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Habitat for Humanity DC-NOVA Homeownership Program

Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia (Habitat DC-NOVA) · Washington, District of Columbia

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Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

What is 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.

Do you have to pay it back?

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.

Who qualifies?

Habitat for Humanity DC-NOVA Homeownership Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: First-time homebuyer = not having owned real estate in the last 3 years.
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: 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 completed homebuyer education course, through Habitat DC-NOVA pre- and post-purchase financial education classes
  • Residency: 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).
  • DRAFT (dpa-gap-finder 2026-06-13): pending review. 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.

The program excludes

  • Households above 80% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

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.

What kind of home can it be used for?

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.

Where does it apply?

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

How do you apply?

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.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Habitat DC-NOVA pre- and post-purchase financial education classes.

  2. Contact Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia (Habitat DC-NOVA) to reserve funds

    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., and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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