California State Programs

Down Payment AssistanceMake Homeownership Possible

Get up to 20% down payment assistance through California state programs. We'll guide you through eligibility, applications, and closing.

Up to 20%

Down Payment Help

$30K+

Average Assistance

0%

Interest Rate

Calculate Your Assistance

See how much help you could receive

Available Programs

Multiple California programs to help you buy your first home or move up

California Housing Finance Agency
CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program
Assistance Amount:Up to 3.5% of purchase price
Interest Rate:0% deferred payment loan
Eligibility:First-time homebuyers, income limits apply

Program Highlights:

  • Down payment and closing cost assistance
  • No monthly payments required
  • Loan forgiven after 30 years or repaid on sale
  • Must occupy as primary residence
  • Can be combined with CalPLUS or FHA loans
State of California
California Dream For All
Assistance Amount:Up to 20% of home price (max $150K)
Interest Rate:Shared appreciation loan
Eligibility:First-time buyers, income and purchase price limits

Program Highlights:

  • Significant down payment assistance
  • No monthly payments required
  • 20% of appreciation shared when sold
  • Available for qualified first-time buyers
  • Can be combined with other CalHFA programs
California Housing Finance Agency
CalPLUS Conventional Loan
Assistance Amount:Up to 97% LTV financing
Interest Rate:Competitive fixed rates
Eligibility:First-time and repeat buyers

Program Highlights:

  • Low down payment (3% down)
  • No monthly mortgage insurance with some options
  • Can be combined with MyHome Assistance
  • Flexible credit requirements (min 660 score)
CalHFA
Extra Credit Teacher Home Purchase Program
Assistance Amount:Up to 4% closing cost assistance
Interest Rate:0% deferred loan
Eligibility:Teachers and school employees

Program Highlights:

  • Exclusive for K-12 educators and staff
  • Combined with other CalHFA programs
  • Forgivable after 36 months of residence
  • Must be employed full-time in California schools
California Housing Finance Agency
CalHFA ADU Grant Program
Assistance Amount:Up to $40,000
Interest Rate:0% interest grant
Eligibility:First-time homebuyers building ADU

Program Highlights:

  • Grant for constructing Accessory Dwelling Units
  • Create rental income opportunity
  • No repayment if used as intended
  • Promotes affordable housing solutions
CalHFA
Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
Assistance Amount:Up to $2,000 annual tax credit
Interest Rate:20% of mortgage interest
Eligibility:First-time and repeat buyers

Program Highlights:

  • Federal tax credit for mortgage interest
  • Increases buying power by reducing taxes
  • Valid for life of the loan
  • Can be combined with down payment assistance
Federal Housing Administration
FHA 203(k) Rehabilitation Loan
Assistance Amount:Purchase + renovation costs
Interest Rate:FHA rates with 3.5% down
Eligibility:All buyers, credit score 580+

Program Highlights:

  • Buy and renovate with one loan
  • Include repair costs in mortgage
  • Ideal for fixer-uppers
  • Can use with CalHFA assistance
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Home Loan
Assistance Amount:100% financing (0% down)
Interest Rate:Competitive VA rates
Eligibility:Military veterans and active duty

Program Highlights:

  • No down payment required
  • No monthly mortgage insurance
  • Competitive interest rates
  • Flexible credit requirements

How It Works

5 simple steps to get your down payment assistance

Check Eligibility

Review program requirements and income limits

Calculate Benefits

Estimate your down payment assistance amount

Connect with Lender

Work with approved CalHFA lenders

Find Your Home

Shop with pre-approval in hand

Close & Move In

Complete purchase with assistance funds

Program Eligibility Requirements

Understanding what you need to qualify for down payment assistance

Credit Requirements
  • Minimum credit score: 640-660 for most programs
  • FHA loans: 580+ credit score accepted
  • Clean credit history with no recent bankruptcies
  • Debt-to-income ratio typically under 45%
Income Limits (Bay Area)
  • Santa Clara County: Up to $208,050 (1 person)
  • San Francisco: Up to $175,000 (1 person)
  • Alameda County: Up to $165,700 (1 person)
  • Limits increase with household size
Property Requirements
  • Must be your primary residence
  • 1-4 unit properties eligible
  • Purchase price limits by county (varies)
  • Must meet property condition standards

Local Bay Area Programs

Additional assistance available from county and city programs

Santa Clara County Programs

  • Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP)

    Up to $110,000 in down payment assistance for eligible buyers

  • Below Market Rate (BMR) Program

    Affordable homes at reduced prices in new developments

San Francisco Programs

  • Downpayment Assistance Loan Program (DALP)

    Up to $375,000 for qualified first-time buyers

  • Below Market Rate Ownership

    Income-restricted homeownership opportunities

Alameda County Programs

  • EBPREC Down Payment Assistance

    East Bay Partnership grants for qualified buyers

  • City of Oakland Programs

    Additional local assistance for Oakland residents

San Mateo County Programs

  • First-Time Homebuyer Program

    County assistance for eligible first-time buyers

  • Affordable Housing Opportunities

    Below-market-rate units in county developments

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Get Started?

Let us help you navigate California's down payment assistance programs and find the best options for your situation.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact our team today for a free consultation. We're here to answer your questions and help you achieve your real estate goals.

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