Down Payment Assistance Programs in California (2026 Guide)

# Down Payment Assistance Programs in California (2026 Guide) Saving for a down payment is one of the biggest hurdles for first-time home buyers. Fortunately, California offers 3 assistance programs that can help you achieve homeownership sooner than you thought possible. ## California Housing Agency All state DPA programs are administered by California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). **Contact Information:** - Website: [https://www.calhfa.ca.gov](https://www.calhfa.ca.gov) - Phone: 916-326-8800 ## Available Programs California offers 3 major down payment assistance programs: ### MyHome Assistance Program | Feature | Details | |---------|---------| | Maximum Assistance | Up to 3.5% of purchase price or $10,000 | | Program Type | Second Mortgage | | Description | Silent second deferred loan. Repaid when home is sold, refinanced, or loan is paid off. | ### California Dream For All | Feature | Details | |---------|---------| | Maximum Assistance | Up to 20% of purchase price | | Program Type | Second Mortgage | | Description | Shared appreciation loan. State shares in future appreciation when home is sold. | ### Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) | Feature | Details | |---------|---------| | Maximum Assistance | Up to 7% of loan amount | | Program Type | Forgivable Loan | | Description | Forgivable after 5 years. Multiple programs available through GSFA. | ## How to Apply ### Step 1: Check Your Eligibility Most programs require: - First-time homebuyer status (no home ownership in past 3 years) - Income at or below program limits - Minimum credit score (usually 620-640) - Home price within program limits ### Step 2: Complete Homebuyer Education All CalHFA programs require completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. This prepares you for the responsibilities of homeownership. ### Step 3: Work with an Approved Lender CalHFA maintains a list of approved lenders trained in their programs. These lenders can help you combine DPA with your mortgage. ### Step 4: Find Your Home Once pre-approved, work with a real estate agent to find a home within program price limits. ## Combining with Your Mortgage Down payment assistance can be layered with various loan types: | Loan Type | Min Down | With CalHFA DPA | |-----------|----------|--------------------------| | FHA | 3.5% | DPA covers most or all | | Conventional | 3-5% | DPA covers most or all | | VA | 0% | DPA for closing costs | | USDA | 0% | DPA for closing costs | ## Real Cost Savings With California's median home price of $833,000: | Scenario | Down Payment Needed | With Max DPA | |----------|--------------------|--------------| | FHA (3.5%) | $29,155 | Potentially $0 | | Conventional (5%) | $41,650 | Significantly reduced | | Conventional (20%) | $166,600 | Reduced by DPA amount | ## Conclusion Don't let down payment concerns keep you from homeownership. California's DPA programs have helped thousands of first-time buyers achieve their dream. Contact CalHFA today to learn which programs you qualify for. Use our [California Mortgage Calculator](/mortgage-calculator/california) to see how DPA affects your monthly payment. --- *Source: California Housing Finance Agency. Program details subject to change. Contact CalHFA for current requirements.*