Habitat for Humanity DC-NOVA Homeownership Program

Habitat for Humanity DC-NOVA Homeownership Program is down payment assistance for homebuyers in Washington, District of Columbia, administered by Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia (Habitat DC-NOVA). Habitat for Humanity DC-NOVA sells volunteer-built and restored homes in DC (and Northern Virginia) at no profit and below market value to qualified low-to-moderate income first-time buyers. Applicants must fall between 30% and 80% of area MFI, qualify for a non-subprime mortgage, demonstrate a housing need, complete pre- and post-purchase financial education, and contribute 300 hours of sweat equity. Buyers typically pair their mortgage with local DPA such as DC's HPAP. Homes sold below market value at no profit. Affordable monthly mortgage payment. Pre- and post-purchase financial education. Guidance through financing and DPA (e.g., HPAP). No waiting list. Funding comes from Donor and pro-bono partner supported; homes built/restored by volunteers and sold at no profit.

Habitat for Humanity DC-NOVA Homeownership Program is down payment assistance and is repaid under the terms set by Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia (Habitat DC-NOVA). Repayment is triggered by Habitat sells volunteer-built/restored homes at no profit and below market value; buyer obtains an affordable, non-subprime mortgage. Subsidy delivered as below-market pricing. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Habitat for Humanity DC-NOVA Homeownership Program is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time" has exceptions here: First-time homebuyer = not having owned real estate in the last 3 years. On credit, the program states: Tri-merge middle credit score of 620+. No bankruptcy in the last 3 years and no foreclosures in the last 7 years; no unpaid collections, judgments, or liens. A homebuyer education course is required, through Habitat DC-NOVA pre- and post-purchase financial education classes. Residency requirement: Primary residency OR at least one applicant with full-time employment in DC, Fairfax County, Arlington County, City of Fairfax, or City of Falls Church (this entry covers DC-located Habitat homes). Must complete 300 hours of sweat equity. Must attend an information session before applying. Must demonstrate housing need; 2-year work history; income expected to continue 3+ years; no household member on the sex offender registry. Gaps: assistance amount is embedded in below-market pricing (not a fixed DPA dollar figure); exact resale terms not published.

Habitat for Humanity DC-NOVA Homeownership Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Total household income must fall between 30% and 80% of Median Family Income (MFI). Per Habitat's 2025 requirements (100% MFI = $154,700): 4-person range is $49,200 (min) to $131,120 (max, ~80% MFI). 8-person max is $173,078. The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s. The program lists a maximum household size of 8. Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

Habitat for Humanity DC-NOVA Homeownership Program caps the purchase price as follows: Homes sold below market value at no profit; price varies by home. Eligible property types include Single Family, Townhome, and Condo. New construction is eligible.

Habitat for Humanity DC-NOVA Homeownership Program serves homebuyers purchasing in Washington, District of Columbia.

Applications for Habitat for Humanity DC-NOVA Homeownership Program go through Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia (Habitat DC-NOVA), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through Applications accepted first-come, first-served and processed when complete. Applicant must attend an information session before applying; reviewed by staff and Board. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.