Virginia Housing DPA Second plus

Making homeownership more affordable—ZERO down with Second Plus.

Step into homeownership with zero down payment through the Virginia DPA Second Plus program. This unique option allows eligible buyers to cover their entire down payment with a second mortgage, making it possible to purchase a home with limited upfront savings.

A young family entering their first home, which was purchased using a Virginia Housing Second Mortgage.

The DPA Second Plus offers affordable loan features.

This product includes many features that are aimed to save you money on both upfront costs and your monthly payment. This product is also more widely available than the Virginia Housing DPA Grant, which has stricter eligibility requirements.

No money down

You will not need to make a down payment with the Virginia Housing Plus Second loan. Your down payment can be entirely sourced from a second loan ("piggyback loan") that is repaid over 30 years. You’ll make a monthly payment on the second mortgage along with your first mortgage.

A young woman researching down payment assistance programs from her laptop.

Finance additional loan costs

The Second Plus product can be used to finance more than just your down payment! Qualified borrowers may finance additional loan costs (up to 1.5%) such as discount points, escrow deposits, and more!

A young couple celebrating their first home, purchased using the Virginia Housing Second Mortgage Plus.

Pay less in private mortgage insurance (PMI)

Conventional mortgages require PMI when you buy a house with less than a 20% down payment, which increases your monthly loan payment. The Second Plus product offers specialized coverage that is substantially cheaper than traditional PMI coverage on Conventional loans.

A baby playing in a moving box in his family's new house.

Available for repeat homebuyers

The Second Plus product is available to eligible repeat homebuyers, unlike the Virginia Housing DPA Grant. This product also has expanded income limits which exceed those set for the DPA Grant.

A young family sitting on the couch in their new home, purchased with a Virginia Housing DPA program.

Free home buying class

You will be required to take a free homebuyer education course, with topics including personal finances, credit, budgeting, and the homebuying process. Classes may be attended virtually or in-person and are available in English and Spanish.

A young woman taking an free, online homebuyer education course for her Virginia Housing DPA Grant.

Apply for down payment assistance today!

Affordable homeownership is possible with Virginia Housing and CapCenter programs — apply today to get started.

How the DPA Second Loan works.

The DPA Second is a second mortgage that covers your down payment. This loan is paired with your primary mortgage, and you will make two loan payments once you close on your home.
A key opening the door to a family's first home, purchased with an affordable loan.
Apply online to check eligibility
Submit an online application, and an expert Loan Consultant will assess your eligibility for the DPA program. Our team can issue most pre-approvals same day.
Determine how DPA funds will be used
CapCenter will consult you on how much money you may receive to cover your down payment or other loan costs.
Close and repay two loans
You will close on two separate loans at the same time: your first mortgage + a DPA second mortgage. You’ll make a monthly payment on the second mortgage along with your first mortgage. There’s no prepayment penalty if you decide to pay it off early.

Get notified when rates drop!

Receive weekly rate updates and get special notifications when rates fall.

Who is eligible for the DPA program?

Your loan officer will confirm eligibility, calculate the second‑mortgage amount, and determine whether closing cost financing is available based on your credit profile.

Reserved for Virginia residents

This product is only available to those buying a home in the state of Virginia.

Asset reserves are required

This DPA program covers your down payment, but you must have at least 1% in liquid assets to qualify for this loan. Gifts are allowed.

Income limits apply

You must meet Virginia Housing maximum income and sales price limits.

A real estate agent handing keys to a young couple purchasing their first home.

How it compares: DPA Grant vs. DPA Second

Choosing between the Virginia Housing DPA Grant and the DPA Second can feel tricky, since both help cover upfront homebuying costs in different ways. This quick comparison highlights the key differences — from repayment requirements to eligibility — so you can see which option may be the best fit for your situation.
Feature
DPA Grant
DPA Second
Repayment
No - it's a true grant
Yes - repaid monthly
Typical use
Down payment only
Down payment + closing costs
Down payment
1% Down
0% Down
Income limits
More restrictive
Less restrictive
Best for
First-time homebuyers
First-time and repeat homebuyers

Frequently asked questions regarding down payment assistance.

Are the DPA funds forgiven for this program?
How much can I borrow on the second mortgage?
Do I still need to bring money to closing?
What are the income limits for this DPA program?