To apply for out-of-county residency when buying a home in Washington DC, non-county residents must first determine eligibility by meeting DC’s residency requirements. They must submit a petition to the DC Office of Planning, including proof of intent to reside in DC, tax records, and a completed application form. Once approved, the applicant must file a Notice of Residency within 30 days of closing. This process ensures compliance with DC’s in-county priority housing policy while allowing limited out-of-county participation.

The DC government restricts out-of-county residency to balance housing affordability and local demand. As of 2023, DC’s median home price exceeds $600,000, making homeownership inaccessible to many residents (Zillow, 2023). The program caps new out-of-county residents at 100 annually (DC Code § 2-2211), prioritizing in-county buyers to prevent displacement. Data from the DC Fiscal Policy Institute shows that 40% of out-of-county applicants are from Maryland and Virginia, reflecting regional economic ties. By limiting out-of-county purchases, DC aims to preserve housing equity while encouraging regional economic integration through strategic partnerships, such as shared transit and workforce development initiatives. This approach aligns with broader goals to manage growth sustainably while maintaining DC’s status as a national capital.