Homebuyer assistance · Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino
Down payment help in Southern California
44 grant, loan and tax credit programs that can lower what you need to buy a home, from federal loans to city grants. Filter by county and your situation. Every program links to its official page.
Programs change often. Funds run out and income limits reset each year, so confirm current terms on the official page or with a participating lender before you rely on them. Kini is a real estate agent, not a lender or a program administrator, and listing a program here is not an endorsement. Programs last checked between August 11, 2026 and September 22, 2026.
Showing all 44 programs
Anaheim First-Time Homebuyer Program
City of Anaheim
$50,000 loan for down payment. 30-year deferred, no monthly payments, 1% simple interest. Buyer contributes at least 3% of the price; up to 5% of down payment may come from family gifts.
Where: City of Anaheim only
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- City of Anaheim only
- First time buyers only
- Yes
- Income limit
- Program income limits apply (verify current)
- Price limit
- Within Anaheim city limits
- Credit score
- Per first mortgage
- Homebuyer education
- Yes
- Property types
- SFR, condo within Anaheim, owner occupied
- Repayment
- 30-year deferred, 1% simple interest, due on sale/refi/payoff
- Works alongside
- First mortgage; OC MCC
- How to apply
- City of Anaheim Housing / participating lender
City of Hemet HOME First-Time Homebuyer Program
City of Hemet
HOME-funded first-time homebuyer down payment assistance within Hemet (2025-2026 program cycle active).
Where: City of Hemet only
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- City of Hemet only
- First time buyers only
- Yes
- Income limit
- At or below 80% AMI (HOME)
- Price limit
- HOME value limits
- Credit score
- Per first mortgage
- Homebuyer education
- Yes
- Property types
- SFR, condo within Hemet, owner occupied
- Repayment
- Silent second, deferred (verify current terms)
- Works alongside
- First mortgage; Riverside County MCC
- How to apply
- City of Hemet; see the HOME FTHB borrower information packet
City of LA Low Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA)
Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD)
Subordinate loan up to $161,000 for down payment, closing, and acquisition. Buyer contributes a minimum of 1% of the price from their own funds.
The city releases a limited number of loan reservations a few times a year. Check LAHD for the next release date.
Where: City of Los Angeles only
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- City of Los Angeles only
- First time buyers only
- Yes
- Income limit
- Low income, up to 80% of Area Median Income. For a household of four in 2026: $133,250.
- Price limit
- LAHD program limits apply (verify current)
- Credit score
- Per first mortgage
- Homebuyer education
- Yes
- Property types
- SFR, condo, townhome within City of LA, owner occupied
- Repayment
- Deferred subordinate loan; repaid on sale/transfer/non-occupancy (shared appreciation terms)
- Works alongside
- First mortgage; often paired with a City-approved lender
- How to apply
- LAHD participating lender; (213) 808-8800 / lahd.homebuyerinfo@lacity.org
City of LA Moderate Income Purchase Assistance (MIPA)
Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD)
Subordinate loan up to $115,000 for down payment, closing, and acquisition.
The city releases a limited number of loan reservations a few times a year. Check LAHD for the next release date.
Where: City of Los Angeles only
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- City of Los Angeles only
- First time buyers only
- Yes
- Income limit
- Moderate income, above the LIPA limit up to 120% of Area Median Income. For a household of four in 2026: up to $183,250.
- Price limit
- LAHD program limits apply (verify current)
- Credit score
- Per first mortgage
- Homebuyer education
- Yes
- Property types
- SFR, condo, townhome within City of LA, owner occupied
- Repayment
- Deferred subordinate loan; repaid on sale/transfer/non-occupancy
- Works alongside
- First mortgage
- How to apply
- LAHD participating lender; (213) 808-8800
City of Palm Springs Homeownership Opportunities
City of Palm Springs Housing & Community Development
Below-market-rate ownership opportunities and homeownership support within Palm Springs (inventory-dependent).
Where: City of Palm Springs only
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- City of Palm Springs only
- First time buyers only
- Typically yes
- Income limit
- Program income limits (verify current)
- Price limit
- BMR pricing
- Credit score
- Per first mortgage
- Homebuyer education
- Often yes
- Property types
- Designated BMR units
- Repayment
- Resale restriction / equity-share on BMR units
- Works alongside
- First mortgage
- How to apply
- City of Palm Springs Housing Division
City of Riverside Down Payment Assistance
City of Riverside Housing & Human Services
Down payment and homeownership education assistance for buyers within the City of Riverside (city program, separate from the county).
Funding varies by cycle. Confirm with the City of Riverside Housing Division before relying on it.
Where: City of Riverside only
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- City of Riverside only
- First time buyers only
- Yes
- Income limit
- Program income limits (verify current)
- Price limit
- Within City of Riverside
- Credit score
- Per first mortgage
- Homebuyer education
- Yes
- Property types
- SFR, condo, owner occupied
- Repayment
- Deferred / silent second (verify current terms)
- Works alongside
- First mortgage; Riverside County MCC
- How to apply
- City of Riverside HHS Housing Division
LA County HOP80 / HOP120 (Home Ownership Program)
Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA)
Up to $100,000 or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less, for down payment and/or closing costs. 0% interest, deferred, with shared equity at payoff.
Where: Los Angeles County
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Los Angeles County
- First time buyers only
- Yes
- Income limit
- Two tiers: up to 80% of Area Median Income (HOP80) and up to 150% (HOP150). For a household of four: $133,250 and $162,150.
- Price limit
- $700,000 for the 80% AMI program (HOP80) and $850,000 for the 150% AMI program (HOP150), per the guidelines effective August 24, 2026.
- Credit score
- Per first mortgage
- Homebuyer education
- Yes
- Property types
- SFR, condo, townhome, owner occupied
- Repayment
- 0% deferred; repay principal + a share of appreciation on sale, transfer, or when no longer owner-occupied
- Works alongside
- First mortgage (FHA/conv); confirm layering with MCC
- How to apply
- LACDA-approved lender / LACDA HOP intake
Orange County Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP)
OC Housing & Community Development
Deferred payment second loan at 3% simple interest on a 30 year term: up to $120,000 for low income households (80% AMI) and up to $80,000 for moderate income households (120% AMI). Buyer contributes at least 1%.
Where: Orange County
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Orange County
- First time buyers only
- Yes (no ownership interest in a principal residence in the previous three years)
- Income limit
- 80% AMI (low income) or 120% AMI (moderate income). For a household of four as of June 2026: $148,850 and $166,300.
- Price limit
- Sales price may not exceed 85% of the Orange County median sales price.
- Credit score
- Per first mortgage
- Homebuyer education
- Yes
- Property types
- SFR, condo, townhome, owner occupied
- Repayment
- Deferred; principal + 3% simple interest due on sale, refi, or payoff
- Works alongside
- First mortgage; OC MCC
- How to apply
- OC Community Resources / participating lender
Riverside County HOME / PLHA First-Time Homebuyer Program
Riverside County Housing & Workforce Solutions (HWS)
Silent second for down payment, up to 20% of the purchase price, not to exceed $100,000 (minimum $1,500). Funded through HOME and PLHA. PLHA reaches 120% AMI; HOME up to 80% AMI; grant-conversion terms.
Where: Riverside County
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Riverside County
- First time buyers only
- Yes
- Income limit
- HOME up to 80% AMI; PLHA up to 120% AMI; ARPA (District 5 only) 80% AMI
- Price limit
- Program limits apply (verify current)
- Credit score
- No county minimum (must qualify for the first mortgage)
- Homebuyer education
- Yes (HUD-approved course)
- Property types
- SFR, condo, owner occupied
- Repayment
- Silent second; converts to grant over 15 years (HOME) or 30 years (PLHA) of continued occupancy
- Works alongside
- 30-year fixed first mortgage via RivCo-approved lender; MCC
- How to apply
- Contact a Riverside County participating lender for eligibility screening
San Bernardino County Homeownership Assistance (via NPHS / NHSIE partners)
San Bernardino County CDH (delivered through nonprofit partners NPHS and NHSIE)
The county no longer directly administers DPA; assistance flows through partners. Includes CalHome silent seconds (up to ~$18,000, 10% of price, 3% deferred 30 years), Inland Empire DPA up to $40,000, and NeighborhoodLIFT $7,500 forgivable.
Where: San Bernardino County
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- San Bernardino County
- First time buyers only
- Yes (most options)
- Income limit
- Vary by program (roughly 80-120% AMI)
- Price limit
- Vary by program
- Credit score
- Per first mortgage
- Homebuyer education
- Yes
- Property types
- SFR, condo, owner occupied
- Repayment
- Deferred silent second or forgivable depending on the specific program
- Works alongside
- First mortgage; sometimes stackable with each other
- How to apply
- Through NPHS (nphsinc.org) or NHSIE
CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program
California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA)
Deferred-payment junior loan up to the lesser of 3% of purchase price or appraised value, toward down payment and/or closing costs. Verified 2026-08-17.
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- Yes (no ownership in last 3 years)
- Income limit
- CalHFA county income limits apply (varies by county and program; verify current table)
- Price limit
- CalHFA removed statewide sales-price limits in 2020; confirm no current cap
- Credit score
- 660-680 typical (per first mortgage)
- Homebuyer education
- Yes (eHome or NID/counseling)
- Property types
- SFR, condo, PUD (1-unit), owner occupied
- Repayment
- Deferred; principal + simple interest due on sale, refinance, or payoff
- Works alongside
- CalHFA first mortgages (CalPLUS/CalHFA FHA/Conv), often with ZIP; MCC
- How to apply
- CalHFA-approved lender
CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP)
CalHFA
A silent, 0% interest, deferred second for closing costs, available only with a CalPLUS first mortgage.
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- Yes
- Income limit
- CalHFA county income limits
- Price limit
- No CalHFA sales-price limit (verify)
- Credit score
- Per CalPLUS
- Homebuyer education
- Yes
- Property types
- Per CalPLUS
- Repayment
- 0% deferred; due on sale/refi/payoff
- Works alongside
- CalPLUS first mortgage only; plus MyHome and MCC
- How to apply
- CalHFA-approved lender
FHLBank San Francisco WISH Program
Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (via member lenders)
4 to 1 matching grant, up to $32,837, applied to down payment and closing costs. Delivered only through participating FHLB San Francisco member banks.
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- Yes
- Income limit
- At or below 80% of HUD area median income
- Price limit
- Per first mortgage
- Credit score
- Per first mortgage
- Homebuyer education
- Yes (HUD-approved counseling)
- Property types
- SFR, condo, owner occupied
- Repayment
- Grant, forgiven over a retention period of continued occupancy
- Works alongside
- Most first mortgages and some DPA
- How to apply
- Only through an FHLB member financial institution; the buyer works with a participating lender
GSFA Assist-to-Own Program
Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA)
Larger combined down payment + closing assistance (higher percentage than Platinum) via a second loan.
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- Varies by county resource
- Income limit
- Per option
- Price limit
- Per first mortgage
- Credit score
- 640+ typical
- Homebuyer education
- Often yes
- Property types
- SFR, condo, PUD
- Repayment
- Repayable/deferred second per option
- Works alongside
- MCC
- How to apply
- GSFA-participating lender
GSFA OpenDoors Program
Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA)
Down payment and closing-cost assistance (percentage of the loan amount) with conventional or government first mortgages; more first-mortgage flexibility than Platinum.
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- No
- Income limit
- Per option/first mortgage
- Price limit
- Per first mortgage
- Credit score
- 640+ typical
- Homebuyer education
- For some options
- Property types
- SFR, condo, PUD, owner occupied
- Repayment
- Second loan terms vary by option (deferred/forgivable/repayable)
- Works alongside
- MCC
- How to apply
- GSFA-participating lender
GSFA Platinum Program
Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA)
Up to 5.5% total. the primary 3.5% is a 15-year fully amortizing second mortgage with a monthly payment, plus a promotional gift of up to 1.5% in non-repayable funds running through August 2026.
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- No
- Income limit
- Orange County ceiling approximately $187,840. Roughly 140% to 160% of AMI depending on county. Confirm the live figure with a participating lender.
- Price limit
- No purchase price limit, but a maximum first mortgage of $832,750 applies. Verified 2026-08-17.
- Credit score
- 640
- Homebuyer education
- For some options
- Property types
- SFR, condo, PUD, owner occupied
- Repayment
- Primary 3.5% is a 15-year amortizing second with a monthly payment. Only the promotional 1.5% top-up is a true gift that is never repaid.
- Works alongside
- MCC; not typically stacked with CalHFA seconds
- How to apply
- GSFA-participating lender
Chenoa Fund (CBC Mortgage Agency)
CBC Mortgage Agency (federally chartered tribal entity)
3.5% or 5% of the FHA down payment via a second mortgage. Forgivable and repayable options both offered. available in all states except New York and funded all year long because it is not a bond program, so funds do not run out seasonally.
Where: All four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- All four counties
- First time buyers only
- No
- Income limit
- No income limit on the standard product. the DPA Edge Soft Second option carries a 115% AMI limit, other forgivable options run to 135% AMI, and a no-income-limit option exists for higher earners. Confirm which option the lender is quoting.
- Price limit
- Per FHA loan limits
- Credit score
- 600 (lowest middle score on the loan). Verified 2026-08-17.
- Homebuyer education
- Yes (approved counseling)
- Property types
- SFR, approved condo, owner occupied (primary only)
- Repayment
- Forgivable option: 0% interest soft second, no monthly payment, forgiven after 36 consecutive on-time payments on the FHA first mortgage. Repayable option: amortizing second with a monthly payment that counts against DTI.
- Works alongside
- FHA first mortgage
- How to apply
- A Chenoa-participating lender
Habitat for Humanity (LA / Orange County / Riverside / SB affiliates)
Local Habitat for Humanity affiliates
Builds/sells homes to qualified low-income families with an affordable mortgage (often 0% interest) in exchange for sweat-equity hours. Not a DPA add-on to a market purchase.
Where: All four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- All four counties
- First time buyers only
- Typically yes
- Income limit
- Very low to low income (affiliate-specific bands)
- Price limit
- Habitat-built/rehabbed homes only
- Credit score
- Flexible; need + ability + willingness to partner
- Homebuyer education
- Yes (extensive)
- Property types
- Habitat homes
- Repayment
- Affordable (often 0%) Habitat mortgage
- Works alongside
- N/A (self-contained model)
- How to apply
- Apply directly to the local affiliate when applications open
Inland Empire Down Payment Assistance (IEDPA) / NPHS
Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services (NPHS) with the Inland Empire Community Foundation
Up to $40,000 in down payment assistance across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. NPHS also delivers CalHome (up to ~$18,000 silent second) and NeighborhoodLIFT ($7,500 forgivable after 5 years).
NPHS does not publish current funding levels online. Complete their eligibility form or call (909) 204-7447.
Where: Riverside County and San Bernardino County
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Riverside County and San Bernardino County
- First time buyers only
- Yes (most options)
- Income limit
- Low-to-moderate (roughly 80-120% AMI depending on option)
- Price limit
- Per option
- Credit score
- Per first mortgage
- Homebuyer education
- Yes
- Property types
- SFR, condo, owner occupied
- Repayment
- Silent deferred second (CalHome, 3% deferred 30 yr) or forgivable (NeighborhoodLIFT, 5 yr)
- Works alongside
- First mortgage; sometimes multiple NPHS options together
- How to apply
- Nphsinc.org/iedpa or nphsinc.org
National Homebuyers Fund (NHF) Down Payment Assistance
National Homebuyers Fund, Inc.
Up to 5% of the mortgage amount toward down payment and/or closing costs, as a grant or a forgivable/repayable second depending on the option.
Where: All four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- All four counties
- First time buyers only
- No
- Income limit
- Program income limits apply (verify current)
- Price limit
- Per first mortgage
- Credit score
- 640+
- Homebuyer education
- Sometimes
- Property types
- SFR, condo, owner occupied
- Repayment
- Grant or forgivable second per option
- Works alongside
- Conventional/FHA/VA/USDA first mortgages
- How to apply
- NHF-participating lender
Fannie Mae HomePath ReadyBuyer
Fannie Mae
Up to 3% of the price in closing-cost assistance on the purchase of a Fannie Mae HomePath (REO) property, after completing the education course.
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- Yes
- Income limit
- None
- Price limit
- N/A (property-specific)
- Credit score
- Per first mortgage
- Homebuyer education
- Yes (HomePath Ready Buyer / HomeView course, required to get the credit)
- Property types
- Fannie Mae-owned foreclosure homes only
- Repayment
- Grant-style credit (no repayment)
- Works alongside
- HomeReady financing
- How to apply
- Buy a HomePath listing and request the credit at offer
LA County Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA)
A federal income-tax credit equal to a set percentage of annual mortgage interest paid (credit rate varies), claimed every year for the life of the loan.
Where: Los Angeles County
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Los Angeles County
- First time buyers only
- Yes (waived in federal targeted areas / for veterans)
- Income limit
- County MCC income limits by household size
- Price limit
- County MCC purchase-price limits
- Credit score
- Per first mortgage
- Homebuyer education
- Yes
- Property types
- SFR, condo, owner occupied
- Repayment
- N/A (tax credit); federal recapture tax may apply if sold within 9 years at a gain with higher income
- Works alongside
- Most first mortgages and DPA seconds; stacks on top of HOP where allowed
- How to apply
- MCC-participating lender at the time of purchase
Orange County Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
County of Orange, administered by National Homebuyers Fund, Inc., Sacramento. Verified 2026-08-17.
Annual federal tax credit on a percentage of mortgage interest paid, for the life of the loan.
Where: Orange County
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Orange County
- First time buyers only
- Yes, but the requirement is waived for purchases inside federally designated targeted areas and for qualified veterans. This is the only live exception for a repeat buyer.
- Income limit
- Household income up to 115% of AMI, with higher limits permitted in targeted or high-cost areas.
- Price limit
- County MCC price limits
- Credit score
- Per first mortgage
- Homebuyer education
- Yes
- Property types
- SFR, condo, owner occupied
- Repayment
- N/A (tax credit); federal recapture may apply
- Works alongside
- First mortgages and DPA; stacks with OC MAP
- How to apply
- MCC-participating lender; program administrator NHF (866-643-4968)
Riverside County Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
Riverside County Housing & Workforce Solutions (HWS)
20% credit rate: buyer may claim a federal tax credit equal to 20% of annual mortgage interest paid, every year for the life of the loan.
Where: Riverside County
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Riverside County
- First time buyers only
- Yes (waived in targeted areas / veterans)
- Income limit
- County MCC income limits by household size
- Price limit
- County MCC price limits
- Credit score
- No county minimum (per first mortgage)
- Homebuyer education
- Yes
- Property types
- SFR, condo, owner occupied
- Repayment
- N/A (tax credit); federal recapture may apply
- Works alongside
- First mortgage + HOME/PLHA second
- How to apply
- RivCo MCC participating lender at purchase
Homes for Heroes
Homes for Heroes, Inc. (agent/lender network)
A rebate of a portion of the agent's commission and lender/service fees after closing (averages around $3,000 for buyers). Not a loan or down payment fund.
Where: All four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- All four counties
- First time buyers only
- No
- Income limit
- None
- Price limit
- None
- Credit score
- N/A
- Homebuyer education
- No
- Property types
- Any (owner or investment, per agent)
- Repayment
- N/A (post-closing rebate check)
- Works alongside
- Any financing and DPA
- How to apply
- Work with a registered Homes for Heroes affiliate agent/lender
Teacher Next Door
Teacher Next Door (Homes for Heroes-affiliated network)
Grants and connection to down payment assistance for teachers and other eligible public-service employees, plus fee rebates. Not tied to specific HUD-listed homes (unlike Good Neighbor Next Door).
Where: All four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- All four counties
- First time buyers only
- No
- Income limit
- Varies by grant
- Price limit
- None set by the program
- Credit score
- Per first mortgage
- Homebuyer education
- Sometimes
- Property types
- Any, owner occupied
- Repayment
- Grant portions non-repayable; verify specific terms
- Works alongside
- First mortgage and DPA
- How to apply
- Teacher Next Door program / affiliated lender
HUD Good Neighbor Next Door
HUD
50% off the list price of an eligible HUD-owned home. The discount is a silent second with no payments and no interest, forgiven after 36 months of owner occupancy.
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- No
- Income limit
- None
- Price limit
- N/A (HUD-listed homes)
- Credit score
- Per first mortgage
- Homebuyer education
- No
- Property types
- HUD-owned SFR in designated revitalization areas
- Repayment
- Second forgiven after 3 years of occupancy
- Works alongside
- FHA (as low as $100 down on GNND), VA, conventional
- How to apply
- Bid through a HUD-registered broker during the 7-day listing window
CalHFA CalPLUS Conventional + ZIP
CalHFA
CalPLUS conventional first mortgage bundled with the Zero Interest Program (ZIP) second for closing costs (a percentage of the first loan amount). Usually paired with MyHome for the down payment.
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- Yes
- Income limit
- CalHFA county income limits
- Price limit
- No CalHFA sales-price limit (verify)
- Credit score
- 660-680 typical
- Homebuyer education
- Yes
- Property types
- SFR, condo, PUD, owner occupied
- Repayment
- ZIP is a silent, 0% deferred second; first mortgage amortizes normally
- Works alongside
- MyHome, MCC
- How to apply
- CalHFA-approved lender
CalHFA CalPLUS FHA + ZIP
CalHFA
CalPLUS FHA first mortgage with the ZIP second for closing costs, typically paired with MyHome (3.5%) for down payment.
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- Yes
- Income limit
- CalHFA county income limits
- Price limit
- No CalHFA sales-price limit (verify)
- Credit score
- 660+ typical
- Homebuyer education
- Yes
- Property types
- SFR, approved condo, owner occupied
- Repayment
- ZIP silent 0% deferred second; FHA first amortizes
- Works alongside
- MyHome, MCC
- How to apply
- CalHFA-approved lender
CalVet Home Loan
California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)
State-run mortgage for veterans. No monthly mortgage insurance. CalVet/VA option provides up to 100% financing and lets the VA funding fee be financed.
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- No
- Income limit
- None on the standard program
- Price limit
- Loan amounts subject to county limits; no purchase-price restriction
- Credit score
- Standard qualification
- Homebuyer education
- No
- Property types
- SFR, condo, new construction, owner occupied
- Repayment
- Amortizing mortgage; subject to available bond funds
- Works alongside
- Federal VA entitlement; some DPA/MCC
- How to apply
- Contact CalVet (800-653-2510) or a CalVet loan originator
Conventional 97 (Standard 97% LTV)
Fannie Mae (via approved lenders)
3% down conventional, no income limit. At least one borrower must be a first-time buyer.
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- Yes (at least one borrower)
- Income limit
- None
- Price limit
- Conforming loan limits
- Credit score
- 620+
- Homebuyer education
- Yes when all borrowers are FTBs
- Property types
- SFR, condo, townhome (1-unit)
- Repayment
- Standard amortizing mortgage
- Works alongside
- DPA, MCC
- How to apply
- Fannie-approved lender
FHA 203(b) Loan
HUD / FHA (via approved lenders)
3.5% minimum down payment. Lower rates and flexible underwriting. Requires MIP (upfront 1.75% + annual).
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- No
- Income limit
- None
- Price limit
- 2026 FHA one-unit limit for Los Angeles and Orange County is $1,249,125 (high-cost ceiling). Riverside and San Bernardino are materially lower. Not a binding constraint for buyers under roughly $800,000.
- Credit score
- 580 for 3.5% down; 500-579 with 10% down
- Homebuyer education
- No (lender may require)
- Property types
- SFR, approved condo, townhome, 2-4 units (owner occupied)
- Repayment
- Standard 15/30-year amortizing mortgage
- Works alongside
- CalHFA MyHome, CalPLUS FHA + ZIP, GSFA, Chenoa Fund, county/city DPA, MCC
- How to apply
- Any FHA-approved lender
FHA 203(k) Rehab Loan
HUD / FHA (via approved lenders)
Finances purchase + renovation in one loan, 3.5% down. Limited 203(k) up to ~$75,000 in repairs; Standard 203(k) for larger structural work.
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- No
- Income limit
- None
- Price limit
- Same FHA loan limits as 203(b)
- Credit score
- 580+ typical
- Homebuyer education
- No
- Property types
- SFR, approved condo (interior only), 2-4 units, owner occupied
- Repayment
- Standard amortizing mortgage
- Works alongside
- Some DPA; check overlay rules
- How to apply
- FHA-approved lender that offers 203(k)
Fannie Mae HomeReady
Fannie Mae (via approved lenders)
3% down conventional with reduced mortgage insurance and cancellable PMI. May include a lender credit for very low income borrowers.
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- No
- Income limit
- 80% of area median income (AMI) for the property location. Verify current AMI.
- Price limit
- Conforming loan limits
- Credit score
- 620+
- Homebuyer education
- Yes (Fannie Mae HomeView or equivalent) for FTBs
- Property types
- SFR, condo, townhome, 2-4 units
- Repayment
- Standard amortizing mortgage
- Works alongside
- CalHFA/GSFA DPA, MCC, community seconds
- How to apply
- Any Fannie-approved lender
Freddie Mac Home Possible
Freddie Mac (via approved lenders)
3% down conventional, reduced and cancellable MI. Freddie Mac's counterpart to HomeReady.
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- No
- Income limit
- 80% of AMI for the property location
- Price limit
- Conforming loan limits
- Credit score
- 660 typical
- Homebuyer education
- Yes (CreditSmart Homebuyer U) for FTBs
- Property types
- SFR, condo, townhome, 1-4 units
- Repayment
- Standard amortizing mortgage
- Works alongside
- CalHFA/GSFA DPA, MCC, Affordable Seconds
- How to apply
- Any Freddie-approved lender
Freddie Mac HomeOne
Freddie Mac (via approved lenders)
3% down conventional with no geographic or income limit (at least one borrower must be a first-time buyer).
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- Yes (at least one borrower)
- Income limit
- None
- Price limit
- Conforming loan limits
- Credit score
- 620+
- Homebuyer education
- Yes for all-FTB transactions
- Property types
- SFR, condo, townhome (1-unit)
- Repayment
- Standard amortizing mortgage
- Works alongside
- DPA, MCC
- How to apply
- Freddie-approved lender
HUD Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee
HUD Office of Native American Programs
Low down payment (as low as 2.25%), low fixed guarantee fee, flexible underwriting for enrolled members of federally recognized tribes.
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- No
- Income limit
- None
- Price limit
- 144% of area median home price caps
- Credit score
- Flexible / manual
- Homebuyer education
- Sometimes
- Property types
- SFR, owner occupied
- Repayment
- Standard amortizing mortgage
- Works alongside
- Some DPA
- How to apply
- Section 184-approved lender
USDA Section 502 Direct Loan
USDA Rural Development (direct)
0% down. Payment subsidy can drop the effective rate toward 1%. USDA is the direct lender.
Where: Riverside County and San Bernardino County
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Riverside County and San Bernardino County
- First time buyers only
- No
- Income limit
- Very-low and low income only. Riverside-SB MSA: very low roughly $55,950-$73,850; low roughly $89,500-$118,150. Verify current.
- Price limit
- Area loan limit ~$414,000
- Credit score
- 640 or manual underwrite
- Homebuyer education
- Yes
- Property types
- Modest SFR in eligible areas, owner occupied
- Repayment
- 33-38 year terms with payment subsidy recapture on sale
- Works alongside
- Rarely needed (already subsidized)
- How to apply
- Apply directly through the local USDA Rural Development office
USDA Section 502 Guaranteed Loan
USDA Rural Development (via approved lenders)
0% down. No monthly PMI (has a guarantee fee). Competitive fixed rates.
Where: Riverside County and San Bernardino County
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Riverside County and San Bernardino County
- First time buyers only
- No
- Income limit
- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario MSA moderate-income guaranteed limits roughly $141,450 (1-4 person) to $186,750 (5-8 person). Verify current.
- Price limit
- No set price cap; area loan reference limit ~$414,000
- Credit score
- 640 typical for streamlined
- Homebuyer education
- Sometimes (lender/first-time)
- Property types
- SFR in USDA-eligible areas, owner occupied
- Repayment
- 30-year fixed
- Works alongside
- Limited; check overlays
- How to apply
- USDA-approved lender; confirm property eligibility on USDA map
VA Home Loan
U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (via approved lenders)
0% down for eligible veterans, active duty, and some surviving spouses. No monthly mortgage insurance. Funding fee (can be financed; waived for many disabled veterans).
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- No
- Income limit
- None (residual income test)
- Price limit
- No VA loan limit with full entitlement
- Credit score
- No VA minimum; lenders often 580-620
- Homebuyer education
- No
- Property types
- SFR, approved condo, 2-4 units, owner occupied
- Repayment
- Standard amortizing mortgage
- Works alongside
- CalVet, some DPA and MCC
- How to apply
- VA-approved lender; obtain Certificate of Eligibility
VA Native American Direct Loan (NADL)
U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
0% down, no PMI, low fixed rate for eligible Native American veterans buying/building on federal trust land.
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- No
- Income limit
- None
- Price limit
- N/A
- Credit score
- VA guidelines
- Homebuyer education
- No
- Property types
- Home on federal trust land
- Repayment
- 30-year fixed
- Works alongside
- N/A
- How to apply
- Through VA; tribe must have a MOU with VA
Long Beach First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Grant
City of Long Beach
Up to $25,000 in grant funds for down payment. A true grant, no repayment.
The last application period is closed. Grants are first come, first served when the city reopens it. At least one borrower must be a first generation buyer and a current Long Beach resident.
Where: City of Long Beach only
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- City of Long Beach only
- First time buyers only
- Yes, first-time and first-generation homebuyers
- Income limit
- Up to 200% of Area Median Income.
- Price limit
- Within Long Beach city limits
- Credit score
- Per first mortgage (30-year fixed)
- Homebuyer education
- Yes (8-hour HUD-approved course)
- Property types
- SFR, condo within Long Beach, owner occupied
- Repayment
- None (grant)
- Works alongside
- First mortgage; potentially other DPA
- How to apply
- Longbeach.gov/lbhomegrant, first-come first-served
Santa Ana My First Home Program
City of Santa Ana
0% interest deferred payment loan of up to $120,000 for a home in Santa Ana, funded by the city Inclusionary Housing Fund. Buyer contributes 3% of their own seasoned funds.
Applications are currently closed. Funds are released first come, first served when the city reopens.
Where: City of Santa Ana only
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- City of Santa Ana only
- First time buyers only
- Yes
- Income limit
- Program income limits apply (verify current)
- Price limit
- Within Santa Ana city limits
- Credit score
- Per first mortgage
- Homebuyer education
- Yes
- Property types
- SFR, condo within Santa Ana, owner occupied
- Repayment
- Deferred second (verify current terms and amount)
- Works alongside
- First mortgage; OC MCC
- How to apply
- City of Santa Ana Community Development / participating lender
California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan
CalHFA
Up to 20% of the purchase price (max $150,000) for down payment and/or closing costs, paired with a Dream For All conventional first mortgage.
Closed to new applicants. The last voucher round opened in March 2026 and vouchers were released May 20, 2026. Watch CalHFA for the next round.
Where: Statewide, all four counties
Eligibility and how to apply
- Where
- Statewide, all four counties
- First time buyers only
- Yes, and prioritized/limited to first-generation homebuyers
- Income limit
- CalHFA Dream For All county income limits
- Price limit
- CalHFA price limits for the program (verify current)
- Credit score
- 660-680 typical
- Homebuyer education
- Yes
- Property types
- SFR, condo, PUD (1-unit), owner occupied
- Repayment
- Repay the original assistance PLUS a share of the home's appreciation (typically 20%, reduced for lower-income buyers) at sale/refi/payoff
- Works alongside
- Dream For All first mortgage (does not stack with MyHome)
- How to apply
- Register for a voucher during an open round, then work with a CalHFA-approved lender
No program matches every filter. Try All four counties or clear the search.
Want a plan built around the programs you qualify for?
Programs stack in specific ways, and the right order can be the difference between bringing five figures to closing and bringing very little. Kini walks you through it before you start touring homes.
Book a consultationCall (323) 320-1725First time buyer guide
Not sure which programs fit you?
Leave your number and Kini will call to walk through the programs you may qualify for and the order to use them in. It takes about fifteen minutes.
Prefer to talk? Call or text (323) 320-1725.
Down payment assistance: quick answers
Is there down payment assistance in Los Angeles County?
Yes. 31 programs on this page serve Los Angeles County buyers. The local ones include City of LA Low Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA), City of LA Moderate Income Purchase Assistance (MIPA), LA County HOP80 / HOP120 (Home Ownership Program), LA County Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC). Statewide programs such as CalHFA MyHome and GSFA Platinum also apply, and federal loans like FHA and VA work alongside most of them.
Is there down payment assistance in Orange County?
Yes. 30 programs on this page serve Orange County buyers. The local ones include Anaheim First-Time Homebuyer Program, Orange County Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP), Orange County Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC), Santa Ana My First Home Program. Statewide programs such as CalHFA MyHome and GSFA Platinum also apply, and federal loans like FHA and VA work alongside most of them.
Is there down payment assistance in Riverside County?
Yes. 34 programs on this page serve Riverside County buyers. The local ones include City of Hemet HOME First-Time Homebuyer Program, City of Palm Springs Homeownership Opportunities, City of Riverside Down Payment Assistance, Riverside County HOME / PLHA First-Time Homebuyer Program. Statewide programs such as CalHFA MyHome and GSFA Platinum also apply, and federal loans like FHA and VA work alongside most of them.
Is there down payment assistance in San Bernardino County?
Yes. 30 programs on this page serve San Bernardino County buyers. The local ones include San Bernardino County Homeownership Assistance (via NPHS / NHSIE partners). Statewide programs such as CalHFA MyHome and GSFA Platinum also apply, and federal loans like FHA and VA work alongside most of them.
Do I have to be a first time buyer to get help?
No. 18 of the 44 programs here do not require it, including GSFA Assist-to-Own Program, GSFA OpenDoors Program, GSFA Platinum Program, Chenoa Fund (CBC Mortgage Agency), National Homebuyers Fund (NHF) Down Payment Assistance. Most programs that do require it count you as a first time buyer if you have not owned your main home in the last three years.
Is Kini a lender?
No. Kini is a licensed real estate agent with Century 21 Affiliated. These programs are run by government agencies and nonprofits and are offered through participating lenders. Kini helps you build a home search around the programs you qualify for, and your lender confirms the loan.