Down payment assistance, grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits available to California buyers. Each program below is verified, with eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and a direct link to the official agency.
Last reviewed September 2026·7 programs·6 federal programs
Deferred-payment junior loan of 2.5% of the first mortgage amount for down payment and closing costs, paired with CalPLUS Access FHA or Conventional first mortgages.
Income limit
CalHFA income limits vary by county
Minimum credit score660
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Must use with a CalPLUS Access first mortgage. Homebuyer education required.
Up to 3% (conventional) or 3.5% (FHA) of purchase price
Deferred-payment simple-interest junior loan for down payment and/or closing costs: up to 3.5% of sales price or appraised value (whichever is less) with CalHFA FHA / CalPLUS FHA, or 3% with CalHFA Conventional, CalPLUS Conventional, USDA or VA. Minimum credit score follows the CalHFA first mortgage: 640 for government (FHA/VA/USDA) loans (660 if manually underwritten or manufactured housing); 660 for conventional at or below the HomeReady 80% AMI LI limit, 680 above it.
Income limit
Income limits vary by county - typically up to $180,000+
Minimum credit score640
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Must complete homebuyer education. Property must be in California.
0%-interest, payment-deferred junior loan for closing costs only, available with CalPLUS FHA or CalPLUS Conventional first mortgages (which carry a slightly higher rate). Amount option (2.00% or 3.00%) set by daily rate sheet. Sits in third position behind MyHome; due on sale, transfer, payoff or refinance.
Income limit
Must meet CalHFA county income limits for the first mortgage program
Minimum credit score640
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Closing costs only (no down payment or debt payoff); must be paired with a CalPLUS FHA or CalPLUS Conventional first mortgage; homebuyer education required; 640 minimum credit with CalPLUS FHA (660 manual UW/manufactured), 660/680 with CalPLUS Conventional
Shared-appreciation second loan of up to 20% of purchase price or appraised value (max $150,000) for first-time, first-generation buyers; repaid with a proportional share of appreciation on sale/refinance. Lottery/round-based: the 2026 round's pre-registration portal was open Feb 24 - Mar 16, 2026 and is now CLOSED. Selection is a randomized drawing; vouchers are issued in waves, most recently released May 20, 2026 to waitlisted 2026 applicants. As of Sep 6, 2026 CalHFA has not announced a new application window. 2025-26 State Budget funded $300M (~2,000 households).
Income limit
$150,000 (1-2 person) / $180,000 (3+)
Minimum credit score660
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Annual lottery with limited funding - watch for the next application window. First-time buyers only, and at least one borrower must be a first-generation homebuyer.
View official program page
Apply during open application windows through a CalHFA-approved lender.Verified September 2026
Low Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA)
Administered by Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD)
Up to $161,000
0%-interest deferred subordinate loan for down payment, closing costs and acquisition with a shared-appreciation provision; loan plus appreciation share due on sale, title transfer, first-mortgage payoff, or at 30 years.
Income limit
$93,300 (1-2 person) / $133,250 (3+)
Minimum credit score660
Max home price$956,465
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Property in the City of Los Angeles; middle FICO 660+; 8-hour LAHD-approved homebuyer education and counseling; minimum 1% own-funds down payment; one-unit properties; may be required to also apply for the MCC
View official program page
Get pre-qualified with an LAHD participating lender; call (213) 808-8800 or email lahd.homebuyerinfo@lacity.orgVerified September 2026
Moderate Income Purchase Assistance (MIPA)
Administered by Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD)
Up to $115,000
0%-interest deferred subordinate loan for down payment, closing costs and acquisition with a shared-appreciation provision; due on sale, title transfer, first-mortgage payoff, or at 30 years.
Income limit
$128,300 (1-2 person) / $183,250 (3+)
Minimum credit score660
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: Property in the City of Los Angeles; middle FICO 660+; LAHD-approved homebuyer education and counseling; minimum 1% own-funds down payment; one-unit properties
View official program page
Get pre-qualified with an LAHD participating lender; call (213) 808-8800 or email lahd.homebuyerinfo@lacity.orgVerified September 2026
CalVet Home Loan
Administered by California Department of Veterans Affairs
Below-market interest rate
Special mortgage program for California veterans with competitive rates and flexible terms.
Income limit
No strict income limits for veterans
First-time buyer requiredNo
EligibilityVeterans only
Special requirements: Must be California veteran. Can be combined with federal VA benefits.
3% minimum down payment with no minimum borrower contribution; income at or below 80% AMI (2026 AMIs effective June 13, 2026); reduced, cancellable mortgage insurance; $2,500 credit for very low-income first-time buyers on loans purchased through February 28, 2027.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?
Most California programs require first-time buyer status, but the definition is broader than most people think — the IRS considers you a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a primary residence in the last three years. Each program above lists its specific rules.
What credit score do I need?
Minimum credit scores vary by program. Most California programs require 620 to 660, though some lower-tier products accept lower scores with manual underwriting. Check each program's eligibility section above.
How do I actually apply?
Most state programs aren't applied to directly — you go through a participating lender, who handles the program application as part of your mortgage. Each program above links to the official agency page with the current list of approved lenders.
Can I combine multiple programs?
Often yes — many states allow you to stack a state down-payment grant with a federal FHA or VA loan. Some programs explicitly forbid combining; check each program's "special requirements" above.
Do these programs cost anything?
The programs themselves are free to apply for. Some require completing a homebuyer education course (typically $50–$100, sometimes free). Forgivable second mortgages technically don't cost you unless you sell or refinance early — read the terms carefully.
