Buyers in the City of Richmond can draw on nonprofit down payment programs, the city's housing authority, a community land trust, Habitat for Humanity and two state agencies. Most run through a counseling agency first, so the best time to start is months before you shop.
The full walkthrough: Down payment assistance in Richmond, VA: who offers it and where to start
The free 2-minute check shows which assistance programs may match it, including ones not listed here.
13 programs shown
One-on-one homebuyer counseling, classes and down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time buyers in Richmond and the surrounding counties, including Hanover through its state-funded program.
City of Richmond · Henrico County · Hanover County · Chesterfield County
Down payment assistance for full-time City of Richmond employees buying a home within city limits.
City of Richmond
Homebuyer counseling and down payment assistance for first-time buyers in Richmond and Henrico, and a local way into the SPARC rate reduction.
City of Richmond · Henrico County
The Virginia Individual Development Accounts program matches what you save toward a down payment, with training and support along the way.
Anywhere in Virginia
Free coaching for low- to moderate-income people on money, jobs, public benefits and digital skills, aimed at building credit, savings and assets.
City of Richmond
One-on-one counseling on budgets, debt, credit, buying a first home, renting and foreclosure prevention, in person in Richmond and Hopewell and virtually elsewhere in Virginia.
Anywhere in Virginia
A deferred loan toward the down payment and closing costs for first-time buyers at or below 80% of area median income, delivered through local providers.
Anywhere in Virginia
A forgivable second mortgage for first-time buyers at or below 60% of area median income, with homeownership education and counseling built in.
Anywhere in Virginia
Homes sold below market because the land trust keeps the land under a long-term ground lease. You build some equity, and the home stays affordable for the next buyer.
City of Richmond · Henrico County · Chesterfield County
The city housing authority's homeownership programs: ComeHome for RRHA residents and voucher holders, and renovated homes sold to buyers below 80% of area median income.
City of Richmond
A Habitat home with an affordable mortgage for households whose current housing doesn't meet their needs, in exchange for sweat equity, homebuyer classes and budgeting sessions.
City of Richmond · Henrico County · Chesterfield County
A home loan made by USDA itself to low- and very-low-income buyers in eligible rural areas, with payment assistance that lowers the monthly payment based on income. Parts of Hanover qualify.
Anywhere in Virginia
The state's housing finance agency offers first mortgages, down payment and closing cost grants, a second mortgage, the SPARC rate reduction and a free homebuyer education course, all through approved lenders.
Anywhere in Virginia
Many programs above are capped at 80% of the area median income, which rises with household size. For the Richmond area, which includes City of Richmond, that's:
| Household size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80% of median income | $63,600 | $72,650 | $81,750 | $90,800 | $98,100 |
From HOME of VA's 2025 table. Each program sets its own limits and counts income its own way, and some go higher (up to 115% or 120%), so check with the program.
Researched from each program's own website. Program rules, amounts and funding change often, and funds can run out. Confirm everything with the program before you rely on it. Martin Kurylowski and Real Broker, LLC are not affiliated with these programs and are not lenders or administrators of any assistance program. You're free to work with any agent and any lender.