Updated · Mike Certo, NMLS #260555
California Down Payment Assistance Programs Guide
California has one of the most robust state-level DPA ecosystems in the US — CalHFA flagship programs plus city and county DPA in major metros. Here's the practical California DPA program map.
CalHFA program family
CalHFA MyHome Assistance
Deferred-payment second mortgage up to 3.5% of purchase price (FHA pairings) or 3% (conventional pairings). Payment deferred until sale, refinance, or end of first mortgage. Income limits by county; check current CalHFA income chart.
CalHFA Dream For All
Shared-appreciation down payment assistance up to 20% of purchase price. Borrower repays original assistance plus share of property appreciation at sale or refinance. Lottery-based selection. Income limits apply. See our Dream For All lottery alternatives guide.
CalHFA ZIP (Zero Interest Program)
Deferred-payment second mortgage up to 3% of purchase price at zero interest. Used primarily for closing costs.
CalHFA MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate)
Federal tax credit converting portion of mortgage interest into annual tax credit. Not cash assistance — reduces federal tax owed each year. Talk to your CPA for tax implications.
Major California city DPA programs
- City of Los Angeles HOP (Home Ownership Program) — second mortgage assistance for income-eligible Los Angeles buyers
- City of San Diego DPA — first-time buyer programs administered by San Diego Housing Commission
- City of San Francisco DALP (Down Payment Assistance Loan Program) — assistance for moderate-income San Francisco buyers
- City of Oakland — first-time buyer programs
- City of Sacramento — first-time buyer DPA programs
- City of San Jose — first-time buyer programs
- City of Berkeley — workforce housing programs
Major California county DPA programs
- Los Angeles County HOP — separate from City of Los Angeles program
- San Bernardino County HOMEbuyer Program
- Riverside County First-Time Homebuyer Program
- Orange County affordable housing programs
- Sacramento County Mortgage Assistance Program
Eligibility variables
Each California DPA program has its own rules around:
- Income limit: typically tied to county area median income (AMI) — 80%, 120%, or 140% depending on program
- Purchase-price limit: often county-specific; matches HFA loan-limit structure
- Credit score: typically 640+ for state DPA; some national programs accept 600+
- Occupancy: primary residence only
- First-time buyer: required for many programs; HUD 3-year definition applies
- Homebuyer education: required for most programs
One assistance program per transaction
You select ONE DPA program per home purchase. CalHFA programs generally don't combine with each other. City programs don't combine with CalHFA. The exception is the CalHFA MCC tax credit, which can sometimes layer with another DPA program because it's a federal tax credit rather than cash assistance.
Next step
20-minute call. Bring city/county, household income, FICO ballpark, target purchase price. We map your top 2-3 program fits.
Related
FAQ
Can I combine CalHFA MyHome with a city or county DPA program?
Generally no. You select one DPA program per transaction. The exception is CalHFA MCC (federal tax credit), which can sometimes layer with another DPA program.
What's the credit floor for California DPA?
Most CalHFA and city/county programs require 640+. Some national programs (Chenoa Fund) accept 600+.
Does Dream For All require giving up future home appreciation?
Yes — the program structure shares property appreciation between borrower and CalHFA. Borrower repays original DPA + a share of appreciation at sale or refinance. Talk through implications during the consult.
Are there California DPA programs without income limits?
National programs like Chenoa Fund, Arrive Home, and Essex/NHF typically don't have income limits — useful for higher-income California buyers who exceed CalHFA caps.