California is home to one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the U.S. As a result, home prices and availability can vary significantly depending on the region, from coastal cities to inland communities. For many buyers, purchasing involves not only understanding local market trends but also exploring the programs designed to make homeownership more accessible.
One key resource is California’s range of down payment assistance (DPA) programs at the state, county, and city levels. These include grants, deferred-payment loans, and shared appreciation options that can significantly lower upfront costs and make purchasing a home easier.
This article highlights some of the most accessible and well-funded DPA programs available across California. While not all-inclusive, it focuses on widely used options and is updated regularly to reflect changes in program availability and terms.
What Is AMI?
AMI stands for Area Median Income, and many down payment assistance programs have eligibility rules regarding how an applicant's income compares to their local AMI. Keep in mind, though, that what matters is the AMI for the area where the property you want to buy is located, not where you currently live.
Example: A DPA program perhaps requires that you make 120% or less of AMI. You find a house where the AMI is $85,000 per year. You make $98,000 per year, below the program cap of $102,000 so you may be eligible.
You can look up AMI by property address using Fannie Mae’s map tool.
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Statewide Down Payment Assistance Programs
California homebuyers can access several powerful programs no matter where they live in the state. These are typically run through CalHFA or the Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA), and many are designed for first-time buyers.
CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program
The CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program offers a deferred-payment loan to cover the down payment and/or closing costs, up to 3.5% of the purchase price for FHA loans or 3% for conventional loans, with no monthly payments and repayment due only when the home is sold, refinanced, or paid off.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time homebuyer using a CalHFA first mortgage who meets minimum credit score requirements, meets CalHFA’s county-specific income limits, and completes a homebuyer course.
GSFA Platinum Program
The GSFA Platinum Program provides up to 5.5% of the loan amount for down payment and closing costs. Depending on the program option, assistance may include a repayable second mortgage and gift funds that do not require repayment.
Eligibility: Open to first-time and repeat buyers with minimum credit scores generally starting at 640 and income limits that vary by program option. Available with several types of loans, including FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional financing.
CalHFA ZIP (Zero Interest Program)
The CalHFA ZIP Program offers up to 3% of the loan amount to cover closing costs in the form of a zero-interest, deferred second loan when paired with a CalPLUS first mortgage.
Eligibility: Generally requires pairing with a CalPLUS loan, income within CalHFA’s limits, a minimum credit score, and first-time homebuyer status as defined by CalHFA guidelines.
California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan
The California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan provides up to 20% of the home purchase price for down payment and/or closing costs, capped at $150,000. When the home is sold, transferred, or the first mortgage is paid in full, the buyer repays the original assistance plus a share of the home’s appreciation.
Eligibility: All borrowers must be first-time homebuyers, at least one borrower must be a first-generation homebuyer, at least one borrower must be a current California resident, and household income must meet CalHFA county limits. Access is through periodic registration windows and a randomized drawing for vouchers.
Down Payment Assistance Programs by County
Many California counties offer their own localized programs, typically for buyers purchasing in unincorporated areas or cities that don’t offer standalone programs.
Los Angeles County HOP (Home Ownership Program)
L.A. County’s HOP currently offers deferred-payment assistance through HOP80 and HOP120 of up to $100,000, or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less. The loans carry 0% interest, require no monthly payments, and include shared-equity repayment terms.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time buyer purchasing in an eligible area of Los Angeles County, with household income at or below 80% of AMI for HOP80 or 120% of AMI for HOP120, a minimum 1% personal contribution, and a completed homebuyer education course. The maximum purchase price is $700,000 for HOP80 and $850,000 for HOP120.
Orange County Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP)
The Orange County MAP offers up to $80,000 as a "silent" (no monthly payments) second loan with 3% deferred interest over 30 years to help with down payment and closing costs.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time buyer purchasing in an eligible Orange County city. A 1% minimum down payment is required, and the total sales prices must not exceed 85% of the Orange County median sales price for all homes. The completion of a homebuyer education course is also required.
Inland Empire DPA (Riverside & San Bernardino Counties)
Inland Empire DPA offers a deferred, zero-interest loan up to $40,000 to help cover the down payment. No payments are required for up to 30 years.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time buyer purchasing in Riverside or San Bernardino County, with income at or below 80% of the area median income (or higher income eligibility when purchasing in a designated low-to-moderate income census tract), and must complete a HUD-approved education course.
At the time of this update, all available program funds had been committed.
Riverside County PLHA First Time Home Buyer Program
The Riverside County PLHA First Time Home Buyer Program provides down payment assistance of up to 20% of the home purchase price, capped at $100,000, through a 0%-interest deferred second mortgage with no monthly payments. If the buyer meets program requirements for the full 30-year affordability period, the assistance converts to a grant and does not have to be repaid.
Eligibility: Buyers must be first-time homebuyers, have household income at or below 120% of AMI, purchase in an eligible unincorporated area or participating city within Riverside County, meet current program purchase-price limits, qualify for a first mortgage through a participating lender, and complete HUD-approved homebuyer education.
Alameda County AC Boost
Alameda County Boost provides shared-appreciation loans of up to $210,000 to help eligible first-time buyers purchase a home in Alameda County. The loan carries no interest and requires no monthly payments. When repayment is triggered, borrowers repay the original principal plus a proportional share of any increase in the home’s value.
Eligibility: Household income must be at or below 120% of AMI, and buyers must live or work in Alameda County or have been displaced from the county within the last 10 years. Educators and first responders receive preference, and buyers must contribute their own funds and qualify for a first mortgage from a participating lender.
Down Payment Assistance Programs by City
Many of California’s largest cities have their own dedicated down payment assistance programs, some offering very generous loan amounts.
City of Los Angeles – Low-Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA)
LA’s LIPA Program offers a deferred second loan of up to $161,000 with 0% interest and no monthly payments, and the city shares in the appreciation when the home is sold or refinanced.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time buyer purchasing in the City of Los Angeles, with household income at or below 80% of AMI (up to $133,250 for a 4-person household in 2026), a minimum credit score of 660, a minimum 1% contribution from personal funds, and a purchase price at or below $956,465.
City of San Francisco – Downpayment Assistance Loan Program (DALP)
San Francisco’s DALP provides up to $500,000 as a silent second loan with no interest or monthly payments and repayment tied to a proportional share of home appreciation. Applications were closed when we visited the website, but you could sign up for an email alert to learn when the program is offered again.
Eligibility: Must meet the program’s first-time homebuyer requirements, purchase and occupy a home in San Francisco, have household income up to 200% of AMI, contribute at least 1% of the purchase price, and apply through a lottery system.
City of San Diego – First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program
The San Diego First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program for low-income borrowers includes a deferred loan of up to $125,000 and a grant of up to $10,000 for closing costs.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time buyer purchasing in the City of San Diego, with household income at or below 80% of AMI, meet the program’s borrower contribution requirements, and purchase a home priced at or below $883,025.
At the time of this update, SDHC listed no funding available for the low-income program.
There is also an SDHC First-Time Homebuyer Middle-Income Program for those with incomes between 80% and 150% of AMI. It offers a $40,000 deferred down payment assistance loan plus a $10,000 closing cost grant. Click the link for details of benefits and eligibility.
City of Anaheim – My Anaheim Home
The My Anaheim Home Program offers a $50,000 loan to help with a home down payment. Assistance is structured as a 30-year deferred loan with no monthly payments and 1% simple interest. Buyers must contribute at least 3% of the purchase price, and total down payment assistance can cover up to 20% of the purchase price.
Eligibility: Buyers must meet program income and purchase-price limits, have not owned a home in the past three years, purchase an eligible home within Anaheim city limits, occupy it as a primary residence, and complete an approved homebuyer seminar. Priority is given to applicants who have lived or worked in Anaheim for the previous 12 months.
City of Elk Grove – Homebuyer Assistance Program
The Elk Grove Homebuyer Assistance Program offers a 30-year deferred-payment second mortgage of up to $59,650 or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less, at 3% interest with no monthly payments. Up to 3% of the purchase price may be used for non-recurring closing costs.
Eligibility: Buyers must be first-time homebuyers with household income at or below 80% of AMI, purchase and occupy an eligible home within Elk Grove, have a minimum credit score of 650, complete an 8-hour homebuyer counseling course, and stay within the program’s current purchase-price limit.
Other Down Payment Assistance Programs
Here are some extra options beyond the programs covered above.
Statewide Programs
- GSFA Golden Opportunities
- FHLB WISH Grant
- FHLBank San Francisco Middle-Income Downpayment Assistance
- ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance
- Chenoa Fund (Nationwide program available in California)
County Programs
- San Diego County DCCA
- San Diego County Moderate-Income Down Payment Assistance
- Housing Trust Silicon Valley Home Access Program
City Programs
- City of Santa Ana – My First Home Program
- City of Emeryville – First-Time Homebuyer Loan
- City of Ontario – Keys to Community First-Time Homebuyer Program
- City of Palmdale – Down Payment Assistance Program
- City of Upland – First Time Home Buyer Program
Types of Mortgages With Low Down Payment Requirements
Trying to choose the right type of home loan? Here are some common mortgage options that have low down payment requirements.
Note: Not all DPA programs work with every loan type. Check with the specific program you're interested in for compatible types of mortgages.
- Conventional: Conventional loans typically require just 5% down, although specific programs like Conventional 97 (first-time buyers) and Home Possible (lower-income buyers) allow you to buy with a 3% down payment.
- FHA: FHA mortgages have reduced qualification requirements, making it easier for most buyers to get approved, and required just a 3.5% down payment in most cases.
- VA: VA loans are available to veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses, and come lower interest rates and the ability to buy with a 0% down payment requirement.
- USDA: USDA loans let you purchase a home in designated low-population rural communities while making a 0% down payment.
Final Thoughts
California’s housing market is one of the most expensive and competitive in the country, but there are numerous assistance programs available to help with upfront costs. With dozens of state, county, and city programs, first-time and eligible repeat buyers can access tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in assistance. Use our loan calculators to estimate your monthly payments, and keep up to date with current mortgage rates to make informed decisions.
If you're planning to buy in California, taking advantage of these programs could make a real difference.
Check with the organization directly for the most recent guidelines. While programs were fact-checked at the time of writing, requirements change often, and programs become unavailable when funds are exhausted.
