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City of Suffolk HOME Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance Program

City of Suffolk HOME Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Suffolk, Virginia, administered by Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (in partnership with the City of Suffolk).

Last verified Source: Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (in partnership with the City of Suffolk)

The program asks for

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: Must not have owned a home in the last three years (HUD first-time homebuyer definition)
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Virginia Housing First-Time Homebuyers Class (in person, signed certificate) plus at least two one-on-one sessions with a HUD-certified housing counselor through SRHA
  • Residency: Property must be located in the City of Suffolk, VA.
  • First-time homebuyer (no homeownership in last 3 years). Income at or below 80% AMI. Must complete VHDA First-Time Homebuyers Class in person and attend 2 one-on-one HUD-certified counseling sessions. Buyer contributes at least 1% of sales price ($500 min). Buyer must NOT have ratified a sales contract prior to the eligibility notice. Property in Suffolk, primary residence, must pass HQS inspection and be lead-safe. Required docs: 60 days pay stubs; benefit/pension verification; child-support/divorce records; income statements. Promissory note, deed of trust, and homebuyers agreement signed. Printed brochure available by contacting SRHA.
  • A home inside Suffolk city limits

It doesn’t cover

  • Households above 80% of area median income
  • Homes outside Suffolk

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

Income limit

80% of Suffolk City County’s area median income

HUD sets the area median income each year. The limit changes with household size, so a family of five has a higher limit than a single homebuyer.

$107,700
Area median income, 4-person household (HUD, 2026)

Where it applies

Suffolk’s homes

  • 72.2% single-family
  • 7.3% townhouse
  • 4.4% 2–4 units
  • 13.8% 5+ units
  • 2.3% mobile & other

A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.

$347,400

Suffolk median home value

32.3%

built before 1980

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Suffolk

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Virginia Housing First-Time Homebuyers Class (in person, signed certificate) plus at least two one-on-one sessions with a HUD-certified housing counselor through SRHA.

  2. Contact Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (in partnership with the City of Suffolk) to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider 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 homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Questions about this program

What is City of Suffolk HOME Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance Program?

City of Suffolk HOME Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Suffolk, Virginia, administered by Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (in partnership with the City of Suffolk). The Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, in partnership with the City of Suffolk, provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers purchasing a primary residence in Suffolk. Eligible buyers (income at or below 80% AMI, no homeownership in the prior three years) may receive up to $14,500 as a 0% amortized forgivable loan secured by a deed of trust; 20% is forgiven each year and the balance is fully forgiven after five years. Buyers complete the Virginia Housing First-Time Homebuyers Class in person, attend two one-on-one counseling sessions, and contribute at least 1% of the sales price ($500 minimum). Up to $14,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance. 0% interest, no monthly payments. 20% forgiven each year, fully forgiven after 5 years. No prepayment penalty. Works alongside a standard first mortgage. Funding comes from HUD HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds (City of Suffolk / Western Tidewater HOME Consortium).

How much assistance does it provide?

City of Suffolk HOME Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance Program offers up to $14,500 in assistance. Homebuyer contribution: Buyer must contribute at least 1% of the sales price, with a $500 minimum. The program can be combined with May be paired with a first mortgage; buyer completes Virginia Housing homebuyer education. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (in partnership with the City of Suffolk) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

City of Suffolk HOME Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance Program is forgiven after 5 years, so a homebuyer who stays that long does not repay it. Repayment is triggered by Sale, transfer, lease, conveyance, title transfer, or death of the qualifying person within the 5-year affordability period; remaining unforgiven balance is recaptured. The assistance is recorded in Subordinate (deed of trust and promissory note behind first mortgage) position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

City of Suffolk HOME Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance Program is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time" has exceptions here: Must not have owned a home in the last three years (HUD first-time homebuyer definition). A homebuyer education course is required, through Virginia Housing First-Time Homebuyers Class (in person, signed certificate) plus at least two one-on-one sessions with a HUD-certified housing counselor through SRHA. Residency requirement: Property must be located in the City of Suffolk, VA. First-time homebuyer (no homeownership in last 3 years). Income at or below 80% AMI. Must complete VHDA First-Time Homebuyers Class in person and attend 2 one-on-one HUD-certified counseling sessions. Buyer contributes at least 1% of sales price ($500 min). Buyer must NOT have ratified a sales contract prior to the eligibility notice. Property in Suffolk, primary residence, must pass HQS inspection and be lead-safe. Required docs: 60 days pay stubs; benefit/pension verification; child-support/divorce records; income statements. Promissory note, deed of trust, and homebuyers agreement signed. Printed brochure available by contacting SRHA.

What are the income limits?

City of Suffolk HOME Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Household income cannot exceed 80% of Area Median Income. The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s. 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?

City of Suffolk HOME Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance Program can be used for Single Family, Townhouse, and Manufactured. New construction is eligible. Manufactured homes are eligible.

Where does it apply?

City of Suffolk HOME Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance Program serves homebuyers purchasing in Suffolk, Virginia.

How do you apply?

Applications for City of Suffolk HOME Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance Program go through Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (in partnership with the City of Suffolk), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. 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.

Program terms are set by Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (in partnership with the City of Suffolk) and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.