Homeownership Study

On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the Housing Arlington Homeownership Study concluded with the presentation(PDF, 2MB) of a vision, goals, and recommendations for Arlington’s affordable homeownership programs to the County Board. These programs now better align with community priorities such as racial and social equity. The recommendations include modifying existing homeownership programs, relaunching a Home Improvement Loan Program, and starting two new programs. To stay informed on implementation of the recommendations, please subscribe to Housing News & Notes. To receive notifications specific to the County’s homeownership programs (e.g., availability of Affordable Dwelling Units), please fill out this form.

For many Americans, their home represents their largest and highest-value investment, and homeownership allows them to build wealth and enjoy economic and social benefits. Homeownership opportunities, however, have historically not been distributed equitably. Offering homeownership programs can be an effective way for local governments to address the racial wealth gap and decades-old inequalities.

Arlington’s current programs are designed to provide greater access to homeownership primarily for households earning below 80 percent of area median income (AMI), but do not necessarily help to build wealth. 

To better clarify the needs and goals of the community, Arlington has launched a Homeownership Study that will:

• clarify the community’s values and goals related to homeownership, 
• examine the appropriateness of current homeownership program outcomes,
• assess opportunities for potential homebuyers and existing homeowners, and
• determine whether existing programs support Arlington’s homeownership goals. 

The study is part of the Housing Arlington program and is one of many tools the County is using to address housing needs in the community. 

What's New?

• Homeownership Study Recommendations
  • County Staff Response to Consultant Recommendations(PDF, 4MB) (revised November 2024)
  • Consultant Report: Arlington County Homeownership Study Program Recommendations(PDF, 820KB) (posted September 2024)
  • Staff Response to Final Feedback on Recommendations(PDF, 472KB) (posted December 2024) 
  • Presentation to County Board(PDF, 2MB) (posted December 2024)
• (PDF, 820KB)Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) Grant Application(PDF, 3MB) (final version as submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development; posted October 2024)
• Homeownership Study Phase 2 Report(PDF, 7MB) (posted September 2023)
• July 22 Homeownership Study Community Workshop | Presentation(PDF, 2MB)
• July 11 Homeownership Subcommittee Work Session | (PDF, 2MB)Presentation(PDF, 690KB)
• (PDF, 2MB)Community Engagement Partner Toolkit
• Roundtable and Focus Group Summary Report(PDF, 375KB) (posted May 2023) │Addendum to Roundtable Report(PDF, 121KB) (posted November 2023)
• Overviews (posted May 2023): Study Scope(PDF, 77KB) │ Homeownership in Arlington(PDF, 56KB) │ Existing Programs(PDF, 112KB)
• Analysis of Arlington County Homebuyer Programs(PDF, 4MB) (posted February 2023)
• Analysis of Ownership Housing and Barriers to Homeownership in Arlington County (posted October 2022)

Key Background

What do we already know about owners, sales, and prices of homes in Arlington?

Study Process & Community Engagement

Review the study scope and timeline. Learn about opportunities to get involved in this study.

Study Documents

This page will be a repository of documents related to the study.