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California Down Payment Assistance

Making Homeownership More Within Reach

Buying a home in California can feel out of reach — especially with rising prices and limited inventory. But there are state and local programs designed to help bridge that gap. Down Payment Assistance (DPA) can cover part of your down payment and closing costs, often with deferred payments or even forgivable loans.

At So San Diego Real Estate, we help you navigate the best programs available so your dream home can truly feel So San Diego — and so YOU.

How Down Payment Assistance Works

Down Payment Assistance usually comes in the form of a grant or second mortgage that helps reduce the upfront cost of buying a home.

Deferred loans – No payments until you sell, refinance, or pay off your mortgage.
Forgivable loans – Some programs erase the balance after a set number of years.
Shared appreciation loans – The program helps you buy now in exchange for a small share of your home's future appreciation.
Down Payment Assistance Consultation

🌟Statewide Programs

California-wide assistance programs available to qualified buyers

CalHFA MyHome Assistance

Assistance Amount:Up to 3.5% of purchase price

Deferred second loan for down payment or closing costs.

CalHFA Dream For All

Assistance Amount:Up to 20%

No monthly payments — you share a portion of appreciation when you sell.

GSFA Platinum Program

Assistance Amount:Up to 5%

Grants or 0% second mortgage for down payment or closing costs; flexible credit limits.

🌴San Diego-Area Local Assistance Programs

Local programs specifically for San Diego County residents

City of San Diego First-Time Homebuyer Program

Deferred 0% interest loan up to 17% of purchase price for down payment and closing costs.

County of San Diego Homebuyer Assistance (SDHC)

Low-income buyers can receive loans for down payment and closing costs, deferred until sale or refinance.

Neighborhood Housing Services of San Diego

Provides financial education, grants, and DPA for qualifying buyers.

Community HousingWorks

Offers local DPA programs and homebuyer education workshops.

🧾Typical Eligibility Requirements

Most programs require you to:

Be a first-time homebuyer (no home ownership in past 3 years)
Meet income and purchase price limits for your county
Complete a homebuyer education course
Purchase a home you'll live in as your primary residence
Qualify for a standard mortgage (FHA, VA, or conventional)

⚠️Tips Before You Apply

Always confirm whether the assistance is deferred, forgivable, or shared-equity
Apply early — funding can run out quickly each year
Work with a lender experienced in CalHFA or GSFA programs
Keep your education certificate and lender pre-approval handy

📞Ready to Explore Your Options?

You may be closer to homeownership than you think.

Contact So San Diego Real Estate to discover which California or San Diego-area down payment programs you qualify for.

Because owning a home should feel So San Diego — and so YOU.