Grants, forgivable loans, and subsidized mortgages — many California buyers qualify for $911,000+ in assistance and don't even know it.
Find your programs →Click any program for full details, eligibility, and how to apply.
Up to 20% of purchase price (max $150K). Shared appreciation model. Lottery-based.
Shared appreciationDeferred loan up to 3.5% of purchase price for down payment. No monthly payments.
Deferred 0% loanUp to 5.5% of loan amount. Does NOT require first-time buyer status.
DPA program20% of your annual mortgage interest as a direct federal tax credit, every year.
Annual tax creditUp to $500,000 in down payment assistance. The largest city program in the US. Lottery-based.
Deferred loanUp to $161,000 deferred for low-income buyers in LA city limits.
Deferred loanUp to $100,000 for buyers in unincorporated LA County.
Deferred loanUp to 22% of purchase price plus $10K closing costs for San Diego County.
Deferred 3% loan17% of purchase price as DPA. Shared appreciation model for Silicon Valley buyers.
Shared appreciation3.5% down payment with 580+ credit. The most popular first-time buyer loan in America.
Subsidized loanHouse-hack eligibleZero down payment, no PMI for eligible veterans and active-duty service members.
Federal benefitHouse-hack eligibleZero down payment for rural and suburban areas. 97% of US land qualifies.
Subsidized loan3% down with reduced mortgage insurance for low-to-moderate income buyers.
Subsidized loanHouse-hack eligible3% down with flexible funding sources including gifts and employer assistance.
Subsidized loanHouse-hack eligibleNo down payment, no closing costs, no PMI, below-market rate. Character-based lending.
Nonprofit programHouse-hack eligible50% off purchase price for teachers, law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTs.
GrantThere are 9 state-specific programs and 7 federal programs available in California, totaling 16 programs.
Not all programs require first-time buyer status. Several California programs are available to repeat buyers. 'First-time buyer' means you haven't owned a home in the past 3 years.
Yes. Many DPA programs allow 1-4 unit properties. Live in one unit and rent the others — this is called house-hacking.