California Down Payment Assistance Programs 2026

Statewide Programs (CalHFA)

The California Housing Finance Agency runs the state's primary DPA programs.

CalHFA Conventional Loan Program

30-Year Fixed Rate

A conventional first mortgage with a competitive, fixed interest rate. Combine with MyHome Assistance for down payment help.

Who: First-time homebuyers (haven't owned in 3+ years)
Min credit: 660
Income limit: Varies by county (typically ~$180,000–$300,000+)
Homebuyer education: Required (eHome or GGBA course)
Occupancy: Must be primary residence

CalHFA FHA Loan Program

Government-Backed

An FHA-insured first mortgage with a CalHFA-set fixed rate. Slightly more flexible credit requirements than conventional.

Who: First-time homebuyers
Min credit: 660 (CalHFA overlay)
Down payment: 3.5% (can be covered by MyHome)
MIP: Required for life of loan
Property: Must meet FHA property standards

MyHome Assistance Program

Up to 3.5% of Purchase Price

A deferred-payment, simple-interest junior loan (second mortgage) that covers your down payment and/or closing costs. You don't pay it back until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.

Amount: Up to 3.5% of purchase price or appraised value (whichever is less)
Repayment: Deferred — no monthly payments
Interest: Simple interest at the CalHFA first mortgage rate
Combine with: CalHFA Conventional or FHA first mortgage
Must complete: Homebuyer education course

CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP)

Zero Interest

A zero-interest, deferred-payment junior loan for closing costs. Typically around 2–3% of the first mortgage amount.

Amount: Up to 3% of first mortgage loan amount
Interest: 0%
Repayment: Due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage
Pair with: CalHFA FHA loan + MyHome

Local & County Programs

Many counties and cities offer their own DPA on top of state programs.

🏖️ San Diego County

San Diego Housing Commission: Up to $10,000 in closing cost assistance for incomes ≤80% AMI
County of San Diego DPA: Deferred loans for unincorporated areas, income-qualified
Carlsbad/Oceanside: Check city-specific programs for additional grants

🌴 Los Angeles County

LA County DPA: Up to $85,000 in deferred second mortgage (income-restricted)
City of LA LIPA: Low Interest Purchase Assistance — up to $120,000 for low-income buyers
Habitat for Humanity LA: Below-market purchase + down payment for qualifying families

🌁 Bay Area (SF, San Mateo, Santa Clara)

SF MOHCD DALP: Deferred loans up to $375,000+ (lottery-based, income-restricted)
San Mateo County: Opening Doors program — forgivable loans for public employees
Santa Clara County: Empower Homebuyers SCC — up to $200,000 (income-qualified)
Teacher & public employee programs: Many Bay Area cities prioritize essential workers

🏔️ Sacramento Region

Sacramento Housing: Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) — federal tax credit worth up to $2,000/yr
NeighborWorks Sacramento: DPA grants and education for first-time buyers

🍊 Orange County

OC Housing Authority: DPA forgivable loans for incomes ≤80% AMI
City of Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine: City-specific programs (check availability)

Income Limits & Eligibility

Most programs cap income at a percentage of Area Median Income (AMI).

Program	Income Limit	Credit Score	Max Assistance
CalHFA Conventional	Varies by county	660+	Below-market rate
CalHFA FHA	Varies by county	660+	Below-market rate
MyHome Assistance	Same as CalHFA	660+	3.5% of price
CalHFA ZIP	Same as CalHFA	660+	3% of loan (0% int.)
SD Housing Commission	≤80% AMI	Varies	~$10,000
LA County DPA	≤80% AMI	640+	Up to $85,000
Santa Clara Empower	≤120% AMI	Varies	Up to $200,000

Income limits change annually. Contact Mike for the latest numbers for your county.

California Down Payment Assistance Programs