside, Monticello Village, or Oakdale Farms |
Call the housing office before signing a contract. Ask whether the program is open, whether the address qualifies, how long approval takes, and whether assistance can be combined with Virginia Housing or DHCD funds.
For smaller cities and rural areas, start with ASMOM’s Virginia community guide. A local nonprofit, planning district, or housing office may manage DHCD funds for several counties.
Local program warning: A website may list a program even when no new funds or homes are open. Confirm the current intake status with the office, not just the published maximum. In Fairfax and Arlington, the repayment may include a share of the home’s value or equity. Ask for a sample payoff statement before accepting aid.
Loans that may lower upfront cash
A low-down-payment mortgage is not the same as a grant. It can reduce cash needed at closing, but you must still meet income, credit, debt, and property rules.
- FHA: The official FHA loan page says the down payment can be as low as 3.5%; watch for: Mortgage insurance, lender rules, and property standards
- USDA: The USDA guaranteed loan can provide no-down-payment financing in eligible rural areas; watch for: Income, address, property, guarantee fee, and lender rules
- VA: The VA purchase loan may allow eligible borrowers to buy without a down payment; watch for: Certificate of Eligibility, funding fee, appraisal, income, and lender rules
Veterans, service members, and surviving spouses can also check ASMOM’s veteran benefits guide for related support.
Documents and information to gather
Start a safe digital and paper folder. Do not send original documents unless the program explains why they are needed. ASMOM’s documents checklist can help you organize the full file.
| Item | Why it may be needed | Simple tip |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Confirms each adult borrower | Check expiration dates early |
| Income records | Shows wages, benefits, self-employment, or child support received | Gather recent pay stubs and tax forms |
| Bank statements | Shows savings, deposits, and available closing funds | Explain large deposits before underwriting |
| Debt details | Helps the lender calculate monthly obligations | Include student, auto, credit, and support debts |
| Rental history | May show housing payment habits | Keep lease and payment proof |
| Buyer certificate | Many programs require homebuyer education | Finish the class before a deadline |
| Preapproval | Shows the loan amount and lender review | Ask what could change the approval |
| Purchase contract | Needed after an offer is accepted | Tell the agent about program timing |
Some programs also need proof of who lives in the home, a recent tax return, child support records, a signed purchase contract, or a seller’s statement about the property. Ask for the exact list for your lender and the separate grant office. Do not email Social Security numbers or bank statements to a person you have not verified.
Check whether the payment is safe
- Do not shop at the top of approval. A lender may approve more than your household can carry after child care, food, medicine, transportation, and school costs.
- Keep money after closing. Plan for repairs, moving, furniture, utility deposits, and a basic emergency fund.
- Ask about every second loan. Find out when it must be repaid, whether interest builds, and whether shared appreciation or equity is owed.
- Check taxes and insurance. A low principal payment can still become unaffordable after escrow, mortgage insurance, and association dues.
- Do not change credit before closing. Avoid new car loans, credit cards, large purchases, or unexplained deposits without speaking to the lender.
If food, child care, utilities, or transportation are already unstable, use ASMOM’s Virginia SNAP guide, Virginia child care guide, Virginia utility guide, and Virginia transportation guide before choosing a mortgage payment.
Ask for a written Loan Estimate comparison from more than one lender. For most covered home loans, you must receive a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. Compare the final costs with the estimate and ask about any surprise fee. Separate aid loans may use different disclosure forms.
If college or job training could raise your future income, review Virginia education grants while you work on a safer homebuying budget. School grants are not homebuyer grants and cannot be assumed to count as closing funds.
If you are denied, delayed, or not ready
If a lender or program says no, ask for the reason in writing and ask whether you may correct the file, seek review, or apply again. The cause may be credit, high monthly debt, income history, low savings, program income or home-price limits, property condition, missing papers, or no remaining funds. A private mortgage denial is not the same as a public-benefit appeal; ask the lender which notice and review rights apply.
A HUD housing counselor can help you review your budget, credit, loan choices, and readiness. Counseling does not promise approval, but it can help you build a clear three-month, six-month, or one-year plan.
- Correct credit-report errors and keep proof.
- Pay down the debt that most affects your monthly ratio.
- Build a small reserve instead of using every dollar for closing.
- Ask about a lower-cost area or a smaller home.
- Check whether a local program will reopen later.
- Ask whether a different approved loan can work safely.
If a public benefit was denied or closed while you were preparing, ASMOM’s benefits problem guide explains how to read notices and ask about review rights. If you need cash support while rebuilding your budget, the Virginia TANF guide explains the state application path.
After closing, protect your reserve by checking ASMOM’s Virginia furniture guide before buying every household item at once.
If the program ran out of money: Ask whether you may join a notice list, use another DHCD provider, or check the next local application round. Do not send a fee to someone who promises a reserved homebuyer grant. You can report a mortgage-lender problem through the CFPB complaint system.
Phone scripts
Calling an approved lender
“I am a first-time buyer in Virginia and need help with upfront costs. Please check the Down Payment Assistance Grant, Closing Cost Assistance Grant, Plus Second Mortgage, DHCD programs, local assistance, and FHLBank Atlanta funds. What is my full monthly payment and cash needed at closing?”
Calling a DHCD provider
“Do you currently serve my county? Are HOME DPA or Virginia Pilot DPA funds available? What income limit applies to my household, and what must I finish before I sign a purchase contract?”
Calling a city or county office
“I want to buy in your area. Is your homebuyer program open now? Is the help a grant, deferred loan, shared-equity loan, or forgivable loan? Which addresses, lenders, prices, and buyer classes qualify?”
Calling a housing counselor
“I need an honest review of whether buying is safe for my family. Can you help me check my credit, debt, savings, monthly budget, and down payment options before I apply?”
Resumen en español
Virginia tiene ayuda real para el pago inicial y los costos de cierre, pero la mayoría de los programas no son solo para madres solteras. Las reglas pueden depender de sus ingresos, si compra por primera vez, el préstamo, la ciudad o el condado, y la dirección de la casa.
Empiece con la clase gratis de Virginia Housing y hable con un prestamista aprobado. Pregunte por la subvención para el pago inicial, la ayuda para costos de cierre, los programas de DHCD, VIDA, FHLBank Atlanta y la ayuda de su ciudad o condado.
Pregunte siempre si la ayuda es una subvención, un préstamo aplazado, una segunda hipoteca o un préstamo con participación en el valor de la casa. Revise el pago mensual completo y guarde dinero para reparaciones y emergencias.
Questions single mothers ask
Are Virginia homebuyer grants only for single mothers?
No. Most programs use first-time buyer status, household income, home location, loan type, purchase price, and primary-residence rules rather than marital or parenting status.
How much is the Virginia Housing down payment grant?
Current Virginia Housing materials list 2% of the sales price for an eligible conventional bond loan and 2.5% for an eligible FHA bond loan. Other rules also apply.
Is DHCD down payment help a grant?
DHCD describes its HOME and Pilot assistance as deferred loans. No payments or interest build during the required occupancy period, but sale, refinance, transfer, or moving may affect repayment.
Can I combine more than one program?
Sometimes. A Virginia Housing grant may be paired with some outside help, but every lender and program must approve the combination before you count the funds.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
Many programs require that you have not owned a home during the past three years. Some Virginia Housing exceptions may apply in Areas of Economic Opportunity.
What should I do before signing a contract?
Finish buyer education, obtain lender preapproval, check local program status, confirm that the address and price qualify, and ask how long assistance approval may take.
What if I am denied?
Ask for the reason in writing and meet with a HUD-approved housing counselor. You may need to fix credit, lower debt, save more, change the price range, or wait for funds.
Is FirstHome Dream open in October 2026?
No. Virginia Housing’s lender guidelines say FirstHome Dream closed to new reservations June 30, 2026. Ask your lender about programs that are accepting new buyers now.
Will a deferred down payment loan always be forgiven?
No. Some loans can be forgiven after their rules are met. Others may require repayment or sharing future home value. Read the written terms before you sign.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Official program details checked October 14, 2026; next review February 3, 2027.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.
Last updated: November 5, 2026 Next review: February 3, 2027