The biggest barrier to homeownership for most Southern California buyers isn't qualifying for a mortgage — it's saving enough for a down payment. With median home prices well above $600,000 across much of SoCal, even a 3.5% FHA down payment means coming up with $21,000 or more, plus closing costs.
The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) offers several down payment assistance programs that can dramatically reduce — or even eliminate — the cash you need to bring to closing. This guide breaks down every major CalHFA program available in 2026 and who qualifies.
Find Out Which Programs You Qualify For
CalHFA programs have specific income limits, purchase price caps, and lender requirements. Connect with a licensed CalHFA-approved lender who can check your eligibility across all available programs.
Check My CalHFA Eligibility →What Is CalHFA?
CalHFA is the California Housing Finance Agency — a state agency established in 1975 to provide affordable housing financing to low- and moderate-income Californians. CalHFA doesn't lend directly to borrowers; instead, it partners with a network of approved lenders who originate loans using CalHFA's programs and guidelines.
CalHFA offers both first mortgage programs and junior loan programs (down payment assistance). Most borrowers use a CalHFA first mortgage paired with a CalHFA down payment assistance loan.
2026 CalHFA Down Payment Assistance Programs
CalHFA's flagship DPA program. Provides a deferred-payment junior loan for the down payment and/or closing costs. No payments are due until you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage. Available for both FHA and conventional CalHFA first loans. Must be a first-time homebuyer (or not have owned a primary residence in the last 3 years).
A zero-interest, deferred junior loan specifically for closing cost assistance. Paired with CalHFA conventional first mortgage programs. No payments and no interest until the loan is due. An excellent complement to the MyHome program — many buyers stack both programs.
CalHFA's most powerful program — provides up to 20% of the purchase price for down payment. In exchange, CalHFA receives a proportional share of future appreciation when you sell or transfer the home. No monthly payments on the assistance. High demand means this program opens in limited rounds — work with a CalHFA lender to get on the waitlist when it reopens.
CalHFA's FHA-insured first mortgage, designed to be combined with MyHome or other DPA programs. Offers competitive 30-year fixed rates specifically for first-time buyers. Income limits and purchase price caps apply based on county.
Fannie Mae HFA Preferred conventional loan for CalHFA borrowers. Lower mortgage insurance costs than FHA for borrowers with stronger credit. Can be combined with ZIP for closing cost assistance. Good option for buyers with 680+ credit scores.
CalHFA Income Limits for SoCal Counties (2026)
CalHFA programs have income limits based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for each county. These limits change annually. As a general guide for 2026:
- Los Angeles County: Approximately $155,000-$180,000 for most programs
- Orange County: Approximately $175,000-$200,000
- San Bernardino County: Approximately $130,000-$155,000
- Riverside County: Approximately $130,000-$155,000
- San Diego County: Approximately $165,000-$185,000
- Ventura County: Approximately $160,000-$185,000
Note: Income limits vary by program and household size. A CalHFA-approved lender will verify current limits for your specific situation.
CalHFA Purchase Price Limits
CalHFA programs also have maximum purchase price limits by county. For 2026, limits in most SoCal counties range from $660,000 to $906,000 for single-family homes. Check with a CalHFA lender for the current limit in your target area, as these are updated periodically.
Who Qualifies for CalHFA Programs?
- First-time homebuyer: Most programs require you to not have owned a primary residence in the last 3 years
- Income within limits: Your household income must fall within the county-specific limits
- Credit score: Minimum 660 for most CalHFA programs (some require 680+)
- Primary residence: Must intend to occupy the home as your primary residence
- Homebuyer education: All borrowers must complete a CalHFA-approved homebuyer education course (available online)
- CalHFA-approved lender: You must work with a lender who is approved to originate CalHFA loans
How to Apply for CalHFA Down Payment Assistance
- Connect with a CalHFA-approved lender — Not all lenders offer CalHFA programs; you need one that is specifically approved
- Complete homebuyer education — Required for all CalHFA borrowers; available online through eHome, Framework, or similar providers
- Get pre-approved — Your lender will verify your income, credit, and eligibility for specific programs
- Find your home within the purchase price limits — Your agent should know the CalHFA purchase price cap for your county
- Submit your loan application — Your lender submits both the first mortgage and DPA loan to CalHFA for approval
- Close on your home — CalHFA loans typically add 1-2 extra weeks to the timeline due to additional approval steps
Don't Leave Down Payment Money on the Table
Thousands of SoCal buyers qualify for CalHFA assistance and never know it. Connect with a CalHFA-approved lending professional today and find out exactly what's available to you.
Check My Down Payment Options →