CalHFA Rates & Programs 2026: Get Up to 20% Down Payment Assistance in California
CalHFA offers below-market rates (typically 0.25-0.75% under market) 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.
⚠️ CalHFA Dream For All Funds Run Out FAST — Often Within Days of Each Launch
California's most generous program (up to $120,000 in down payment assistance) exhausts funding within days. Buyers with 660+ credit and income under $250K should check eligibility NOW before the next round closes.
CalHFA Funds Running Out — Check Eligibility with a CA-Approved Lender →Quick Answer: CalHFA Rates Oct 2026
CalHFA FHA & Conventional: below-market rates updated weekly. CalPLUS options: near-market + ZIP closing-cost help. 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 | Below-market | MyHome 3.5% | + ZIP 3% | 6.5% assistance | 660+ | Most buyers |
| CalPLUS FHA + ZIP | Below-mkt +DPA | MyHome 3.5% | + ZIP 3% | 6.5% assistance | 660+ | Need closing cost help |
| CalHFA Conventional | Below-mkt | MyHome 3% | + ZIP 2% | 5% assistance | 680+ | Higher credit buyers |
| CalPLUS Conv + ZIP | Below-mkt +DPA | 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. See all down payment assistance programs →
| 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 Oct 2026
| Program | Interest Rate | APR | Monthly (on $400K) | vs Market Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CalHFA FHA | Below mkt* | Weekly rate | Lower P&I | ~0.25-0.75% below market |
| CalPLUS FHA | ~Market | Weekly rate | Near mkt | At market (+ ZIP DPA) |
| CalHFA Conventional | Below mkt* | Weekly rate | Lower P&I | ~0.25-0.50% below market |
| CalPLUS Conventional | ~Market | Weekly rate | Near mkt | At market (+ ZIP DPA) |
| Market FHA (comparison) | ~7.22% | ~8.15% APR | $2,721 | — |
Rates as of October 2026. CalHFA rates change weekly. Compare CalHFA vs conventional lender 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 |
Compare 5+ Lender Rates in 2 Minutes
The same borrower on the same day gets different rates from different lenders. On a $400K loan, a 0.50% gap = $32,000 over 30 years. Soft pull only — no SSN needed for initial quotes.
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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).
🏠 California Dream For All: $120K Free Money Runs Out in DAYS
Dream For All funding exhausted in 11 days last year. Get pre-approved NOW so you are ready when funding opens. CalHFA FHA rates from 5.875% — 0.25% below market. Compare CalHFA-approved lenders in 2 minutes, free.
Find CalHFA-Approved Lenders →Free • No SSN • Soft credit pull only
CalHFA FAQ 2026 — Your Questions Answered
What are CalHFA rates in 2026?
CalHFA FHA 30-year fixed: 5.875% (below-market). CalHFA Conventional: 6.00%. CalPLUS FHA (with ZIP DPA): 6.125%. Rates are typically 0.25-0.50% below standard market rates because CalHFA is a state housing finance agency. Compare CalHFA-approved lenders →
What CalHFA programs are available in 2026?
CalHFA offers 5 main programs: (1) MyHome Assistance — up to 3.5% as deferred DPA. (2) CalHFA ZIP — 0% interest second loan for closing costs. (3) CalPLUS + ZIP combo. (4) Dream For All — up to 20% of purchase price as shared appreciation loan. (5) School Teacher and Employee Assistance. Find which CalHFA program you qualify for →
What are CalHFA income limits for 2026?
CalHFA income limits vary by county: Most counties $153K-$210K. High-cost counties (SF, LA, San Diego, Orange): up to $250K+. CalHFA counts only BORROWER income (not all household adults). Check your county income limit →
What is CalHFA Dream For All 2026?
Dream For All provides up to 20% of the purchase price as a shared appreciation loan — no monthly payments, no interest. On a $600K home, that is $120,000 in DPA. When you sell or after 30 years, you repay the original amount plus a share of appreciation. Funding runs out within days — get pre-approved NOW before funding opens →
How do I apply for CalHFA?
(1) Complete homebuyer education course (~$75). (2) Find a CalHFA-approved lender. (3) Get pre-approved. (4) Find a home within CalHFA purchase price limits. (5) Close with CalHFA financing. Processing takes 30-45 days. You MUST use a CalHFA-approved lender. Find CalHFA-approved lenders near you →
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Don't Miss Dream For All: Get Pre-Approved NOW
Up to $120K FREE DPA. CalHFA below-market rates. Funding runs out in DAYS. Be ready.