Down Payment Assistance
Down Payment Assistance in California (2026)
California homebuyers can access up to $27,475 in down payment assistance through the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). On the state's $787,508 median home price, that covers roughly 17% of a standard 20% down payment. California has 2 state DPA programs total, including a first-generation homebuyer option (extra help for buyers whose parents never owned a home).
New to this? Quick definitions
- DPA —
- down payment assistance. Money — as a grant or loan — that helps cover the upfront cash you'd otherwise need to buy a home.
- Grant vs. loan —
- a grant is money you never repay. A loan (forgivable, deferred, or repayable) can come with strings attached, even at 0% interest.
- Forgivable loan —
- the balance is wiped out over time if you stay in the home — but it's still a real loan until then, and selling or refinancing early can trigger repayment.
- Deferred loan (silent second) —
- a second loan on your home with no monthly payments, often called a "silent second" because you won't notice it until you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage — that's when it comes due.
- AMI —
- Area Median Income. The midpoint household income for your county, used to set eligibility — programs list limits as a percentage of AMI (e.g. 80% of AMI).
- Income limit —
- the maximum household income you can earn and still qualify, based on where you live and how many people are in your household.
- Purchase price cap —
- the maximum home price a program will help you buy — homes priced above the cap don't qualify, even if your income does.
Do you likely qualify?
The CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program caps the home purchase price at $978,780 rather than using an income limit — check that cap against homes you're considering.
Primary Program: CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program
maximum assistance
0% interest, no monthly payments. Repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage — this is sometimes called a "silent second" because you won't notice it until then.
- Administering Agency
- California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA)
- Purchase Price Cap
- $978,780
Additional California DPA Programs
CalHFA Dream For All
Shared Appreciation Loan$150,000
Shared appreciation loan — the state receives a proportional share of your home's appreciation when you sell or refinance, in exchange for no monthly payments now.
Apply / Learn MoreHow Down Payment Assistance Works
Most state DPA programs are layered on top of a first mortgage — you apply through an approved lender who originates both the primary loan and the DPA second lien at the same closing. The DPA funds reduce the cash you need upfront.
Grants
Free money — no repayment ever. Typically the smallest amounts but highest value.
Forgivable Loans
Balance forgiven after a set period (usually 3–15 years) if you stay in the home. Selling early triggers repayment.
Deferred Loans
No monthly payments. Balance due when you sell, refinance, or pay off your mortgage.
Mistakes first-time buyers make
- Assuming you don't qualify without actually checking the income limit for your county and household size.
- Treating a "forgivable" loan as free money — it can still come due in full if you sell or refinance before the forgiveness term ends.
- Stacking programs incorrectly, or assuming state and local programs combine automatically without confirming with your lender.
- Skipping the required homebuyer education course, which can delay or disqualify your application at closing.
Pro tips
- Talk to a HUD-approved housing counselor first — it's free and they know every program you may qualify for, not just the state's.
- Apply for mortgage pre-approval alongside your DPA program application; most DPA funds are disbursed through an approved lender at the same closing.
- Check local city and county programs in addition to the state program above — many are stackable and cover different costs.
- Ask exactly what triggers repayment on any loan-based assistance before you sign, not after.
Down Payment Calculator
Down Payment Planner
California median pre-loaded
Your Savings Plan
Timeline
26.3 yrs
saving $500/mo
No PMI at 20% down
20% or more avoids private mortgage insurance entirely.
Estimate only — does not include investment returns on savings.
Full Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
What down payment assistance is available in California?
California's primary DPA program is the CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program, administered by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). It provides up to $27,475 as a deferred loan. 0% interest, no monthly payments. Repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage — this is sometimes called a "silent second" because you won't notice it until then. Additional programs include CalHFA Dream For All.
How much down payment do I need in California after using DPA?
On a $787,508 home (California median), a 20% down payment is $157,502. With the CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program covering $27,475, your remaining gap would be $130,027. Many buyers combine DPA with a 3–5% conventional or FHA loan to reduce their cash needed further.
Do I have to repay California down payment assistance?
0% interest, no monthly payments. Repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage — this is sometimes called a "silent second" because you won't notice it until then.
Can I combine California DPA with other assistance programs?
Yes — California's DPA programs can generally be combined ("stacked") with local city and county assistance programs, employer homebuyer benefits, and federal programs. Check with an approved lender or HUD-approved counselor to identify all programs you qualify for.
Is there a first-generation homebuyer program in California?
Yes — California offers a first-generation homebuyer program for buyers whose parents never owned a home. This program typically provides enhanced assistance amounts or better terms. See the secondary programs section on this page and apply through the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).
What are the income limits for California down payment assistance?
The CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program uses a dollar-based income limit rather than a percentage of AMI. Check the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) website for current limits in your area.
Related Calculators
Home Affordability Calculator
See how much home you can afford in California
PMI Calculator
Estimate private mortgage insurance on lower down payments
California First-Time Buyer Programs
State mortgage programs with low rates and low down payments
Mortgage Payments by Price
See full PITI costs for 8 home prices in California, from $200K to $750K
What to do next
Down payment assistance is one piece of the puzzle. Here's where to go depending on where you are in the process.
Not sure if you qualify?
Check the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) income limits above before ruling yourself out — many buyers qualify without realizing it.
Want the full true cost picture?
DPA covers the down payment, not your ongoing costs. See the true cost of owning a home in California for the full monthly picture.
Ready to apply?
Most DPA funds are disbursed through an approved lender at closing — get pre-approved and ask specifically about CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program when you apply.