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.
>>>DISCOVER: 10 Most Affordable Housing Markets in California
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, either as a grant (for select occupations like teachers or first responders) or as a repayable second mortgage with a 15-year term and monthly payments.
Eligibility: Open to first-time and repeat buyers with a minimum credit score of 640 (may vary) and meet income limits (may vary). Available with almost all types of loans.
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.
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 offers deferred-payment assistance loans up to $100,000 (HOP80) or $85,000 (HOP120), depending on income level, with 0% interest, no monthly payments, and a shared appreciation agreement upon resale or refinance.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time buyer purchasing in eligible areas of Los Angeles County, with income no higher than $82,750 (HOP80) or $124,800 (HOP120), a minimum 1% personal contribution, a purchase price at or below caps, and a completed homebuyer education course.
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, with repayment due at resale or refinance.
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 up to 120% if buying in a designated low/moderate census tract), and must complete a HUD-approved education course.
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 income no higher than $121,150 (2025) for a 4-person household, a minimum credit score of 660, a minimum 1% contribution from personal funds, and a purchase price under $1,081,100 (2025) for a single-family home.
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. The program had run out of funding when we visited the website, but you could sign up for an email alert to tell you when new money becomes available.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time buyer living or working in San Francisco with a 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, a minimum 3% contribution, and a purchase price under $930,622 (2025).
There is also an SDHC First-Time Homebuyer Middle-Income Program for those with incomes between 80% and 120% of AMI. Click the link for details of benefits and eligibility.
City of Oakland – Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP)
Oakland’s MAP says, "City-assisted below market rate [BMR] homes have deed restrictions that restrict sales to purchasers who meet the unit's Affordable Housing Program eligibility criteria. The resale terms for each property are unique, so contact the seller's agent for the disclosure package detailing the property's Affordable Housing Program terms, deed restrictions, and the application forms."
Alameda County Boost offers, via a lottery, shared equity loans of up to $103,550 for a single person and $210,000 for a large household for first-time homebuyers who live in, work in, or have been displaced from Alameda County.
Other Down Payment Assistance Programs
Here are some extra options beyond the programs covered above.
Statewide Programs
Chenoa Fund (Nationwide program available in California)
County Programs
City Programs
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.
