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Fairfax County Workforce Dwelling Unit (WDU) Homebuyer Program

Fairfax County Workforce Dwelling Unit (WDU) Homebuyer Program is down payment assistance for homebuyers in Fairfax County, Virginia, administered by Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) / Department of Housing and Community Development.

Last verified Source: Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) / Department of Housing and Community Development

The program asks for

  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Virginia Housing Homebuyer Education Course (free; certificate required)
  • Residency: WDU townhomes/condos located within market-rate developments throughout Fairfax County; live/work in county earns a preference point
  • Buyers must complete WDU orientation, obtain a Virginia Housing homebuyer education certificate, and secure lender pre-approval before receiving a Passport to enter unit drawings. 30-year covenants restrict refinancing and require offering the unit back to Fairfax County at resale. Distinct from the county's First-Time Homebuyer/ADU and Down Payment Loan programs. GAP: no fixed dollar DPA amount (price-restricted purchase model).
  • A home in Fairfax County

It doesn’t cover

  • Households above 120% of area median income
  • Homes outside Fairfax County

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

120% of Fairfax 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.

$166,100
Area median income, 4-person household (HUD, 2026)

Where it applies

Fairfax County’s homes

  • 45.5% single-family
  • 22.7% townhouse
  • 2.2% 2–4 units
  • 29% 5+ units
  • 0.6% mobile & other

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

$732,800

Fairfax County median home value

43.6%

built before 1980

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

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Virginia Housing Homebuyer Education Course (free; certificate required).

  2. Contact Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) / Department of Housing and Community Development to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Passport to Homeownership followed by randomized drawings by household size and preference points, 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 Fairfax County Workforce Dwelling Unit (WDU) Homebuyer Program?

Fairfax County Workforce Dwelling Unit (WDU) Homebuyer Program is down payment assistance for homebuyers in Fairfax County, Virginia, administered by Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) / Department of Housing and Community Development. The Fairfax County Workforce Dwelling Unit (WDU) Homebuyer Program lets qualified buyers earning 70%-120% of AMI purchase a townhome or condominium at below-market prices near employment centers and transit. Units carry a 30-year control period governing occupancy, refinancing, and resale price. Buyers obtain a 'Passport to Homeownership' after orientation, Virginia Housing education, and lender pre-approval, then enter randomized drawings for available units based on household size and preference points. Below-market purchase price near job centers and transit. Serves 70%-120% AMI workforce. Preference points for living/working in county, families with children, FCRHA participants, and county/FCPS employees. Funding comes from Fairfax County workforce-housing proffer/inclusionary program; Fairfax County Housing Trust Fund (shared resale proceeds).

Do you have to pay it back?

Fairfax County Workforce Dwelling Unit (WDU) Homebuyer Program is down payment assistance and is repaid under the terms set by Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) / Department of Housing and Community Development. 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 Workforce Dwelling Unit (WDU) Homebuyer Program is open to homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. A homebuyer education course is required, through Virginia Housing Homebuyer Education Course (free; certificate required). Residency requirement: WDU townhomes/condos located within market-rate developments throughout Fairfax County; live/work in county earns a preference point. Buyers must complete WDU orientation, obtain a Virginia Housing homebuyer education certificate, and secure lender pre-approval before receiving a Passport to enter unit drawings. 30-year covenants restrict refinancing and require offering the unit back to Fairfax County at resale. Distinct from the county's First-Time Homebuyer/ADU and Down Payment Loan programs. GAP: no fixed dollar DPA amount (price-restricted purchase model).

What are the income limits?

Fairfax County Workforce Dwelling Unit (WDU) Homebuyer Program limits household income to 120% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Total household income between 70% and 120% AMI by household size. 4-person: 70% $114,750; 80% $131,100; 100% $163,900; 120% $196,700. 1-person 70% $80,350 to 120% $137,700. 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?

Fairfax County Workforce Dwelling Unit (WDU) Homebuyer Program caps the purchase price as follows: Sales prices set by program (not negotiable); current prices range from $200,000 to high $400,000s. Eligible property types include Townhouse and Condo. New construction is eligible.

Where does it apply?

Fairfax County Workforce Dwelling Unit (WDU) Homebuyer Program serves homebuyers purchasing in Fairfax County, Virginia.

How do you apply?

Applications for Fairfax County Workforce Dwelling Unit (WDU) Homebuyer Program go through Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) / Department of Housing and Community Development, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through Passport to Homeownership followed by randomized drawings by household size and preference points. 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 Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) / Department of Housing and Community Development and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.