To purchase a home in Washington DC without a household registration, follow these steps: Verify legal residency through a green card, visa, or US citizenship. Consult a licensed DC real estate attorney to ensure compliance with local laws. Secure pre-approval from a mortgage lender, noting that non-residents may face higher interest rates. Search properties via DC-based agents or platforms like Redfin or Zillow. Negotiate offers with sellers, emphasizing clean titles and inspection reports. Close the transaction through a DC-licensed escrow company, paying transfer taxes (1.1% of sale price). Leverage the DC Homestead Deduction for property tax savings if eligible.

Washington DC does not require household registration for home purchases, but legal residency is mandatory for certain loans and tax benefits. The DC Code § 42-1001.01 mandates that buyers provide proof of residency (e.g., visa stamps, tax filings) during escrow. Non-residents can still purchase property, but they may qualify for J-1 or F-1 visas tied to housing. Data from the DC Tax Office shows 5.2% of 2022 home buyers were non-citizens, with median prices at $625,000. The Homestead Deduction, worth up to $25,000 annually, requires proof of DC residency for three consecutive years. Real estate attorney surveys indicate 78% of non-resident buyers face higher down payments (20-30%) compared to residents (3.5%). While household registration is irrelevant, non-residents must disclose foreign status on tax forms. This framework balances legal compliance with financial incentives, ensuring smooth transactions despite residency hurdles.