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Down Payment Assistance in California — Grants & Programs for First-Time Buyers
The down payment is often the biggest barrier to homeownership. The good news? California offers some of the most generous down payment assistance programs in the nation. From state-funded grants to local programs and forgivable loans, you may qualify for $10,000 to $150,000+ toward your home purchase.
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See Which Programs You Qualify For
No impact to your credit score.
See Which Programs You Qualify For
No impact to your credit score.
California State Down Payment Assistance Programs
California offers several state-funded programs to help first-time buyers with their down payment and closing costs.
California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan
California's flagship program — up to 20% of the purchase price (up to $150,000)
How it works
State provides up to 20% down payment as a silent second loan
Repayment
When you sell, refinance, or pay off first mortgage
Shared appreciation
Repay original amount plus share of home's appreciation
Income limits
Vary by county (up to 150% of area median income)
First-time buyer
Yes (or haven't owned in 3 years)
Availability
Limited funding — opens annually and depletes quickly
CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program
Deferred-payment junior loan up to 3.5% of purchase price
Maximum assistance
3.5% of purchase price or appraised value
Repayment
Deferred until sale, refinance, or payoff
Interest
Simple interest at the rate of your first mortgage
Income limits
CalHFA income limits by county
Can combine with
CalHFA first mortgage programs
Eligible properties
Single-family homes, condos, and manufactured housing on permanent foundations
Bay Area Local Down Payment Assistance Programs
In addition to state programs, many Bay Area counties offer their own assistance programs for local buyers.
San Francisco
DALP (Down Payment Assistance Loan Program)
Up to $500,000
Income-restricted, lottery-based
San Mateo County
HEART Program
Up to $200,000
Deferred loan for essential workers
Santa Clara County
Empower Homebuyers
Up to $200,000
Low-to-moderate income buyers
Alameda County
Homebuyer Program
Up to $100,000
Deferred second mortgage
Contra Costa County
First-Time Buyer Program
Up to $50,000
Down payment assistance
Marin County
Below Market Rate (BMR)
Up to $150,000
Income-qualified homebuyers
Down Payment Assistance Eligibility Requirements
General requirements across most programs:
First-time buyer status
Haven't owned in past 3 years (exceptions for some programs)
Income limits
Typically 80-150% of Area Median Income
Primary residence
Must occupy as primary home
Homebuyer education
Most require HUD-approved course completion
Credit score
Usually 640-680 minimum
Property limits
Maximum purchase price varies by program and county
Income Limits Example (2024)
Types of Down Payment Assistance
Understanding the different types helps you choose the best option for your situation.
Grants
Free money — no repayment required.
Best for: Maximum benefit, limited availability
Forgivable Loans
Forgiven after 5-10 years of ownership.
Best for: Planning to stay long-term
Deferred Loans
No payments until sale/refinance/payoff.
Best for: Reducing monthly costs now
Shared Appreciation Loans
Repay original plus share of appreciation.
Best for: Accessing larger assistance amounts
Repayable Loans
Monthly payments required.
Best for: Those who don't qualify for other options
Employer-Assisted Housing
Employer provides funds toward your down payment.
Best for: Tech, healthcare, and education workers
How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance
Determine Eligibility
Check your income, first-time buyer status, and county program availability.
Complete Homebuyer Education
Take a HUD-approved homebuyer education course (typically 8 hours).
Get Pre-Approved
Work with a participating lender — not all lenders offer DPA programs.
Apply for Programs
Submit applications for specific programs through your approved lender.
Find Your Home
Search for homes within the program's price limits and eligible areas.
Close with DPA Funds
DPA funds are applied to your down payment and/or closing costs at closing.
Important: Many programs have limited funding. Apply early and work with experienced DPA lenders.
Loan Programs for Every Need
We offer a comprehensive range of mortgage products. The right loan depends on your situation, goals, and financial profile — and we'll help you find the perfect fit.
DSCR Loans
Best for: investors qualifying by rental income.
How it works: Approval is based on property cash flow, not personal income.
Key features:
- No personal income docs
- 620+ credit, 20–25% down
- Unlimited properties
Conventional Investment Loans
Best for: strong W-2 investors.
How it works: You qualify using personal income, credit, and assets.
Key features:
- Lowest rates
- 620+ credit (700+ ideal)
- Up to 10 properties
Portfolio Loans Options
Best for: complex or large portfolios.
How it works: Lender creates a custom loan outside standard guidelines.
Key features:
- Flexible underwriting
- Finance 10+ properties
- Relationship-based
Fix & Flip (Bridge Loans)
Best for: renovate-and-sell investors.
How it works: Short-term loan for purchase and rehab, repaid at sale or refi.
Key features:
- Fast closings (7–14 days)
- Based on ARV
- Covers purchase + rehab
Cash-Out Refinance (Investors)
Best for: pulling equity to reinvest.
How it works: Refinance and extract cash from existing property value.
Key features:
- Access up to 75–80% value
- Use funds for any purpose
- DSCR or conventional options
Blanket Loans
Best for: multiple properties.
How it works: One loan covers several properties under one payment.
Key features:
- One loan, one payment
- Finance 5+ properties
- Portfolio consolidation
Short-Term Rental Loans
Best for: Airbnb/VRBO investors.
How it works: Qualify using projected or actual short-term rental income.
Key features:
- DSCR-based
- 20–25% down
- Uses STR income data
Bank Statement Loans
Best for: self-employed borrowers without traditional income docs.
How it works: You qualify using 12–24 months of bank deposits instead of tax returns.
Key features:
- No W-2s or tax returns
- Personal or business statements
- 620+ credit typical
- 10–20% down
DPA Questions, Answered
Everything you need to know about down payment assistance. Can't find your answer? Reach out and we'll help.
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