Reverse Mortgage (HECM) Guide for Washington D.C. Homeowners 62+
Washington D.C. has approximately 28,000 homeowner households led by someone 62 or older. The District's median home value of $601,000 reflects one of the most expensive housing markets on the East Coast. Long-time D.C. homeowners — particularly in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Georgetown, and Petworth — have often built very high equity. A HECM can help seniors stay in D.C.'s high-cost environment without depleting savings.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2022 1-Year Estimates (Table B25077); U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2022 1-Year Estimates (Table B25007)
$1,249,125
D.C.'s high home values mean some properties may approach or exceed the 2026 FHA HECM limit of $1,249,125. For homes above this ceiling, the HECM is sized using $1,249,125 as the maximum property value. Proprietary reverse mortgages may be available for higher-value homes.
Source: HUD Mortgagee Letter 2025-21
Washington D.C. Reverse Mortgage Protections
D.C. has notable consumer protections under the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act. D.C. requires specific written disclosures to HECM applicants about total loan costs and alternatives. The D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) regulates mortgage lenders operating in the District. These protections are in addition to the mandatory HUD counseling requirement.
Source: D.C. Code § 26-1151 et seq.; D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking
HUD-Approved Counseling in Washington D.C.
Federal law requires an independent counseling session before any HECM application. Counseling can be done by phone and typically takes 60–90 minutes. Find a HUD-approved counselor in Washington D.C. →
Washington D.C. HECM FAQ
Are HECMs available in Washington D.C.?
Yes. HECMs are available in the District of Columbia. FHA-approved lenders licensed in D.C. can originate HECM loans on eligible primary residences in the District.
Does D.C. require additional reverse mortgage counseling?
D.C. reinforces the federal HUD counseling requirement. Borrowers must complete a HUD-approved counseling session before any HECM application. D.C. lenders are also required to provide specific written disclosures about total loan costs, alternatives, and consumer rights under D.C. consumer protection law.
My D.C. home is worth over $1 million — how does the HECM limit affect me?
The 2026 FHA HECM limit of $1,249,125 caps the property value used in the loan calculation. Many D.C. homes are below this threshold, so the full appraised value is used. For homes above $1,249,125, HECM proceeds are capped accordingly. Proprietary (non-FHA) reverse mortgage products may allow higher loan amounts for high-value properties.
How do D.C. property taxes interact with a HECM?
HECM borrowers must keep D.C. property taxes current. D.C. offers a Senior Citizen Real Property Tax Relief program that provides a tax credit for qualifying seniors 70 and older with income below $150,000 — this can significantly reduce annual property tax costs, an important factor when budgeting around a HECM.
Where can I find a HUD-approved HECM counselor in Washington D.C.?
Use the HUD HECM Counselor Search (link above) filtered to the District of Columbia. Given D.C.'s size, phone counseling is often the most convenient option. Counseling is required before any application and typically takes 60–90 minutes.