When you're buying your first home in Virginia, a state with growing housing demand and varied regional prices, the biggest hurdle isn't finding a house—it's gathering enough cash for the down payment. Many think you need 20% upfront, but that's not true here. Virginia down payment, the initial cash paid toward a home purchase can be as low as 0% with the right loan type, especially if you're a first-time home buyer, someone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years. The state offers programs that help you skip the big savings goal entirely.
Most buyers in Virginia don’t pay 20% down. Instead, they use VA loans, mortgages backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for eligible service members and families, which require $0 down. If you're not military, FHA loans, government-insured mortgages with lower credit and down payment rules let you put down just 3.5%. For rural or suburban areas, USDA loans, zero-down mortgages for homes in eligible low-income zones are available too. And Virginia’s own down payment assistance programs—like the Virginia Housing Development Authority’s grants and forgivable loans—can cover thousands in closing costs or down payment gaps. These aren’t myths. They’re real tools used by thousands every year.
You don’t need perfect credit or a six-figure income. Many buyers with credit scores in the 600s and incomes under $70,000 have closed on homes using these programs. The key is knowing where to look. Some programs require homebuyer education courses—free online, usually under 8 hours. Others tie assistance to income limits or location, so where you buy matters as much as how much you earn. And while some buyers worry about strings attached, most down payment help in Virginia comes as grants you never repay—if you live in the home for five years.
What you’ll find below isn’t theory. It’s real advice from people who’ve walked this path. From how to qualify for a 0% down VA loan to which counties offer the best state grants, these posts break down the exact steps, hidden rules, and common mistakes. Whether you're eyeing a townhouse in Richmond or a starter home in Roanoke, you’ll find clear, no-nonsense guidance on how to get your keys without draining your savings.
