San Francisco · Deferred loan

San Francisco DALP

$500,000

Up to $500,000 in down payment assistance. The largest city program in the US. Lottery-based.

San Francisco's Down Payment Assistance Loan Program (DALP) offers up to $500,000 as a silent second mortgage — the largest city-level DPA program in the United States. The loan is deferred with no monthly payments and is designed to bridge the enormous gap between what SF residents earn and what homes cost in the city.

Income limits go up to $218,000 for a two-person household, and the program is lottery-based with annual application windows. Eligible properties include condos and single-family homes within San Francisco city limits. While $500K sounds extraordinary, it reflects the reality of San Francisco real estate — and for buyers who win the lottery, it can make the difference between renting forever and building equity in one of the most valuable real estate markets in the world.

Amount$500,000
TypeDeferred loan
Available inCalifornia
First-time buyer requiredYes
Minimum credit score660
Multi-unit eligibleSingle-family only
Funding statusAnnual application window, typically March–June.

Programs that pair with this

FHA Loan Saves ~$33,000 on a $200K home vs 20% down
Federal · Subsidized loan
VA Loan $0 down + no monthly mortgage insurance
Federal · Federal benefit
NACA Program $0 down + $0 closing + $0 PMI + below-market rate
National · Nonprofit program
California Dream For All $150,000
California · Shared appreciation
CalHFA MyHome 3.5% of purchase price as silent second
California · Deferred 0% loan
GSFA Platinum 5.5% of loan amount — no first-time buyer requirement
California · DPA program
All California programs →

Get your free stacking strategy

We'll show you how to combine San Francisco DALP with other programs to maximize your free money — personalized to your ZIP code and income.

Or get matched with a lender who knows this program →
All California programs →