California first-time home buyer programs
California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) lists 4 programs that help buyers in California with the down payment or closing costs. Amounts and terms are shown as the agency publishes them.
- Programs from the agency
- 4
- Biggest amount listed
- $150,000
- First-time buyers only
- 3 of 4 programs
- Income caps
- Up to $325,000
Down payment assistance programs in California
| Program | Amount | Grant or loan | Income limit | First-time buyers only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MyHome Assistance Program. With a CalHFA government (FHA) or CalHFA conventional first mortgage; homebuyer course. | Up to 3.5% of the price or value | Deferred loan: No payments until you sell, refinance or pay off the loan. | You must be under CalHFA income limits for this program. | Yes |
| California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan. Only for first-generation homebuyers (at least one borrower). Waiting list: the money is used up for now, so new buyers join a waiting list. With the Dream For All Conventional first mortgage; homebuyer course. | Up to 20% of the price, at most $150,000. Waiting list only | Deferred loan: When you sell the home, give it to someone else or pay off your main home loan, you repay the loan plus a share of any rise in the home's value. | Must be within CalHFA's income limit for the county where you buy. | Yes |
| CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP). With a CalHFA CalPLUS FHA or CalPLUS Conventional first mortgage; homebuyer course. | Up to 3% of the home loan | Deferred loan: 0% loan with no payments until you sell, refinance or pay it off. | Varies by county, up to $325,000 Agency income chart | No |
| MyAccess. With a CalHFA CalPLUS Access FHA or CalPLUS Access Conventional first mortgage. | Up to 2.5% of the home loan | Deferred loan: No payments until you sell, refinance or pay off the home loan. | CalHFA limits by county, from $192,000 to $325,000 (from June 30, 2026). | Yes, with exceptions |
Usually, "first-time buyers only" means you haven't owned a home during the past three years, though every program sets a rule of its own. The name of each program links to a California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) page that says whether applications are open right now. The agency also maintains its own list of participating lenders. Compare down payment assistance programs across all states, or ask a lender that works with California's programs.
How do you repay California's programs?
- Deferred loan: nothing to pay each month, but the full amount comes due when you sell, refinance or pay the first mortgage off.
How does your income compare with California's caps?
Every program has its own income cap, which the table shows, and the exact chart is on that program's agency page. Use the HUD income limits lookup (FY2026) to find the figure for your county and household size. If a program relies on its own county chart or Freddie Mac's, the result can differ from HUD's number, and the agency's chart decides.
| HUD area | Median family income | HUD low-income limit |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $200,800 | $168,100 |
| Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade | $124,000 | $105,100 |
| Oakland-Fremont | $162,800 | $135,750 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $106,500 | $98,400 |
| Yuba City | $101,900 | $81,500 |
HUD uses about 80% of the median as a starting point. Its own caps can hold that number down, including a yearly cap on increases, so the low-income limit is under 80% in a few areas.
Talk to a lender that works with California programs
These programs are paid out through the agency's approved lenders, so the lender is your next step. Tell us where you're buying and a lender that works with California's programs can explain which ones fit you.
Rather not call? Send your details and the lender will reach you.
Are you buying near a state border?
Arizona, Nevada, Oregon or programs for all 50 states plus DC.