California has more down payment assistance programs than any other state — and most buyers don’t know they exist. DiVita Home Finance helps California homebuyers identify and stack every program they qualify for, often combining multiple sources to cover the entire down payment and closing costs.
2026 California Down Payment Assistance Programs
CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program
- Amount: Up to 3.5% of purchase price (FHA) or 3% (conventional)
- Structure: Deferred-payment silent second mortgage — no monthly payments
- Repayment: Due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage
- Income limit: Varies by county — from $205,000 in high-cost areas to $130,000 in inland areas
- Who qualifies: First-time buyers (no home ownership in past 3 years)
- Best for: Buyers who need help with the down payment and want to keep monthly payments low
CalHFA Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan
- Amount: Up to 20% of purchase price
- Structure: State covers 20% down; you share a percentage of appreciation when you sell
- Repayment: 20% of original loan + 20% of appreciation when sold/refinanced
- Income limit: Varies — check current availability as this program opens in limited rounds
- Best for: Buyers who want to eliminate PMI and keep monthly payments minimal
CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP)
- Amount: Up to 3% of first mortgage for closing costs
- Structure: 0% interest, deferred payment
- Who qualifies: Must be used with CalHFA first mortgage
- Best for: Buyers who have the down payment but need help with closing costs
Local City and County DPA Programs
Many California cities and counties offer their own down payment assistance on top of state programs:
| Program | Area | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Los Angeles LACDA | City of LA | Up to $85,000 | Deferred loan |
| City of San Diego | San Diego | Up to $100,000 | Deferred loan |
| County of Riverside DPA | Riverside County | Up to $15,000 | Silent second |
| City of Fresno | Fresno | Up to $30,000 | Forgivable loan |
| Golden State Finance Authority | Statewide | Up to 5% | Grant or silent second |
Loan Programs That Work With California DPA
- FHA + CalHFA MyHome: 3.5% FHA down payment covered by MyHome — effectively 0% out-of-pocket down payment
- Conventional + HomeReady/Home Possible + MyHome: 3% down covered by assistance, reduced PMI
- VA + CalHFA ZIP: Veterans pay 0% down; ZIP covers closing costs
Income and Purchase Price Limits in 2026
CalHFA limits vary by county. Representative 2026 limits for common California counties:
| County | Income Limit (approx) | Purchase Price Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | ~$205,000 | ~$1,050,000 |
| San Diego | ~$200,000 | ~$980,000 |
| Alameda/Contra Costa | ~$205,000 | ~$1,050,000 |
| Sacramento | ~$155,000 | ~$700,000 |
| Riverside/San Bernardino | ~$140,000 | ~$650,000 |
| Fresno/Kern | ~$130,000 | ~$550,000 |
Limits update annually. Contact DiVita Home Finance for current figures.
Down Payment Assistance FAQs
Can I combine multiple down payment assistance programs in California?
Yes. California buyers can often stack multiple assistance programs — for example, CalHFA MyHome (covers down payment) plus CalHFA ZIP (covers closing costs) plus a local city program. DiVita Home Finance specializes in identifying and combining programs for maximum benefit.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer to get down payment assistance in California?
Most CalHFA programs define “first-time buyer” as someone who has not owned a home in the last 3 years — so you can qualify even if you’ve owned before. Some programs (like VA) have no first-time buyer requirement at all.
Is down payment assistance a grant or a loan in California?
Most California down payment assistance programs are deferred-payment second mortgages, not free grants. You repay them when you sell or refinance. A few local programs offer forgivable loans that are forgiven after 5–10 years of staying in the home. True grants (no repayment) are rare but exist through some employer-sponsored programs.
Apply for a California Down Payment Assistance Loan
DiVita Home Finance is an approved CalHFA lender. We’ll identify every program you qualify for, run the numbers on stacked assistance scenarios, and structure the lowest-cost path to buying your California home.
Apply online today or call 800-239-1103.
Related Resources
- 3% Down on a 2026 Conforming Loan — HomeReady & Home Possible
- First-Time Homebuyer Programs California 2026
- FHA Loans California — 3.5% Down
- 2026 Conforming Loan Limits California
- How Much Down Payment Do I Need in California?
Related Reading
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📞 Call (800) 239-1103Or apply online →About DiVita Home Finance
DiVita Home Finance is a small, family-owned mortgage company based in Marin County, California. When you call, you speak directly with Michael DiVita — the owner — not a call center, not an out-of-state rep, not someone reading from a script. We’re here for a low-key, no-obligation conversation about your situation.
We take your privacy seriously. We will never sell your information to third-party lenders or lead generation companies — unlike many of the large mortgage platforms. Your inquiry stays with us, period.
📞 Call: (800) 239-1103 | 💬 Text Michael directly: (310) 849-9124
About DiVita Home Finance
DiVita Home Finance is a small, family-owned mortgage company based in Marin County, California. When you call, you speak directly with Michael DiVita — the owner — not a call center, not an out-of-state rep, not someone reading from a script. We’re here for a low-key, no-obligation conversation about your situation.
We take your privacy seriously. We will never sell your information to third-party lenders or lead generation companies — unlike many of the large mortgage platforms. Your inquiry stays with us, period.
📞 Call: (800) 239-1103 | 💬 Text Michael directly: (310) 849-9124
