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.

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.

Fairfax County Homeownership Program is forgiven after 15 years, so a homebuyer 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.

Fairfax County Homeownership Program is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time homebuyer" usually means not having owned a home in the last three years, but the program sets its own definition. The program lists a minimum credit score of 620. A homebuyer education course is required, through Any HUD-approved housing counseling agency. Contact Fairfax County HCD at homeownership@fairfaxcounty.gov for a list of approved education providers. Residency requirement: County Resident. Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. Must complete HUD-approved homebuyer education course prior to settlement. Must be purchasing an ADU or WDU unit in Fairfax County. Cannot own other real estate at time of settlement. Must meet household income requirements per HUD guidelines.

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.

Fairfax County Homeownership Program caps the purchase price at $600,000. Eligible property types include Condo, Townhouse, and Single Family. New construction is eligible.

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

Applications for Fairfax County Homeownership Program go through the administering agency, 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.