California Down Payment Assistance Programs 2026
The down payment is the biggest obstacle for most California homebuyers. With median home prices above $900,000 statewide, even a 3.5% FHA down payment means $31,500 in cash — and that’s before closing costs. The good news: California has more down payment assistance programs than almost any other state, and millions of dollars go unclaimed every year because buyers don’t know they exist. DiVita Home Finance specializes in layering these programs to help you buy with the minimum possible out-of-pocket cost.
CalHFA Programs: California’s Primary DPA Source
The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) administers the state’s flagship down payment assistance programs. To qualify, you must:
- Be a first-time homebuyer (no ownership interest in a principal residence in the last 3 years)
- Occupy the property as your primary residence
- Meet income limits (vary by county and household size)
- Complete a homebuyer education course
- Have a qualifying credit score (typically 660+ for CalHFA programs)
MyHome Assistance Program
CalHFA’s most popular program. This is a deferred-payment junior loan — meaning you owe the money but make no monthly payments. It becomes due only when you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage.
- Amount: Up to 3.5% of the purchase price or appraised value (whichever is lower)
- Use: Down payment and/or closing costs
- Repayment: Deferred — no monthly payments
- Combined with: CalHFA first mortgage (FHA or conventional)
CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP)
A zero-interest deferred junior loan specifically for closing costs. No interest, no monthly payments — repaid only when you sell or refinance.
- Amount: 2–3% of first mortgage loan amount
- Use: Closing costs only
- Interest rate: 0%
- Combined with: CalPLUS FHA or CalPLUS Conventional first mortgage
California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan
California’s most powerful DPA program when available. The state provides up to 20% of the home’s purchase price as a down payment loan. When you sell or refinance, you repay the original loan amount plus a proportional share of the home’s appreciation. This program is subject to availability — funds typically exhaust quickly when the program opens.
- Amount: Up to 20% of purchase price
- Repayment: Principal + shared appreciation at sale/refinance
- Benefit: Can eliminate PMI and dramatically lower monthly payment
- Note: Call us to check current availability — 800-239-1103
CalHFA Income Limits by California County (2026)
Income limits are adjusted by county to account for California’s varying cost of living. High-cost counties have higher limits, making these programs accessible to more buyers than most people assume.
| County | Approx. Income Limit (1-2 person household) | Approx. Income Limit (3+ person household) |
|---|---|---|
| Marin County | ~$195,000 | ~$228,000 |
| San Francisco | ~$195,000 | ~$228,000 |
| Alameda / Contra Costa | ~$187,000 | ~$218,000 |
| Los Angeles | ~$154,000 | ~$180,000 |
| Sonoma / Napa | ~$155,000 | ~$181,000 |
| Riverside | ~$120,000 | ~$140,000 |
Income limits change annually. Contact us for current figures specific to your household and county.
How to Stack Multiple Assistance Programs
One of the most powerful strategies DiVita Home Finance uses for first-time buyers is program stacking — combining multiple assistance sources to minimize your out-of-pocket cost. A common combination:
- CalPLUS FHA as the first mortgage (low rate, FHA guidelines)
- MyHome Assistance covering the 3.5% down payment
- CalHFA ZIP covering 3% of closing costs at 0% interest