Down Payment Assistance in Hampton Roads

Published: June 13, 2025 | Updated: May 19, 2026nn
## Down payment help can change the search, but timing matters.nn
For many Hampton Roads buyers, the monthly payment is not the only hurdle. The upfront cash needed for a down payment, closing costs, inspections, appraisal, moving expenses, and reserves can make the path to homeownership feel out of reach.nn
Down payment assistance and closing cost assistance programs may help qualified buyers in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, and Suffolk reduce the amount of cash needed at closing. The details matter, and eligibility can change by income, loan type, city, funding availability, lender participation, and whether you are a first-time buyer.nn
## Common types of buyer assistancenn
Grants may not require repayment if the buyer meets the program rules. Some grant programs must be paired with specific loan products or approved lenders.nn
Deferred loans can provide help now and delay repayment until a later event, such as selling, refinancing, or no longer occupying the home as a primary residence.nn
Forgivable assistance may be reduced or forgiven over time if the buyer stays in the home and follows program requirements.nn
Seller credits and lender credits are not the same as public assistance programs, but they can also help manage upfront cash when structured correctly in the offer and loan estimate.nn
## Military and PCS buyers should compare VA loan options first.nn
Eligible service members, veterans, and surviving spouses may be able to use a VA-backed purchase loan. VA guidance says eligible buyers may be able to purchase with no down payment when the sales price is not above the appraised value, but credit, income, occupancy, closing cost, and lender requirements still apply.nn
That is why PCS buyers should compare the full picture instead of focusing only on the down payment. A VA loan, closing cost assistance, seller-paid costs, and your BAH-driven monthly budget all need to work together.nn
## Where Hampton Roads buyers can startnn

      * Ask a local lender which Virginia Housing, DHCD, city, and lender-specific programs are currently available.`n
      * Confirm whether the program works with conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, or Virginia Housing loan products.`n
      * Check income limits, sales price limits, credit requirements, education requirements, and occupancy rules before touring homes.`n
      * Verify whether funds are still available and whether approval will fit your contract timeline.`n
      * Review repayment or forgiveness terms so you understand what happens if you receive new PCS orders and need to sell or rent the home.`n
    
    ## Helpful official resources`n`n
    Good starting points include [Virginia Housing loan and grant options](https://www.virginiahousing.com/homebuyers/loan-grants), the [Virginia DHCD homeownership down payment assistance program](https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/dpa), and [VA purchase loan guidance](https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types/purchase-loan).`n`n
    Burchette Homes can help you pair the right neighborhood search with a realistic financing plan, so you are not discovering program issues after you have already fallen in love with a house.`n`n

## Ready to plan your next move?`n`n
Burchette Homes helps Hampton Roads buyers, sellers, and military families make confident real estate decisions.`n`n
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