CalHFA Down Payment Assistance
The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) administers the state's largest down payment assistance programs. The MyHome Assistance Program provides a deferred-payment junior loan of up to 3.5% of the purchase price for down payment or closing cost assistance — no monthly payments, no interest, repaid only when you sell, refinance, or transfer the property. The Forgivable Equity Builder Loan provides up to 10% of the purchase price, fully forgiven after five years of owner occupancy. CalHFA ZIP (Zero Interest Program) offers an additional deferred loan for closing costs.
Eligibility requires a minimum 640 credit score, income at or below the area median income for your county, completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course (available online, 6-8 hours), and the property must be your primary residence. CalHFA programs can be layered with FHA, VA, or conventional base loans. The most powerful combination: CalHFA MyHome (3.5%) + CalHFA Forgivable Equity Builder (10%) + FHA base loan = potentially 13.5% of the purchase price in combined assistance.
County and Local Programs
Many California counties and cities offer their own down payment assistance beyond CalHFA. Los Angeles County's Homeownership Program provides up to $85,000 in assistance for income-qualified buyers. The City of San Diego has the SDHC first-time buyer program. San Francisco's DALP (Down Payment Assistance Loan Program) offers up to $500,000 in deferred loans. Sacramento, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties each have local housing authority programs. These programs frequently change — contact your local housing authority or a licensed broker familiar with DPA programs for current availability and terms.
Frequently Asked Questions — Down Payment Assistance Programs
What is down payment assistance in California?
Down payment assistance provides grants or second-lien loans covering some or all of your down payment and closing costs. California's main programs run through CalHFA — MyHome offers up to 3% of the purchase price, and city and county programs add further options. Household income must fall under county limits, you must complete homebuyer education, and the property must be your primary residence.
What credit score do I need for down payment assistance programs?
Most down payment assistance program programs in California look for 640-680+. Credit tends to affect your pricing more than your eligibility — a stronger score usually shows up as a lower rate rather than a different answer on whether you qualify.
How much down payment do I need?
A down payment assistance program in California typically requires 0-3% of your own funds. The exact figure moves with your credit profile, occupancy and property type — stronger files land at the low end of that range.
How long does closing take?
A down payment assistance program in California generally closes in 30-50 days. Appraisal turn times and how quickly you return requested documents are the two things that move that timeline most.
Can I use this program for an investment property?
A down payment assistance program is available for primary residence only. Occupancy affects both pricing and down payment, so confirm the intended use up front — it changes the terms you are quoted.
Are rates higher for down payment assistance programs?
Down payment assistance program rates run at or close to conventional market rates, since these are agency-eligible loans. Your specific number depends on credit, down payment, occupancy and the day you lock.
Do I need to verify my income?
For a down payment assistance program, income is full documentation, with household income tested against county limits. This is the main way the program differs from a standard conventional loan, and it is usually the reason borrowers choose it.
Can I refinance later into a different program?
Yes. With a down payment assistance program the usual path is to the assistance lien is repaid on sale or refinance under its own terms. Nothing locks you in — plan the exit when you take the loan rather than after.
What documents do I need to apply?
For a down payment assistance program you will need a government ID, credit authorization and property details, plus a homebuyer education certificate, income documents for all household members and county eligibility proof.
How do I get started?
Call (888) 703-1840 for a free down payment assistance program consultation, or use the form on this page. Pre-approval usually takes 1-3 business days, and there is no cost and no hard credit pull to find out what you qualify for.
Related Loan Programs
What is down payment assistance in California?
Down payment assistance provides grants or second-lien loans covering some or all of your down payment and closing costs. California's main programs run through CalHFA — MyHome offers up to 3% of the purchase price, and city and county programs add further options. Household income must fall under county limits, you must complete homebuyer education, and the property must be your primary residence.
What credit score do I need for down payment assistance programs?
Most down payment assistance program programs in California look for 640-680+. Credit tends to affect your pricing more than your eligibility — a stronger score usually shows up as a lower rate rather than a different answer on whether you qualify.
How much down payment do I need?
A down payment assistance program in California typically requires 0-3% of your own funds. The exact figure moves with your credit profile, occupancy and property type — stronger files land at the low end of that range.
How long does closing take?
A down payment assistance program in California generally closes in 30-50 days. Appraisal turn times and how quickly you return requested documents are the two things that move that timeline most.
Can I use this program for an investment property?
A down payment assistance program is available for primary residence only. Occupancy affects both pricing and down payment, so confirm the intended use up front — it changes the terms you are quoted.
Are rates higher for down payment assistance programs?
Down payment assistance program rates run at or close to conventional market rates, since these are agency-eligible loans. Your specific number depends on credit, down payment, occupancy and the day you lock.
Do I need to verify my income?
For a down payment assistance program, income is full documentation, with household income tested against county limits. This is the main way the program differs from a standard conventional loan, and it is usually the reason borrowers choose it.
Can I refinance later into a different program?
Yes. With a down payment assistance program the usual path is to the assistance lien is repaid on sale or refinance under its own terms. Nothing locks you in — plan the exit when you take the loan rather than after.
What documents do I need to apply?
For a down payment assistance program you will need a government ID, credit authorization and property details, plus a homebuyer education certificate, income documents for all household members and county eligibility proof.
How do I get started?
Call (888) 703-1840 for a free down payment assistance program consultation, or use the form on this page. Pre-approval usually takes 1-3 business days, and there is no cost and no hard credit pull to find out what you qualify for.
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3.5% downConventional →
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Last updated: July 2026. Sources: Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), HUD, VA, CalHFA, CFPB, California DRE. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates subject to change. Mortgage Guide California is an educational publisher. Sponsored by Save Financial, Inc. (NMLS #377740). Equal Housing Lender.
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