Fairfax County Homeownership Program

What is Fairfax County Homeownership Program?

Fairfax County Homeownership Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Fairfax County, Virginia.

• The Fairfax County Homeownership Program assists first-time homebuyers through two tracks: the First-Time Homebuyers (FTHB) Program for households up to 70% AMI, and the Workforce Dwelling Unit (WDU) Program for households at 70-100% AMI. The program provides interest-free deferred second mortgages and access to below-market priced Affordable Dwelling Units (ADUs) in market-rate developments throughout Fairfax County. Administered by the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) and the Department of Housing and Community Development.
• Interest-free deferred second mortgage up to $50,000.
• Fully forgivable after 15 years of owner-occupancy.
• Access to below-market-priced Affordable and Workforce Dwelling Units (ADUs/WDUs).
• Two tracks available: FTHB (up to 70% AMI) and WDU (70-100% AMI).
• Can be combined with Virginia Housing first mortgage and DPA grant.
• No monthly payments on second mortgage.
• Funding comes from Local Government.

How much assistance does it provide?

Fairfax County Homeownership Program offers up to $50,000 in assistance.

• The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — the administering agency determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Fairfax County Homeownership Program is forgiven after 15 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

• Repayment is triggered by Sale, Refinance, No Longer Primary, and Transfer of Title.
• The assistance is recorded in 2nd Lien position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Fairfax County Homeownership Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Fairfax County Homeownership Program limits household income to 100% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• FTHB track: up to 70% AMI (min household income $25,000); WDU track: 70-100% AMI. Income limits vary by household size per HUD guidelines.
• 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?

Fairfax County Homeownership Program caps the purchase price at $600,000.

• Eligible property types include Condo, Townhouse, and Single Family.
• New construction is eligible.

Where does it apply?

Fairfax County Homeownership Program serves buyers purchasing in Fairfax County, Virginia.

How do you apply?

Applications for Fairfax County Homeownership Program go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through Any HUD-approved housing counseling agency. Contact Fairfax County HCD at homeownership@fairfaxcounty.gov for a list of approved education providers..

2. 2

   Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

3. 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.