Median household income: $106,287; value-to-income ratio 6.82. Washington ranks 1 by home value and 1 by population among 1 places in our DC dataset.
What does a first-time buyer loan cost on a typical Washington home?
| Item | Washington |
|---|---|
| Median home value (Census ACS) | $724,600 |
| District of Columbia median home value | $724,600 |
| Down payment (3%) | $21,738 |
| Loan amount | $702,862 |
| Estimated monthly payment (PITI + MI) | $5,531 |
| Income needed (28% / 36%) | $238,000 / $185,000 |
| District of Columbia 2026 conforming limit (1 unit) | $1,249,125 |
| Max purchase price at the limit | $1,287,000 |
Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.
Payment includes District of Columbia's 0.58% effective property tax rate (Census ACS), $1,545/yr homeowners insurance (NAIC state average) and an estimated 0.5% PMI.
What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in Washington?
Washington is in District of Columbia. Conventional 3%-down loans go up to the $1,249,125 conforming limit (price ≈ $1,287,000); FHA loans go up to $1,249,125.
The Washington median home value of $724,600 is 0% below the District of Columbia median, and within what the county limit supports.
Which down payment assistance programs can Washington buyers use?
- Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) — A maximum of $202,000 in gap financing assistance plus $4,000 in closing cost assistance; deferred loan; city-level. DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) · Verified October 25, 2026
- DC Open Doors Down Payment Assistance Loan — The full amount of your required minimum down payment; deferred; state-level. DC Housing Finance Agency · Verified October 23, 2026
First-time buyer loan FAQs for Washington
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates
- FHFA — 2026 Conforming Loan Limit Values
- Fannie Mae Selling Guide
- NAIC — Homeowners Insurance Report, Data for 2023 (HO-3 average premium)
- Freddie Mac — Primary Mortgage Market Survey
- DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) — Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP)
- DC Housing Finance Agency — DC Open Doors Down Payment Assistance Loan
Data last updated October 23, 2026.
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Get My MatchesFigures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.