Buying a home
Data from November 2026
Buying a home in Virginia
A typical home in Virginia is worth $383,700 (Average 2020–2024). The FHA limit for one unit is $541,287–$1,249,125 depending on the county. Here is the minimum down payment each loan type asks at that price, every county’s limit, and the state’s assistance programs.
Key numbers in Virginia
- Typical home
- $383,700
- median value, Average 2020–2024
- 15% more than the U.S.
- FHA limit
- $541,287–$1,249,125
- one unit, by county
- In 54 of the 133 counties, the limit is above the national floor ($541,287).
- Conforming limit
- $832,750
- up to $1,249,125 in high-cost areas
- Above this amount, the loan is a “jumbo” loan.
- Minimum FHA down payment
- $13,430
- 3.5% of a $383,700 home
- VA and USDA ask for no down payment if you qualify.
Down payment
How much each loan asks up front
For a $383,700 home, the typical value in Virginia. The minimum down payment is each program’s rule. The monthly figure is an example of principal and interest over 30 years at the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026): no taxes, insurance or mortgage insurance.
Your price, rate and down payment will differ: run the calculator with your numbers. Closing costs are extra.
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FHA Program rule
Minimum down3.5%
In dollars$13,430
Per month$2,508
With a credit score of 580 or more. Carries mortgage insurance (MIP) up front and every month.
HUD Handbook 4000.1 (Update 18), II.A.2.a.iv — Minimum Required Investment · In effect since September 14, 2016
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Conventional Program rule
Minimum down3%
In dollars$11,511
Per month$2,521
3% is the lowest standard option. With less than 20% down you pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) until you have more equity.
Fannie Mae Selling Guide B5-6-01 — HomeReady Mortgage Loan and Borrower Eligibility · In effect since January 1, 2024
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VA Program rule
Minimum down0%
In dollars$0
Per month$2,599
For veterans, service members and some spouses. No down payment as long as the price is not above the appraisal; charges a one-time funding fee.
VA: Purchase loan — benefits · In effect since January 1, 2020
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USDA Program rule
Minimum down0%
In dollars$0
Per month$2,599
Only homes in eligible rural areas and households within USDA’s income limit. Finances the full price.
7 CFR §3555.103 — Maximum loan amount (Guaranteed Rural Housing Program) · In effect since December 9, 2013
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ITIN loans follow no federal rule: each lender sets its own down payment and rate, and usually asks for more. 15% is an example.
Loan limits
FHA and conforming limit in every county
FHA sets the limit by area: 54 of the 133 counties in Virginia are high-cost and sit above the national floor ($541,287). The conforming limit is the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy; above it, the loan is a “jumbo”.
| City of Falls Church | $1,249,125 | $1,249,125 | $1,055,600 | High-cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington County | $1,249,125 | $1,249,125 | $895,000 | High-cost |
| Loudoun County | $1,249,125 | $1,249,125 | $743,800 | High-cost |
| City of Alexandria | $1,249,125 | $1,249,125 | $735,100 | High-cost |
| Fairfax County | $1,249,125 | $1,249,125 | $732,800 | High-cost |
| City of Fairfax | $1,249,125 | $1,249,125 | $722,600 | High-cost |
| Fauquier County | $1,249,125 | $1,249,125 | $573,700 | High-cost |
| Clarke County | $1,249,125 | $1,249,125 | $550,100 | High-cost |
| Prince William County | $1,249,125 | $1,249,125 | $530,100 | High-cost |
| Rappahannock County | $1,249,125 | $1,249,125 | $506,400 | High-cost |
| Stafford County | $1,249,125 | $1,249,125 | $485,100 | High-cost |
| City of Fredericksburg | $1,249,125 | $1,249,125 | $483,700 | High-cost |
| City of Manassas | $1,249,125 | $1,249,125 | $449,900 | High-cost |
| Culpeper County | $1,249,125 | $1,249,125 | $409,200 | High-cost |
| Spotsylvania County | $1,249,125 | $1,249,125 | $404,900 | High-cost |
| City of Manassas Park | $1,249,125 | $1,249,125 | $395,900 | High-cost |
| Warren County | $1,249,125 | $1,249,125 | $348,400 | High-cost |
| James City County | $757,850 | $832,750 | $447,200 | High-cost |
| York County | $757,850 | $832,750 | $433,200 | High-cost |
| City of Williamsburg | $757,850 | $832,750 | $428,100 | High-cost |
| City of Poquoson | $757,850 | $832,750 | $400,300 | High-cost |
| City of Virginia Beach | $757,850 | $832,750 | $382,500 | High-cost |
| City of Chesapeake | $757,850 | $832,750 | $378,400 | High-cost |
| Mathews County | $757,850 | $832,750 | $360,900 | High-cost |
| Isle of Wight County | $757,850 | $832,750 | $356,500 | High-cost |
| City of Suffolk | $757,850 | $832,750 | $347,400 | High-cost |
| Gloucester County | $757,850 | $832,750 | $331,000 | High-cost |
| City of Norfolk | $757,850 | $832,750 | $289,900 | High-cost |
| City of Newport News | $757,850 | $832,750 | $260,600 | High-cost |
| City of Portsmouth | $757,850 | $832,750 | $246,900 | High-cost |
| City of Hampton | $757,850 | $832,750 | $245,700 | High-cost |
| Surry County | $757,850 | $832,750 | $238,800 | High-cost |
| Goochland County | $707,250 | $832,750 | $500,600 | High-cost |
| Powhatan County | $707,250 | $832,750 | $416,000 | High-cost |
| Hanover County | $707,250 | $832,750 | $400,400 | High-cost |
| New Kent County | $707,250 | $832,750 | $393,600 | High-cost |
| Chesterfield County | $707,250 | $832,750 | $366,000 | High-cost |
| Henrico County | $707,250 | $832,750 | $359,200 | High-cost |
| City of Richmond | $707,250 | $832,750 | $353,000 | High-cost |
| King William County | $707,250 | $832,750 | $315,700 | High-cost |
| Prince George County | $707,250 | $832,750 | $293,400 | High-cost |
| Amelia County | $707,250 | $832,750 | $282,400 | High-cost |
| Dinwiddie County | $707,250 | $832,750 | $257,800 | High-cost |
| City of Colonial Heights | $707,250 | $832,750 | $246,600 | High-cost |
| Charles City County | $707,250 | $832,750 | $241,400 | High-cost |
| King and Queen County | $707,250 | $832,750 | $231,600 | High-cost |
| City of Petersburg | $707,250 | $832,750 | $189,000 | High-cost |
| Sussex County | $707,250 | $832,750 | $183,800 | High-cost |
| City of Hopewell | $707,250 | $832,750 | $181,600 | High-cost |
| Albemarle County | $598,000 | $832,750 | $495,400 | High-cost |
| City of Charlottesville | $598,000 | $832,750 | $486,700 | High-cost |
| Greene County | $598,000 | $832,750 | $343,300 | High-cost |
| Nelson County | $598,000 | $832,750 | $321,700 | High-cost |
| Fluvanna County | $598,000 | $832,750 | $314,100 | High-cost |
| King George County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $428,300 | National floor |
| Frederick County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $386,000 | National floor |
| Madison County | $541,287 | $1,209,750 | $370,300 | National floor |
| Orange County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $364,200 | National floor |
| Middlesex County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $352,200 | National floor |
| Northumberland County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $346,800 | National floor |
| City of Winchester | $541,287 | $832,750 | $343,000 | National floor |
| Lancaster County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $327,000 | National floor |
| Northampton County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $316,200 | National floor |
| Louisa County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $315,300 | National floor |
| Rockingham County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $313,000 | National floor |
| Caroline County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $307,700 | National floor |
| Augusta County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $306,100 | National floor |
| Montgomery County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $304,600 | National floor |
| City of Harrisonburg | $541,287 | $832,750 | $299,100 | National floor |
| Bedford County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $297,400 | National floor |
| Shenandoah County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $294,900 | National floor |
| Botetourt County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $289,200 | National floor |
| Roanoke County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $286,000 | National floor |
| City of Lexington | $541,287 | $832,750 | $275,200 | National floor |
| Westmoreland County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $269,600 | National floor |
| City of Staunton | $541,287 | $832,750 | $259,200 | National floor |
| City of Salem | $541,287 | $832,750 | $258,600 | National floor |
| City of Franklin | $541,287 | $832,750 | $256,600 | National floor |
| Rockbridge County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $248,800 | National floor |
| City of Waynesboro | $541,287 | $832,750 | $245,500 | National floor |
| Franklin County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $240,400 | National floor |
| Cumberland County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $239,300 | National floor |
| Essex County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $238,100 | National floor |
| Page County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $233,200 | National floor |
| Richmond County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $231,500 | National floor |
| City of Lynchburg | $541,287 | $832,750 | $229,800 | National floor |
| Floyd County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $225,400 | National floor |
| City of Radford | $541,287 | $832,750 | $220,700 | National floor |
| Prince Edward County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $216,600 | National floor |
| Southampton County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $216,200 | National floor |
| Washington County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $214,000 | National floor |
| Amherst County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $212,400 | National floor |
| Campbell County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $211,600 | National floor |
| Appomattox County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $207,600 | National floor |
| Bath County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $206,700 | National floor |
| Accomack County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $204,300 | National floor |
| Highland County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $200,000 | National floor |
| Mecklenburg County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $192,600 | National floor |
| Pulaski County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $191,700 | National floor |
| City of Roanoke | $541,287 | $832,750 | $190,500 | National floor |
| Craig County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $189,000 | National floor |
| City of Bristol | $541,287 | $832,750 | $184,100 | National floor |
| Buckingham County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $173,400 | National floor |
| Wythe County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $171,200 | National floor |
| Nottoway County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $167,500 | National floor |
| Pittsylvania County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $161,400 | National floor |
| Greensville County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $159,400 | National floor |
| Carroll County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $156,500 | National floor |
| City of Buena Vista | $541,287 | $832,750 | $156,200 | National floor |
| Halifax County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $155,700 | National floor |
| Patrick County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $153,400 | National floor |
| Bland County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $152,100 | National floor |
| Giles County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $151,100 | National floor |
| Grayson County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $150,100 | National floor |
| Lunenburg County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $150,100 | National floor |
| City of Emporia | $541,287 | $832,750 | $148,500 | National floor |
| Charlotte County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $144,100 | National floor |
| Scott County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $143,000 | National floor |
| Brunswick County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $142,700 | National floor |
| City of Galax | $541,287 | $832,750 | $141,300 | National floor |
| Smyth County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $139,600 | National floor |
| Henry County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $134,800 | National floor |
| Alleghany County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $125,800 | National floor |
| Russell County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $120,600 | National floor |
| City of Danville | $541,287 | $832,750 | $119,100 | National floor |
| Wise County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $118,600 | National floor |
| Tazewell County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $118,300 | National floor |
| City of Norton | $541,287 | $832,750 | $110,000 | National floor |
| Dickenson County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $102,700 | National floor |
| Lee County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $98,900 | National floor |
| City of Martinsville | $541,287 | $832,750 | $98,400 | National floor |
| Buchanan County | $541,287 | $832,750 | $94,900 | National floor |
| City of Covington | $541,287 | $832,750 | $83,500 | National floor |
- Falls Church $1,249,125$1,249,125
- Arlington $1,249,125$1,249,125
- Loudoun $1,249,125$1,249,125
- Alexandria $1,249,125$1,249,125
- Fairfax $1,249,125$1,249,125
- Fairfax $1,249,125$1,249,125
- Fauquier $1,249,125$1,249,125
- Clarke $1,249,125$1,249,125
- Prince William $1,249,125$1,249,125
- Rappahannock $1,249,125$1,249,125
- Stafford $1,249,125$1,249,125
- Fredericksburg $1,249,125$1,249,125
- Manassas $1,249,125$1,249,125
- Culpeper $1,249,125$1,249,125
- Spotsylvania $1,249,125$1,249,125
- Manassas Park $1,249,125$1,249,125
- Warren $1,249,125$1,249,125
- James City $757,850$832,750
- York $757,850$832,750
- Williamsburg $757,850$832,750
- Poquoson $757,850$832,750
- Virginia Beach $757,850$832,750
- Chesapeake $757,850$832,750
- Mathews $757,850$832,750
- Isle of Wight $757,850$832,750
- Suffolk $757,850$832,750
- Gloucester $757,850$832,750
- Norfolk $757,850$832,750
- Newport News $757,850$832,750
- Portsmouth $757,850$832,750
- Hampton $757,850$832,750
- Surry $757,850$832,750
- Goochland $707,250$832,750
- Powhatan $707,250$832,750
- Hanover $707,250$832,750
- New Kent $707,250$832,750
- Chesterfield $707,250$832,750
- Henrico $707,250$832,750
- Richmond $707,250$832,750
- King William $707,250$832,750
- Prince George $707,250$832,750
- Amelia $707,250$832,750
- Dinwiddie $707,250$832,750
- Colonial Heights $707,250$832,750
- Charles City $707,250$832,750
- King and Queen $707,250$832,750
- Petersburg $707,250$832,750
- Sussex $707,250$832,750
- Hopewell $707,250$832,750
- Albemarle $598,000$832,750
- Charlottesville $598,000$832,750
- Greene $598,000$832,750
- Nelson $598,000$832,750
- Fluvanna $598,000$832,750
- King George $541,287$832,750
- Frederick $541,287$832,750
- Madison $541,287$1,209,750
- Orange $541,287$832,750
- Middlesex $541,287$832,750
- Northumberland $541,287$832,750
- Winchester $541,287$832,750
- Lancaster $541,287$832,750
- Northampton $541,287$832,750
- Louisa $541,287$832,750
- Rockingham $541,287$832,750
- Caroline $541,287$832,750
- Augusta $541,287$832,750
- Montgomery $541,287$832,750
- Harrisonburg $541,287$832,750
- Bedford $541,287$832,750
- Shenandoah $541,287$832,750
- Botetourt $541,287$832,750
- Roanoke $541,287$832,750
- Lexington $541,287$832,750
- Westmoreland $541,287$832,750
- Staunton $541,287$832,750
- Salem $541,287$832,750
- Franklin $541,287$832,750
- Rockbridge $541,287$832,750
- Waynesboro $541,287$832,750
- Franklin $541,287$832,750
- Cumberland $541,287$832,750
- Essex $541,287$832,750
- Page $541,287$832,750
- Richmond $541,287$832,750
- Lynchburg $541,287$832,750
- Floyd $541,287$832,750
- Radford $541,287$832,750
- Prince Edward $541,287$832,750
- Southampton $541,287$832,750
- Washington $541,287$832,750
- Amherst $541,287$832,750
- Campbell $541,287$832,750
- Appomattox $541,287$832,750
- Bath $541,287$832,750
- Accomack $541,287$832,750
- Highland $541,287$832,750
- Mecklenburg $541,287$832,750
- Pulaski $541,287$832,750
- Roanoke $541,287$832,750
- Craig $541,287$832,750
- Bristol $541,287$832,750
- Buckingham $541,287$832,750
- Wythe $541,287$832,750
- Nottoway $541,287$832,750
- Pittsylvania $541,287$832,750
- Greensville $541,287$832,750
- Carroll $541,287$832,750
- Buena Vista $541,287$832,750
- Halifax $541,287$832,750
- Patrick $541,287$832,750
- Bland $541,287$832,750
- Giles $541,287$832,750
- Grayson $541,287$832,750
- Lunenburg $541,287$832,750
- Emporia $541,287$832,750
- Charlotte $541,287$832,750
- Scott $541,287$832,750
- Brunswick $541,287$832,750
- Galax $541,287$832,750
- Smyth $541,287$832,750
- Henry $541,287$832,750
- Alleghany $541,287$832,750
- Russell $541,287$832,750
- Danville $541,287$832,750
- Wise $541,287$832,750
- Tazewell $541,287$832,750
- Norton $541,287$832,750
- Dickenson $541,287$832,750
- Lee $541,287$832,750
- Martinsville $541,287$832,750
- Buchanan $541,287$832,750
- Covington $541,287$832,750
One unit. For 2- to 4-unit homes, each county page has the full table. Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) (external site)
Down payment help
Virginia programs for buyers
2 verified programs that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. With the source wording and the date we checked it.
Some help is a grant you never repay; other help is a second loan that is forgiven over the years or repaid when you sell. Each program’s tag says which kind it is.
See all programs-
Down Payment Assistance Grant
Verified November 5, 2026
Virginia state agency down payment grant that you do not repay; for first-time buyers, or any buyer in economic opportunity zones, with a Virginia Housing mortgage
- Grant
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Closing Cost Assistance Grant
Verified November 5, 2026
Virginia Housing grant that you do not repay, of up to 2% of the price, for the closing costs of buyers with a Virginia Housing RD (Rural Development) or VA loan
- Grant
What the state publishes
Virginia rules that change the math
Exemptions that lower property tax and taxes paid when the deed is recorded, summarized from the official page each one cites.
Property tax in VirginiaExemptions and caps
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Local exemption or deferral for people 65 and older or with disabilities
Each county or city may, by ordinance, exempt or defer the tax on the home of someone 65 or older (or permanently and totally disabled, if the ordinance says so) that is their sole dwelling. Each locality sets the conditions and amounts.
Va. Code §58.1-3210(A) · Virginia General Assembly (Code of Virginia) · Verified October 23, 2026
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Full exemption for veterans with a 100 percent permanent and total disability
If the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs rated you with a 100 percent service-connected, permanent and total disability and you live in the property as your principal residence, your home is exempt from property tax. The surviving spouse also qualifies if the veteran died on or after January 1, 2011 and the spouse does not remarry, even if the spouse moves to a different principal residence.
Va. Code §58.1-3219.5(A)-(B) · Virginia General Assembly (Code of Virginia) · Verified October 31, 2026
When the sale is recorded
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State recordation tax on the deed
When the deed is recorded, the state charges 25 cents for every $100 (or fraction) of the price or the property's assessed value, whichever is greater.
Va. Code §58.1-801(A) · Virginia General Assembly (Code of Virginia) · Verified October 23, 2026
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Grantor's tax (paid by the seller)
On top of the recordation tax, the seller pays 50 cents for every $500 (or fraction) of the price, excluding liens that stay on the property. Seller and buyer may arrange for the buyer to pay all or part.
Va. Code §58.1-802(A) · Virginia General Assembly (Code of Virginia) · Verified October 23, 2026
Your next steps
Where to go next in Virginia
What you can do today, free and without giving personal information. Go in order: your numbers first, then the help.
- Run the numbers with your figures
The Virginia calculator already has the typical value, the average rate and the state’s property tax.
- Check whether you qualify for help
Each program says what it gives, who qualifies and when we checked it.
- Talk to a counselor for free
49 HUD-approved agencies help you prepare to buy; 10 say they serve in Spanish.
- Follow the steps to buy a home
From the budget to the keys, in order.
Frequently asked questions
How much down payment do I need for a typical home in Virginia?
For a $383,700 home (typical value, Average 2020–2024), the FHA minimum (3.5%) is $13,430 and the conventional minimum (3%) is $11,511. VA and USDA ask no down payment if you qualify. State programs can cover part of it.
Are there high-cost counties in Virginia?
Yes. In 2026 data, 54 of the 133 counties in Virginia have an FHA limit above the national floor ($541,287); the highest is City of Falls Church ($1,249,125).
What is the conforming loan limit in Virginia?
In 2026 data, the conforming limit for one unit runs from $832,750 to $1,249,125 depending on the county in Virginia: the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy. Above it, the loan is a “jumbo” and each lender sets its own terms.
What would the monthly payment be on a typical home in Virginia?
With $383,700, the FHA minimum down payment ($13,430) and the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026), principal and interest over 30 years comes to about $2,508 a month. Tax, insurance and mortgage insurance are missing: the calculator adds them.
What down payment help is there in Virginia?
We have verified 2 state programs in Virginia that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. Each shows the source wording, who qualifies and the date we checked it.