Washington, D.C. Considering Expansion of Homebuyer Assistance Program

The nation's capital is hoping to increase the funding support offered to households through the Home Purchase Assistance Program to help more people afford the critical first step of buying a home.

1 minute read

January 17, 2016, 9:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Washington, D.C. is considering an expansion of its Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP). Elizabeth Falcom reports that the D.C. Council held a hearing on January 7, 2016 "to consider raising the maximum amount [HPAP] applicants, from $50,000 to $80,000."

The article includes a lot more detail about how the program works, including a discussion of how the award available under the program has fluctuated over years. The most recent fluctuations mean the program has some catching up to do:

In 2008, the award amount was capped at $70,000. But when the recession hit, federal and local resources shrank, and the award amount dipped to $40,000 per purchase. While that rose to $50,000 in 2014, that jump paled in comparison to the rapid increase in the cost of buying a home here.

According to Falcom, the proposed adjustment has a wide range of support, including from the Department of Housing and Community Development, which manages the program. Earlier this week, Aimee Custis reported that Washington, D.C is also considering an expansion of its inclusionary zoning policy to also help more people afford housing in the nation's capital.

Friday, January 15, 2016 in Greater Greater Washington

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Ohio State Senate building nwith modern downtown Columbus skyscrapers in background.

Proposed Ohio Budget Preserves Housing Trust Fund

The Senate-approved budget also creates two new programs aimed at encouraging housing construction.

30 minutes ago - Ohio Capital Journal

Two children and an adult looking out over railing at Grand Canyon.

DOJ Says Trump Has Power to Roll Back National Monuments

The opinion sheds light on how the administration may justify its effort to eliminate protected public lands.

1 hour ago - Inside Climate News

Aerial view of Camden Station train station in Baltimore, Maryland. Train station is brick neoclassical building with three-tier tower.

Maryland Awards $1.25M in TOD-Related Grants

The state’s DOT is funding projects that prepare sites around transit stations for future mixed-use development and housing.

2 hours ago - The Baltimore Banner