First Time Home Buyer Programs California 2026: Get Up to $150,000 in Free Money
Want to buy a home in California with little to no money down? You're in luck! California offers $10,000 to $150,000 in down payment assistance for first-time buyers in 2026. This complete guide reveals the top 10 programs, income limits, how to qualify, and how to stack multiple programs for maximum assistance.
🏡 Quick Facts (January 2026)
- ✓Best Program: CalHFA MyHome (up to 3.5% down payment assistance, no income limits)
- ✓Maximum Assistance: Up to $150,000 with Dream For All program
- ✓Stack Programs: Combine CalHFA + GSFA + County grants = $50K+ total
- ✓Credit Score: As low as 580 (FHA) or 620 (conventional)
- ✓Income Limits: $80K-$204K depending on program and county
Top 10 First Time Home Buyer Programs in California (2026)
🏆 #1: CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program
Best For: Most California first-time buyers
- • Assistance Amount: Up to 3.5% of purchase price (deferred loan)
- • Example: $26,250 on a $750,000 home
- • Income Limits: NONE in most counties (some high-cost areas have limits)
- • Credit Score: 660+ (conventional) or 640+ (FHA)
- • Repayment: 0% interest, due when you sell/refinance/pay off
- • First-Time Buyer: Required (or not owned in 3 years)
Why It's #1:
NO income limits in most counties + highest assistance amount + can be combined with other programs. Works with FHA, conventional, VA, and USDA loans.
💰 #2: Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan
Best For: Low-to-moderate income buyers who plan to stay 10+ years
- • Assistance Amount: Up to 20% of purchase price (max $150,000)
- • Example: $150,000 on a $750,000 home
- • Income Limits: $150,000-$204,000 (varies by county)
- • Credit Score: 680+ (conventional only)
- • Repayment: Loan amount + 20% of home appreciation
- • Catch: Limited funding (runs out fast each year)
⚠️ Important:
You share 20% of appreciation with the state. If your $750K home appreciates to $1M, you owe $150K loan + $50K (20% of $250K gain) = $200K total. Only worth it if you need the cash NOW.
🎁 #3: GSFA Platinum Program (Forgivable Grant!)
Best For: Buyers who want FREE money (not a loan)
- • Assistance Amount: $7,500-$15,000 (varies by lender)
- • Income Limits: $150,000-$175,000 (varies by county)
- • Credit Score: 680+ (conventional) or 640+ (FHA)
- • Repayment: FORGIVEN after 3 years of occupancy!
- • Can Stack: Yes, with CalHFA MyHome
🔥 Pro Tip:
Stack GSFA Platinum ($15K) + CalHFA MyHome ($26K) = $41,000 total assistance. Live there 3 years and the $15K is FREE!
Programs #4-10: Quick Comparison
| Program | Assistance | Income Limit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| #4: LA County DPA | $20,000-$25,000 | $120,000 | LA County buyers |
| #5: San Diego TSAHC | $15,000 | $150,000 | San Diego buyers |
| #6: SF DALP | $25,000-$50,000 | $175,000 | San Francisco buyers |
| #7: CalPLUS Conventional | 3% down only | None | Good credit (680+) |
| #8: CalHFA FHA | 3.5% down | Varies | Lower credit (580+) |
| #9: CalHFA VA | 0% down | None | Veterans/military |
| #10: County-Specific Grants | $5,000-$15,000 | $80K-$150K | Check your county |
How to Stack California Programs for Maximum Assistance
The secret to getting $40K-$60K in total assistance? Stack multiple programs! Here are the 3 best combinations in 2026:
🔥 Best Combo #1: CalHFA + GSFA + County Grant
Example: $750,000 home in Los Angeles
- • CalHFA MyHome: $26,250 (3.5% of $750K)
- • GSFA Platinum: $15,000 (forgivable after 3 years)
- • LA County DPA: $20,000
- • Total Assistance: $61,250
- • Your Down Payment: $0-$10,000 (depending on loan type)
Result: Buy a $750K home with less than $10K out of pocket!
💰 Best Combo #2: Dream For All + FHA (Maximum Assistance)
Example: $750,000 home with FHA loan
- • Dream For All: $150,000 (20% of $750K)
- • FHA Loan: 3.5% down = $26,250
- • Dream For All covers: $150K (down payment + closing costs)
- • Your Out-of-Pocket: $0-$5,000
⚠️ Remember: You'll owe 20% of appreciation when you sell!
🎯 Best Combo #3: CalHFA + VA Loan (Veterans)
Example: $750,000 home with VA loan
- • VA Loan: 0% down required
- • CalHFA MyHome: $26,250 (covers closing costs)
- • Your Out-of-Pocket: $0
Result: Buy a $750K home with ZERO money down!
California Income Limits by County (2026)
| County | Median Home Price | CalHFA Limit | Dream For All Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $850,000 | No limit | $204,000 |
| San Francisco | $1,200,000 | No limit | $204,000 |
| San Diego | $900,000 | No limit | $180,000 |
| Orange County | $1,100,000 | No limit | $204,000 |
| Sacramento | $550,000 | No limit | $150,000 |
| Riverside | $600,000 | No limit | $150,000 |
| Fresno | $400,000 | No limit | $120,000 |
5 Real California Buyer Success Stories
Maria's Story: $41K in Free Assistance (Los Angeles)
Situation: Teacher, $85K income, 680 credit score
Home Price: $750,000 in Pasadena
Programs Used: CalHFA MyHome ($26,250) + GSFA Platinum ($15,000) = $41,250
Out-of-Pocket: $8,000 (FHA 3.5% down - assistance)
Result: Saved $41K and owns a home in her dream neighborhood!
David's Story: $150K Dream For All (San Diego)
Situation: Nurse, $120K income, 720 credit score
Home Price: $800,000 in Chula Vista
Programs Used: Dream For All ($150,000)
Out-of-Pocket: $2,500 (closing costs only)
Result: Bought with almost zero money down!
Sarah's Story: VA + CalHFA = $0 Down (Sacramento)
Situation: Veteran, $70K income, 650 credit score
Home Price: $500,000 in Elk Grove
Programs Used: VA Loan (0% down) + CalHFA MyHome ($17,500 for closing)
Out-of-Pocket: $0
Result: 100% financing with zero out of pocket!
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility (Week 1)
- • First-time buyer (or haven't owned in 3 years)
- • Credit score: 580+ (FHA), 620+ (conventional), 640+ (USDA)
- • Income: Check county limits for Dream For All
- • Employment: 2 years stable income
Step 2: Find an Approved Lender (Week 1-2)
- • Search CalHFA approved lender list
- • Interview 3-5 lenders
- • Ask about program combinations
- • Compare rates and fees
Step 3: Get Pre-Approved (Week 2-3)
- • Submit documents: tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements
- • Lender runs credit check
- • Receive pre-approval letter (valid 60-90 days)
- • Know your maximum home price
Ready to Get Your California Down Payment Assistance?
Get pre-approved with a lender who specializes in California first-time buyer programs. They'll help you stack programs for maximum assistance and guide you through the application process.
Get Pre-Approved for California Programs →