Buying a home in California can be a challenge, especially when it comes to saving for a down payment. Fortunately, there are numerous programs available to help you bridge the gap. This page will guide you through various down payment assistance programs offered throughout California.

Statewide Programs:

CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program: This program offers up to 3.5% of the purchase price or appraised value (whichever is less) to assist first-time homebuyers with down payment and closing costs.

CalHFA Forgivable Equity Builder Assistance Loan Program (FEBL): FEBL provides 10% that can be applied towards your down payment or closing costs and is 100% forgiven after 5 years.

Dream For All Homebuyer Assistance Program: This program provides up to 20% down payment assistance for moderate-income first-time homebuyers.  There is a shared appreciation/equity feature attached to this program, so be sure to understand the details.

Golden Opportunities Down Payment Assistance Program: This new program offers up to 5% down payment assistance with no income limits and a minimum credit score of 620.

GSFA HFA Platinum Grant: The Golden State Finance Authority offers a 3% to 5% grant to help finance your home purchase. This program is open to both first-time and repeat homebuyers.

CalHERO Down Payment Assistance: This program offers forgivable grants to eligible public servants including peace officers, firefighters, paramedics, nurses, teachers, veterans, and military personnel.

Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): The Mortgage Credit Certificate makes home ownership more affordable for first-time homebuyers by reducing a buyer's federal income tax liability.

CalHFA School Teacher & Employee Assistance Program (STEAP): STEAP provides down payment assistance to eligible teachers, administrators, school district employees, and support staff at K-12 public and charter schools, district offices, and continuation schools.

Programs with Discontinued Status (for informational purposes only):

California Homebuyer's Down Payment Assistance Program (CHDAP): This program has been discontinued and replaced by the MyHome Assistance Program.

Extra Credit Teacher Program (ECTP): This program is no longer offered.

County and Local Programs:

Many counties and cities offer their own down payment assistance programs.  These programs may have specific eligibility requirements and property location restrictions.  We recommend contacting a local housing agency or lender to explore these options. Here are some examples:

Riverside County Down Payment Assistance: Funded by the Economic Development Agency (EDA), this program offers up to 20% assistance but has stricter requirements.

City of Riverside Down Payment Assistance: Up to $50,000 assistance (silent 2nd loan) available to low-income first-time homebuyers within city limits.

San Bernardino County Home Ownership Assistance Program: Offered by the Dept. of Community Development and Housing. Funds can be used for down payment or closing costs.

Housing Authority of San Bernardino Homeownership Assistance Program: Requires residency in San Bernardino County for 1 year prior to applying and participation in a housing program.

SCHFA FIRST HOME Grant Mortgage Program: Offered by the Southern California Home Financing Authority, this program provides up to 4% for a down payment in Orange or Los Angeles Counties.

Los Angeles County Programs:

Home Ownership Program (HOP): Up to $60,000 for down payment and closing costs for first-time buyers in unincorporated areas and participating cities.

Low Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA): Up to $90,000 down payment assistance on 1-unit properties for first-time homebuyers in the city of Los Angeles only (restrictions apply).

Moderate Income Purchase Assistance (MIPA): Loan of up to $60,000 for down payment, closing costs for first-time buyers earning between 81-150% AMI (restrictions apply).

Santa Ana My First Home Down Payment Assistance Program: Up to $40,000 for first-time homebuyers in the city of Santa Ana.

Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services (NPHS) Programs: Offers down payment assistance programs in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

Other Programs:

Chenoa Fund Downpayment Assistance: Offers 3.5% of the sales price to meet the minimum down payment requirement when using an FHA loan.

NHF Sapphire Grant: NHF provides up to 4% grant money for eligible homebuyers that never has to be repaid.

HELP Down Payment Assistance Grant: Provides 4.5% grant that can be applied towards the down payment