The District of Columbia Government provides the most generous set of homebuyer support and tax benefits of any location in the country.  These benefits include Down Payment Assistance, Closing Cost Credits, Real Estate Tax Abatement and a special Federal Income Tax Credit.  Most people, including many real estate professionals and mortgage lenders, don't know about all the programs. Homebuyers should learn about these benefits and take full advantage.   

The Home Purchase Assistance Program(HPAP) provides to low and moderate income first-time homebuyers down payment assistance of up to $40,000 and needed closing cost assistance of up to $4,000. Eligibility includes income, family size, and DC residency.  Employees of the District Government can qualify for the Employee Assisted Housing Program (EAHP), which provides deferred payment second mortgages of up to $10,000 and down payment and closing cost funds of up to $1500.  Additionally, the Metropolitan Police Housing Assistance Program (MPHAP) provides $10,000 deferred payment second mortgages to eligible police officers.

For more information, visit the Department of Housing and Community Development's website.