District of Columbia First-Time Homebuyer Guide
Everything you need to know about buying your first home in District of Columbia — from property taxes and insurance costs to down payment assistance programs that can save you thousands.
Key homebuying statistics for District of Columbia
Property Tax Rate
0.57%
Below national avg (1.10%)
Avg. Annual Insurance
$1,400
Below national avg ($1,700)
Closing Cost Estimate
4.00%
Above national avg (3.00%)
Data last verified: February 2026. Found incorrect data? Email us .
What These Numbers Mean for You
On a $350,000 home in District of Columbia:
Annual property taxes
~$1,995
~$166/month
Annual homeowner's insurance
~$1,400
~$117/month
Estimated closing costs
~$14,000
Due at closing
These are estimates. Actual costs depend on your specific property, lender, and county. Use our calculators below for personalized estimates.
Buying a Home in District of Columbia
District of Columbia offers unique opportunities and challenges for first-time homebuyers. Understanding local costs is essential before you start house hunting, because property taxes, insurance, and closing costs vary significantly from state to state and can add hundreds of dollars to your monthly payment.
Good news: District of Columbia's property tax rate of 0.57% is below the national average of 1.10%, which means lower monthly costs compared to many other states. On the insurance side, District of Columbia homeowners enjoy below-average premiums at $1,400/year.
As a first-time buyer, you likely qualify for one or more down payment assistance programs specific to District of Columbia. These programs can significantly reduce the upfront cash you need to purchase a home. Check the programs listed below and reach out to a local HUD-approved housing counselor for personalized guidance.
District of Columbia Down Payment Assistance Programs
DC Open Doors Program
Up to 3.5% of the purchase price in down payment and closing cost assistance as a deferred, no-interest loan.
Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP)
Up to $202,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for very low to moderate-income DC residents.
Program details and eligibility requirements change. Visit each program's website for the most current information.
Try Our Calculators with District of Columbia Data
Mortgage Payment Calculator
Estimate your monthly payment including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.
Affordability Calculator
Find out how much home you can afford based on your income and debts.
Down Payment Calculator
Explore down payment options and understand PMI costs.
Closing Costs Estimator
Get a breakdown of expected closing costs for your purchase.
Amortization Schedule
See how your loan balance decreases over time with each payment.