CalHFA Rates & Programs 2026: Get Up to 20% Down Payment Assistance in California
CalHFA offers below-market rates (5.875% FHA) plus up to 20% down payment assistance through Dream For All. Between MyHome, ZIP, and Dream For All, California buyers can get $20,000-$120,000+ in help. Here is every program with current rates, income limits, and how to apply.
Quick Answer: CalHFA Rates April 2026
CalHFA FHA: 5.875% (30-year fixed). CalHFA Conventional: 6.00%. Best program: Dream For All — up to 20% of purchase price as DPA (shared appreciation). Most popular: MyHome (3.5% FHA DPA) + ZIP (3% closing cost assistance). Income limits: $153K-$250K+ depending on county. Compare CalHFA-approved lenders →
CalHFA Programs Comparison 2026
| Program | Rate | DPA | ZIP | Total Help | Credit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CalHFA FHA | 5.875% | MyHome 3.5% | + ZIP 3% | 6.5% assistance | 660+ | Most buyers |
| CalPLUS FHA + ZIP | 6.125% | MyHome 3.5% | + ZIP 3% | 6.5% assistance | 660+ | Need closing cost help |
| CalHFA Conventional | 6.00% | MyHome 3% | + ZIP 2% | 5% assistance | 680+ | Higher credit buyers |
| CalPLUS Conv + ZIP | 6.25% | MyHome 3% | + ZIP 2% | 5% assistance | 680+ | Need closing cost help |
| Dream For All | Market rate | Up to 20%! | N/A | 20% of price! | 660+ | Max DPA ($120K!) |
Dream For All 2026: Up to 20% DPA (Most Generous in US)
CalHFA Dream For All is the most generous down payment assistance program in America. It provides up to 20% of the purchase price as a shared appreciation loan — no monthly payments, no interest.
| Home Price | DPA (20%) | Your Down Payment | Out of Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|
| $400,000 | $80,000 | $0 | $0 |
| $500,000 | $100,000 | $0 | $0 |
| $600,000 | $120,000 | $0 | $0 |
| $750,000 | $150,000 | $0 | $0 |
⚠️ Dream For All funding is LIMITED and runs out FAST
In 2025, Dream For All funding ($300M) was exhausted in 11 days. In 2024, it lasted only 10 days. Get pre-approved NOW so you are ready when funding opens. Get CalHFA pre-approved today →
Current CalHFA Rates April 2026
| Program | Interest Rate | APR | Monthly (on $400K) | vs Market Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CalHFA FHA | 5.875% | 6.85% | $2,367 | 0.25% below market |
| CalPLUS FHA | 6.125% | 7.10% | $2,429 | At market (+ ZIP DPA) |
| CalHFA Conventional | 6.00% | 6.45% | $2,398 | 0.15% below market |
| CalPLUS Conventional | 6.25% | 6.70% | $2,462 | At market (+ ZIP DPA) |
| Market FHA (comparison) | 6.125% | 7.15% | $2,429 | — |
Rates as of April 6, 2026. CalHFA rates change weekly. Check calhfa.ca.gov/rates for current rates.
CalHFA Income Limits 2026 by California Region
| Region/County | 1-2 Person | 3+ Person | Max Purchase Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Bay Area | $250,000+ | $287,000+ | $1,149,825 |
| Los Angeles County | $210,000 | $241,500 | $1,149,825 |
| San Diego County | $195,000 | $224,250 | $1,017,750 |
| Orange County | $220,000 | $253,000 | $1,149,825 |
| Sacramento Area | $168,000 | $193,200 | $832,750 |
| Riverside/San Bernardino | $153,000 | $175,950 | $832,750 |
| Fresno/Central Valley | $145,000 | $166,750 | $832,750 |
| San Joaquin Valley | $153,000 | $175,950 | $832,750 |
Get Pre-Approved for CalHFA Before Dream For All Opens
Funding runs out in DAYS. Be ready. Get pre-approved with a CalHFA-approved lender now. No credit impact.
Find CalHFA Lenders →How to Apply for CalHFA: 6 Steps
Check Income + Purchase Price Limits
Verify your income is under CalHFA limits for your county. Check max purchase price. Use CalHFA income calculator at calhfa.ca.gov.
Complete Homebuyer Education Course
Required for all CalHFA programs. Online options: eHome America ($99), Framework ($75). Takes 6-8 hours. Certificate valid for 1 year.
Find a CalHFA-Approved Lender
Not all lenders participate. CalHFA maintains an approved lender list at calhfa.ca.gov/homebuyer/lenders. Call 3+ lenders to compare rates and service.
Get Pre-Approved
Your CalHFA-approved lender will pre-approve you for the CalHFA first mortgage + DPA programs simultaneously. This tells you exactly how much you can buy.
Find Your Home
Work with a realtor to find a home within CalHFA purchase price limits. Must be in California, primary residence, owner-occupied.
Close with CalHFA Financing
Your lender handles the CalHFA loan submission. Close in 30-45 days. DPA funds are applied automatically at closing.
Pro Tip: Complete steps 1-4 NOW, even before Dream For All funding opens. When funding drops, you will be ready to move immediately while others are still applying. Get FHA pre-approved for CalHFA →
Real Example: Buy a $600K Home in California with $0 Down
| Item | Amount | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Home Price | $600,000 | — |
| Dream For All DPA (20%) | -$120,000 | CalHFA (shared appreciation) |
| Your Mortgage | $480,000 | Your CalHFA loan |
| Closing Costs (~2.5%) | $15,000 | Negotiate seller concessions! |
| YOUR Out of Pocket | $0 - $15,000 | $0 with seller concessions |
Monthly payment: ~$3,200 (P&I $2,840 + property tax + insurance). No PMI with 20% Dream For All equity. vs. without DPA: $3,840/month (3.5% down + PMI).
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Meet Sarah
Senior Mortgage Advisor & VA Loan Specialist
Sarah Mitchell brings over 12 years of mortgage industry expertise, specializing in VA loans and first-time homebuyer programs. As a certified NMLS professional, she has helped thousands of veterans and military families achieve homeownership through specialized loan programs. Her deep understanding of VA benefits and down payment assistance programs makes her a trusted advisor for service members transitioning to civilian life.
EXPERTISE:
KEY ACHIEVEMENT:
Helped 2,500+ veterans secure home loans
Don't Miss Dream For All: Get Pre-Approved NOW
Up to $120K FREE DPA. CalHFA rates from 5.875%. Funding runs out in DAYS. Be ready.
Get CalHFA Pre-Approved →