Homexa®

Down Payment Assistance Programs in California

California's home prices are high, but the state has programs specifically designed to help first-time and moderate-income buyers get into the market. Here is what is available.

By Homexa® Team. Published April 10, 2026. Updated September 25, 2026.

California's housing affordability challenges are well known. Median home prices in coastal markets can exceed $700,000, $800,000, or more, making the down payment a significant barrier even for households with solid incomes. The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) and other organizations offer programs that can meaningfully reduce this barrier.

CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program The MyHome Assistance Program provides down payment assistance in the form of a deferred-payment junior loan of up to 3.5 percent of the purchase price or appraised value (whichever is less). There are no monthly payments on this loan, and it becomes due when the property is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off.

CalHFA Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan California's Dream For All program provides up to 20 percent of the purchase price as a down payment loan. In return, when the home is sold or refinanced, the buyer shares a percentage of the appreciation with the state. This program is income-limited and has had high demand, so availability varies.

Local Programs to Check Many California cities and counties have their own down payment assistance programs layered on top of state programs. Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County all have local programs worth investigating. Your agent can point you to the right resources for your specific target area.

Income and Purchase Price Limits All CalHFA programs have income limits based on Area Median Income (AMI) and county of purchase. They also have purchase price limits. In high-cost counties like Los Angeles, Orange, and Santa Clara, these limits are significantly higher than in inland counties.

Homebuyer Education Requirement All CalHFA programs require completion of a homebuyer education course from a HUD-approved counselor. This can usually be completed online.

Homexa® Agents and California Down Payment Programs Homexa® agents in California understand the local and state programs available to buyers and work with lenders experienced in CalHFA financing. Connect with a Homexa® agent in California to explore what assistance you qualify for.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program work?

MyHome provides down payment assistance as a deferred-payment junior loan of up to 3.5 percent of the purchase price or appraised value, whichever is less. There are no monthly payments, and the loan becomes due when the property is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off. Homexa® connects California buyers with experienced local agents.

What is California's Dream For All down payment program?

Dream For All is a CalHFA shared appreciation loan that provides up to 20 percent of the purchase price as a down payment loan. When the home is sold or refinanced, the buyer shares a percentage of the appreciation with the state. The program is income-limited and has had high demand, so availability varies. Homexa® can connect you with an experienced local agent in California.

What are the requirements for CalHFA down payment programs?

All CalHFA programs have income limits based on Area Median Income and county of purchase, along with purchase price limits that are significantly higher in high-cost counties like Los Angeles, Orange, and Santa Clara. Every CalHFA program also requires a homebuyer education course from a HUD-approved counselor, which can usually be completed online. Homexa® helps California buyers find experienced local agents.

Are there local down payment programs in Southern California counties?

Yes. Many California cities and counties have their own down payment assistance programs layered on top of state programs, and Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County all have local programs worth investigating. Homexa® is a simple way to reach an experienced local agent in Southern California.