California Down Payment Assistance Programs

Down Payment Assistance Programs

CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program


CalHFA Government Loans (FHA): MyHome offers a deferred-payment junior loan of an amount up to the lesser of 3.5% of the purchase price or appraised value to assist with down payment and/or closing costs.


Program Eligibility

Borrower Requirements

  • Be a first-time homebuyer. See the definition of a first-time homebuyer.
  • Occupy the property as a primary residence; non-occupant co-borrowers are not allowed. 
  • CalHFA borrowers must complete homebuyer education counseling and obtain a certificate of completion through an eligible homebuyer counseling organization. 
  • Meet CalHFA income limits for this program.

*In the case of conflicting guidelines, the lender must follow the more restrictive. 

Property Requirements

  • Be a single-family, one-unit residence, including approved condominium/PUDs
    • Guest houses, granny units and in-law quarters may be eligible 
  • Manufactured housing is permitted
  • Condominiums must meet the guidelines of the first mortgage 

*In the case of conflicting guidelines, the lender must follow the more restrictive.


CalHFA California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Program


The Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan is a down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers to be used in conjunction with the Dream For All Conventional first mortgage for down payment and/or closing costs. Upon sale or transfer of the home, the homebuyer repays the original down payment loan, plus a share of the appreciation in the value of the home.


Program Eligibility

Borrower Requirements

  • Be a first-time homebuyer. See the definition of a first-time homebuyer.
  • Occupy the property as a primary residence; non-occupant co-borrowers are not allowed. 
  • CalHFA borrowers must complete two levels of homebuyer education counseling and obtain a certificate of completion through an eligible homebuyer counseling organization. 
  • Meet CalHFA income limits for this program.

*In the case of conflicting guidelines, the lender must follow the more restrictive. 

Property Requirements

  • Be a single-family, one-unit residence, including approved condominium/PUDs
    • Guest houses, granny units and in-law quarters may be eligible 
  • Manufactured housing is permitted
  • Condominiums must meet the guidelines of the first mortgage* 


CalHFA MyHome Calculator

CalHFA Dream for All Calculator