EXHIBIT 5



                                        April 6, 2000



Washington Homes, Inc.
1802 Brightseat Road
Landover, MD  20785-4234

Dear Sir or Madam:

     I have acted as counsel for Washington Homes, Inc. (the "Company") in
connection in the offering of 1,500,000 shares of voting Common Stock ($.01 par
value) (the "Offering") pursuant to a registration statement of Form S-8 under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Registration Statement") relating
to the Company's Employee Stock Option Plan. In connection therewith, I have
reviewed such documents and proceedings and given regard to such legal
principles as I have deemed relevant.

     Based on the foregoing, I am of the opinion that shares of the Company's
voting Common Stock ($.01 par value) to be sold in the Offering, when issued and
sold in accordance with the provisions of the Registration Statement, will be
legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of the Company.

     I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an Exhibit to the
Registration Statement.

                                        Very truly yours,



                                        Laurence R. Jaffe
                                        General Counsel