First-time home buyer programs in San Diego
2 programs run by local housing agencies help buyers in San Diego with the down payment, and the statewide California programs work here too.
- Programs in your area
- 2
- Highest amount
- $125,000
- Loan or grant
- A deferred loan
San Diego down payment assistance
| Program | Amount | Loan or grant | Income limit | First-time buyers only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SDHC First-Time Homebuyer Low-Income Program (City of San Diego). The San Diego Housing Commission runs it. | Up to $125,000 | A deferred loan | Your household income can't exceed 80% of San Diego Area Median Income. | Yes |
| SDHC First-Time Homebuyer Middle-Income Program (City of San Diego). Operated by the San Diego Housing Commission. | Up to $50,000 | A deferred loan | Your household income is between 80% and 150% of San Diego Area Median Income. | Yes |
Who is eligible for SDHC First-Time Homebuyer Low-Income Program (City of San Diego)?
- The home is in the City of San Diego.
- Your household income can't exceed 80% of San Diego Area Median Income.
- You have to be a first-time buyer.
- You must complete a homebuyer education course.
- Your credit score must be 660 or higher.
- Price limit (effective December 2025): attached: $883,025; Detached: $883,025.
- A middle credit score of 660 or better applies (2023 guidelines PDF).
For 30 years, you don't make loan payments unless you sell the home or stop living there as a primary residence. In that case, the principal and accrued 3% simple interest become due; the closing cost grant is forgiven.
Nothing is due each month for a deferred loan. The full amount comes due if you sell the home, refinance it or pay off the first mortgage.
You apply through a participating lender. A loan officer on SDHC's Participating Lender list submits your application. For the complete program rules, read San Diego Housing Commission's page for SDHC First-Time Homebuyer Low-Income Program (City of San Diego).
Who is eligible for SDHC First-Time Homebuyer Middle-Income Program (City of San Diego)?
- The home is in the City of San Diego.
- Your household income is between 80% and 150% of San Diego Area Median Income.
- You have to be a first-time buyer.
- You must complete a homebuyer education course.
- Your credit score must be 660 or higher.
- The price limit is $1,250,000.
- A middle credit score of 660 or better applies when DTI is up to 45%; for DTI of 45%-50%, 720 or better is required.
No monthly payments are required in years 1 through 5. After that, it becomes an amortized loan with fixed payments for 120 months, charging 4% simple interest. If the home stays owner-occupied, the closing cost grant gets forgiven after 3 years.
You apply through a participating lender. A loan officer on SDHC's Participating Lender list submits your application. Read San Diego Housing Commission's page for SDHC First-Time Homebuyer Middle-Income Program (City of San Diego) for the complete program rules.
California's statewide programs work in San Diego as well
| Program | Amount | Loan or grant |
|---|---|---|
| CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program | Up to 3.5% of the price or value | A deferred loan |
| CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP) | Up to 3% of the home loan | A deferred loan |
| CalHFA MyAccess | Up to 2.5% of the home loan | A deferred loan |
Every California first-time home buyer program, from California Housing Finance Agency. The income figure for San Diego County appears in our HUD income limits lookup.
Ask a lender about a purchase in San Diego.
Tell us where you're buying and a lender that works with California's programs can tell you which of these fit you, and which you can combine.
Would you rather not call? Send over your details, and the lender will contact you.