Washington, D.C. Mortgage Guides 2026
This complete Washington, D.C. mortgage guide covers the District’s 2026 FHA and conforming loan limits, HPAP and DC Open Doors down payment assistance, the reduced recordation tax rate for first-time D.C. buyers, VA resources near Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and Fort McNair, and a full breakdown of D.C. recordation and transfer taxes — all in one place.
Everything You Need for a Washington, D.C. Home Purchase
Six in-depth guides covering every aspect of getting a mortgage in Washington, D.C. — from loan program selection to what you’ll pay at closing.
Washington, D.C. Mortgage Guide
The complete overview: 2026 FHA and conforming loan limits, DCHFA and DHCD programs, property taxes, recordation and transfer taxes, and the District’s housing market in one place.
Read guide →Washington, D.C. First-Time Home Buyer Guide
HPAP gap financing of up to $202,000, DC Open Doors down payment assistance, and the 0.725% first-time buyer recordation tax rate explained.
Read guide →Washington, D.C. FHA Loan Requirements
The District’s 2026 FHA limit of $1,249,125, credit score requirements, and the higher annual MIP that applies to FHA loans above $726,200.
Read guide →Washington, D.C. VA Loan Requirements
VA loan benefits for D.C. veterans and service members — no down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, and context for Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Fort McNair and the Washington Navy Yard.
Read guide →Washington, D.C. USDA Loans
Why USDA’s eligibility map shows no eligible areas inside the District, and the other low-down-payment options available to D.C. buyers.
Read guide →Washington, D.C. Closing Costs Guide
D.C. recordation and transfer taxes, Recorder of Deeds fees, and how eligible first-time buyers can lower the recordation tax rate to 0.725%.
Read guide →Key Washington, D.C. Mortgage Guide Facts
FHA Loan Limits (2026)
- One-unit FHA limit: $1,249,125 — the 2026 national high-cost ceiling
- Two to four units: $1,599,375 · $1,933,200 · $2,402,625
- The 2026 conforming limit is the same: $1,249,125 (FHFA)
- Confirm at HUD’s official lookup
Down Payment Assistance
- HPAP: up to $202,000 interest-free gap financing, plus up to $4,000 for closing costs
- DC Open Doors: a 0% deferred loan for your full minimum down payment
- DC Open Doors is open to repeat buyers and non-residents; minimum credit score 640
- HPAP details at dhcd.dc.gov
Property Taxes
- Class 1 residential rate: $0.85 per $100 of assessed value (OTR)
- Homestead deduction: $91,950 off the assessed value of your principal residence (tax year 2026)
- Assessment cap: a homestead’s taxable assessment rises no more than 10% a year
- Est. effective rate ~0.63% (median tax paid ÷ median owner-occupied value, Census ACS 2024, B25103)
Closing Cost Highlights
- Deed recordation tax: 1.1% under $400,000; 1.45% at $400,000 and up (D.C. Code § 42-1103)
- Deed transfer tax, imposed on the seller: 1.1% / 1.45% (D.C. Code § 47-903)
- Eligible first-time D.C. buyers: 0.725% recordation tax rate
- Recording: $25 per deed, $150 per deed of trust, plus a $5 surcharge each (OTR)
Buying or Refinancing in Washington, D.C.?
The District offers HPAP and DC Open Doors down payment assistance and a reduced recordation tax rate for first-time buyers. Our guides above break down all of it, and every figure links to the official source so you can verify current terms.
- ✓ Check DC Open Doors terms and find a participating lender at dchfa.org
- ✓ Ask a DHCD Community Based Organization about HPAP eligibility and current funding
- ✓ Confirm the District’s 2026 FHA limit with HUD’s lookup tool
- ✓ Estimate your recordation tax and cash to close with our closing cost guide
No obligation · Educational first
Talk to a Washington, D.C. Mortgage Advisor
Have questions about buying or refinancing in Washington, D.C.? A licensed mortgage advisor can walk you through your loan options, assistance programs and costs, with no obligation.
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