Buying a home in Washington: the help you may qualify for.
Down payment assistance, property tax exemptions and veteran benefits in Washington, gathered from official state sources and explained in plain English. Every program has its own rules, so check with the agency before you count on it.
Down payment and closing cost help
From the Washington State Housing Finance Commission.
Home Advantage down payment assistance
Several options with the Home Advantage first mortgage
Down payment help paired with a Commission first mortgage; free homebuyer education is required.
Veterans DPA Military and heroes
Down payment help for veterans
Paired with Home Advantage for eligible veterans. Ask a Commission-trained loan officer for current amounts.
Who qualifies: Income limits apply, through a Commission-trained loan officer.
Property tax exemptions and credits
Exemptions lower your home’s taxable value or your bill. Most aren’t automatic: you apply with your county assessor. Washington’s official exemptions information.
For homeowners 65 and older
Senior, disabled and veteran exemption
Part of your home's value exempt, plus the state school levy
For homeowners 61 or older, people with disabilities, and veterans with a high service-connected disability rating, with income under county thresholds. Starting with 2027 taxes, the income thresholds rise (60% to 80% of the county's median income) and the exemption grows.
How to apply: With your county assessor. (RCW 84.36.381)
Property tax deferral
Put off paying some taxes until you sell
Homeowners 60 or older or with disabilities, under a higher income limit, can defer taxes, repaid later with 5% simple interest.
How to apply: With your county assessor. (RCW 84.38)
Want to see which ones fit you? Answer a few questions in the property tax exemptions checker.
If you serve or served
- VA home loan: available in every state, often with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility. See VA home loans.
- Veterans DPA: Down payment help for veterans. Paired with Home Advantage for eligible veterans. Ask a Commission-trained loan officer for current amounts.
Your next steps
- Work out a monthly cost you’re comfortable with in the home cost calculator. It also lists Washington’s programs with the loans you may qualify for.
- Talk with a free or low-cost HUD-approved housing counselor. Find one near you.
- Ask each lender which of these programs they work with, and compare Loan Estimates from at least three.
- Follow the step-by-step home buyer’s guide from budget to keys.
Common questions
Does Washington have down payment help for home buyers?
Yes. Programs from the Washington State Housing Finance Commission include Home Advantage down payment assistance, Veterans DPA. Income limits apply, through a Commission-trained loan officer. Funding and rules change often, so check with the agency or a participating lender.
Does Washington have a homestead or property tax exemption for homeowners?
Yes. Homeowners who live in the home may qualify for: . Apply with your county assessor; most exemptions aren't automatic.
Is there help for veterans buying a home in Washington?
VA home loans are available in every state, often with no down payment. Washington also has a program with benefits for military, veterans or other public servants: Veterans DPA.
Sources: Washington State Housing Finance Commission and Washington’s property tax office, linked above. Last checked November 11, 2026. Programs, amounts, income limits and funding change often, sometimes every year. Know Before You Own doesn’t recommend lenders or take referral fees. This page is general education, not legal, tax or lending advice. See other states.