Down payment assistance in California, explained
The down payment is what stops most California families from buying — not the monthly payment. The good news: there are state and local programs that can cover part or all of it. We'll walk you through the ones you actually qualify for, in English or Spanish.
Browse homes flagged for assistance
Our live home search can show only listings the MLS flags as eligible for down payment assistance programs — a practical place to start once you know help exists.
The kinds of help that exist
- Grants
- Money toward your down payment that you don't pay back, as long as you meet the program's terms.
- Deferred second loans
- A silent second loan that sits behind your main mortgage and only comes due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the home.
- Forgivable loans
- Assistance that's gradually forgiven the longer you live in the home — often disappearing entirely after a set number of years.
- First-time & first-generation help
- Special programs for buyers new to homeownership, including some aimed at first-generation buyers whose parents didn't own a home.
Who usually qualifies
Every program sets its own rules, but most look for a version of this:
- First-time buyers — often meaning you haven't owned a home in the last three years
- Household income within your county's limit for the program
- A completed homebuyer education course (usually a few hours online)
- A credit profile that fits a standard FHA or conventional loan
- Buying a primary residence you'll actually live in — not an investment property
How we help you use it
- Check what you qualify for
- Pair it with the right loan
- Finish your homebuyer course
- Apply while funds are open
Find out what you qualify for
Tell us where you're buying and a little about your plans. We'll tell you honestly which programs are open and worth pursuing — no pressure, no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
What is down payment assistance?
It's help — usually from a state or local program — that covers some or all of your down payment and sometimes your closing costs. The money can come as a grant you don't repay, or as a second loan that's deferred or forgiven over time. The exact terms depend on the program you qualify for.
Do I have to pay it back?
It depends on the program. Some assistance is a grant with nothing to repay. Others are a small second loan that sits quietly behind your main mortgage and only comes due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the home — and a few are forgiven entirely if you stay in the house long enough. We'll explain the terms of any program before you commit.
Who qualifies for help with a down payment?
Most programs are aimed at first-time buyers, though many define 'first-time' as anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years. There are usually income limits tied to your county, and you'll typically need to complete a short homebuyer education course. We'll check your numbers against the programs available where you're buying.
Can I combine assistance with an FHA or conventional loan?
Often, yes. Many down payment assistance programs are designed to layer on top of a standard FHA or conventional loan. We'll line up the main loan and the assistance together so the whole package works.
Is the money still available?
Program funds are limited and can run out, then get refreshed when budgets reset. Because of that, timing matters. We keep an eye on what's open and let you know honestly whether a program is funded before you count on it.