CalHFA Programs 2026 The Complete Guide to California Down Payment Assistance

Updated January 2026 25 min read
California map showing CalHFA program coverage with Dream For All, MyHome, and Forgivable Equity Builder assistance amounts by county

Quick Answer

CalHFA (California Housing Finance Agency) offers 6 down payment assistance programs for first-time homebuyers. The flagship Dream For All provides up to $150,000 with no monthly payments—but operates via lottery. The MyHome program offers 3-3.5% of the purchase price as a deferred loan (subject to funding). For lower-income buyers, the Forgivable Equity Builder provided 10% forgiven after 5 years—but funding was exhausted; check CalHFA for 2026 availability. All programs require a CalHFA-approved lender and homebuyer education. Income limits vary by county—up to $325,000 in San Francisco/Marin, $270,000 in Orange County, $211,000 in Los Angeles.

Key Takeaways

  • Dream For All: Up to 20% of purchase price ($150,000 max)—lottery opens early 2026
  • MyHome Assistance: 3-3.5% deferred loan for down payment/closing costs—generally available
  • Forgivable Equity Builder: 10% forgiven after 5 years—funding exhausted, check 2026 availability
  • Zero Interest Program (ZIP): 2-3% for closing costs with CalPLUS loans—0% interest
  • Income limits vary by county: Up to $325,000 in SF/Marin, $270,000 in Orange, $211,000 in LA
  • Programs can stack: Combine CalHFA first mortgage + MyHome + ZIP for maximum assistance
  • Education required: 8-hour eHome course ($100) or HUD-approved counseling

California home prices are brutal. The median home costs $823,000—and even "affordable" areas like the Inland Empire or Central Valley are pushing $500,000+.

A 20% down payment? That's $165,000 in cash. Even 3% down requires $25,000.

But here's what most people don't know:

The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) offers programs that can cover most or all of your down payment and closing costs—with no monthly payments on the assistance.

And unlike what you might expect, the income limits are shockingly generous. You can earn up to $316,000 in the Bay Area and still qualify for CalHFA programs.

The catch?

There are 6 different programs with different requirements, different benefits, and different availability. The best one (Dream For All) is distributed by lottery and sells out in hours when it opens.

This guide breaks down every CalHFA program so you know exactly which one to target—and how to maximize your chances of getting it.

CalHFA Overview: How California's Housing Agency Works

What Is CalHFA?

The California Housing Finance Agency is a self-supporting state agency (not funded by taxpayers) that has helped over 233,000 families buy homes since 1975. CalHFA doesn't lend directly—it works through a network of approved lenders and loan officers who process the actual mortgages.

CalHFA offers two categories of assistance:

Category Programs Purpose
First Mortgages CalHFA FHA, CalHFA Conventional, CalHFA VA, CalHFA USDA, CalPLUS The primary loan to buy your home
Subordinate Loans (DPA) Dream For All, MyHome, Forgivable Equity Builder, ZIP, MyAccess Down payment and closing cost assistance

The magic happens when you combine a CalHFA first mortgage with one or more down payment assistance programs. You can potentially buy a home with minimal out-of-pocket costs.

CalHFA by the Numbers (2025)

  • 7,000 families helped in the last fiscal year
  • $43.5 billion invested since 1975
  • 233,000+ families helped buy their first home
  • 1,100+ sessions of free homebuyer counseling provided

Dream For All: The $150,000 Down Payment Program

This is the program everyone wants.

And for good reason:

Dream For All provides up to 20% of your purchase price (capped at $150,000) for down payment and closing costs. There are no monthly payments—you only repay when you sell, refinance, or transfer the home.

Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan

  • Assistance: Up to 20% of purchase price (max $150,000)
  • Monthly payment: $0 (deferred)
  • Repayment: Original amount + share of home appreciation
  • Appreciation share: 20% if income >80% AMI, 15% if income ≤80% AMI
  • First mortgage: Must use Dream For All Conventional loan
  • Availability: Lottery system—opens early 2026

How the Shared Appreciation Works

Dream For All isn't free money—it's a shared appreciation loan. When you sell or refinance, you repay the original assistance plus a percentage of your home's value increase.

Scenario Purchase DFA Loan Sale Gain Repay
Modest $600K $120K $720K $120K $144K
Strong $600K $120K $900K $300K $180K
No Growth $600K $120K $600K $0 $120K

Dream For All Eligibility Requirements

Who Qualifies?

First-Time Homebuyer
Haven't owned or occupied a home in the last 3 years, nor lived in a home owned by a spouse during that time
First-Generation Homebuyer (at least one borrower)
Haven't owned a home or been on a mortgage in the last 7 years, AND parents do not currently own a home in the United States (or didn't at time of passing). Former foster youth also qualify.
Income Limits
Must be below Dream For All limits for your county (lower than standard CalHFA limits)
Credit Score
Minimum 660 for conventional
Occupancy
Must be your primary residence
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The "First-Generation" Requirement Is Strict: If either of your parents currently owns a home anywhere in the US, you don't qualify—even if they live in another country or you haven't spoken in years. Be prepared to provide documentation.

The Dream For All Lottery System

Dream For All is not first-come-first-served. CalHFA uses a randomized lottery to distribute vouchers after the registration period closes.

How the Lottery Works

  • Registration window opens (typically 1-2 weeks)
  • All applications submitted during window enter the lottery
  • Random selection determines who receives vouchers
  • Selected applicants receive vouchers and can proceed with home purchase
  • Vouchers have expiration dates—you must close before it expires

Critical: Get Pre-Approved BEFORE the Lottery Opens

You need a CalHFA lender pre-approval letter to enter the Dream For All lottery. If you wait until the registration opens to start the process, you'll miss the window. Start working with a CalHFA-approved lender at least 60 days before the expected lottery date.

MyHome Assistance Program: The Always-Available Option

If you don't win the Dream For All lottery (or don't qualify as first-generation), MyHome is your fallback.

The good news:

MyHome is generally available year-round (subject to state funding). There's no lottery, no limited funding windows for most periods. It provides reliable down payment assistance you can plan around.

MyHome Assistance Program

  • FHA Loans: Up to 3.5% of purchase price or appraised value (whichever is less)
  • Conventional Loans: Up to 3% of purchase price or appraised value (whichever is less)
  • Interest Rate: Simple interest (varies—check current rates)
  • Monthly Payment: $0 (deferred "silent second")
  • Repayment: When you sell, refinance, pay off, or no longer occupy

MyHome Dollar Amounts by Home Price

Home Price MyHome (FHA @ 3.5%) MyHome (Conv @ 3%)
$500,000 $17,500 $15,000
$600,000 $21,000 $18,000
$750,000 $26,250 $22,500
$900,000 $31,500 $27,000
$1,000,000 $35,000 $30,000

MyHome Eligibility Requirements

Who Qualifies?

First-Time Homebuyer
Haven't owned a home in the last 3 years
Combined with CalHFA First Mortgage
Must use a CalHFA first mortgage (FHA, Conventional, VA, or USDA)
Primary Residence
Must occupy as your primary home—no non-occupant co-borrowers
Income Limits
Must meet CalHFA income limits for your county
Homebuyer Education
Must complete approved 8-hour course

Forgivable Equity Builder: 10% That Disappears

Program Status: Funding Exhausted

The Forgivable Equity Builder program fully allocated its funding in late 2022. While CalHFA has introduced alternatives like MyAccess (2.5% deferred loan), there is no confirmation the 10% forgivable program will receive new funding for 2026. Check CalHFA's website or contact a CalHFA-approved lender for current availability. The information below describes how the program works if/when funding returns.

When funded, this is CalHFA's best program for lower-income buyers.

Here's why it's special:

The Forgivable Equity Builder provides up to 10% of your purchase price for down payment or closing costs. If you stay in the home for 5 years as your primary residence, the entire loan is forgiven.

Forgivable Equity Builder Loan

  • Assistance: Up to 10% of purchase price or appraised value
  • Interest Rate: 0%
  • Monthly Payment: $0
  • Forgiveness: 100% forgiven after 5 years of owner-occupancy
  • Early payoff: Forgiven on pro-rated annual basis if you leave early
  • Income limit: Less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)

Forgivable Equity Builder Dollar Amounts

Home Price 10% Assistance Forgiven After 5 Years
$400,000 $40,000 $40,000 FREE
$500,000 $50,000 $50,000 FREE
$600,000 $60,000 $60,000 FREE
$750,000 $75,000 $75,000 FREE

The 80% AMI Income Requirement

The catch is the income limit—you must earn less than 80% of the Area Median Income for your county. This is significantly lower than standard CalHFA limits and is calculated differently (based on HUD AMI figures, not CalHFA program limits).

County 80% AMI Limit (Approximate)
Santa Clara $118,960
San Francisco ~$115,000
Orange ~$95,000
Los Angeles ~$85,000
San Diego $76,080
Sacramento $72,700
Riverside/San Bernardino ~$65,000
Fresno ~$55,000

Use Fannie Mae's AMI Lookup Tool for exact current limits by county

💡

Tax Implications: When the loan is forgiven, CalHFA will issue a 1099 form. The forgiven amount may be considered taxable income. Consult a tax professional to understand the impact.

Forgivable Equity Builder vs. Dream For All

  • Forgivable Equity Builder: 10% assistance, 100% forgivable, requires <80% AMI income—funding exhausted, check 2026 availability
  • Dream For All: 20% assistance, shared appreciation on sale, higher income limits, lottery only
  • If Forgivable is funded and you qualify for both: Dream For All provides more assistance, but Forgivable is truly free if you stay 5+ years
  • If you don't win Dream For All lottery: MyHome (3-3.5%) is the primary fallback; Forgivable Equity Builder only if funding returns

Zero Interest Program (ZIP): Closing Cost Coverage

ZIP is specifically designed for closing costs—not down payment. It's only available with CalPLUS loans.

Zero Interest Program (ZIP)

  • Assistance: 2% or 3% of first mortgage loan amount
  • Interest Rate: 0%
  • Monthly Payment: $0 (deferred)
  • Can only be used for: Closing costs and prepaid items
  • Cannot be used for: Down payment or debt payoff
  • Required loan: CalPLUS FHA or CalPLUS Conventional only

ZIP Dollar Amounts

First Mortgage Amount ZIP @ 2% ZIP @ 3%
$400,000 $8,000 $12,000
$500,000 $10,000 $15,000
$600,000 $12,000 $18,000
$750,000 $15,000 $22,500

CalPLUS vs. Standard CalHFA Loans

CalPLUS loans have a slightly higher interest rate than standard CalHFA loans, but they come bundled with ZIP and MyHome assistance. The higher rate helps offset the cost of providing the additional assistance. For most buyers, the tradeoff is worth it—the closing cost coverage outweighs the rate difference.

CalHFA First Mortgage Options

Before you can use any CalHFA down payment assistance, you need a CalHFA first mortgage. Here are your options:

Program Loan Type Min Credit Down Payment Best For
CalHFA FHA FHA 30-year fixed 660 3.5% Lower credit scores, flexible DTI
CalPLUS FHA FHA 30-year fixed + ZIP 660 3.5% Need closing cost help
CalHFA Conventional Fannie Mae HFA Preferred 680 3% Higher credit, avoid MIP
CalPLUS Conventional Conventional + ZIP 680 3% Need closing cost help
CalHFA VA VA 30-year fixed 660 0% Veterans, active military
CalHFA USDA USDA 30-year fixed 660 0% Rural areas, low income
Dream For All Conv. Fannie Mae HFA Preferred 660 0% (with DFA) First-generation buyers
💡

FHA vs. Conventional: FHA loans have easier credit requirements but require mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. Conventional loans allow you to drop PMI at 80% LTV. If your credit is 680+, conventional is usually the better long-term choice.

2026 CalHFA Income Limits by County

CalHFA income limits are surprisingly generous—especially in high-cost areas. Here are the limits for major California counties:

Standard CalHFA Income Limits (All Programs Except Dream For All)

County Income Limit
San Francisco $325,000
Marin $325,000
Alameda $316,000
Contra Costa $316,000
Santa Clara $316,000
San Mateo $316,000
Napa $290,000
San Benito $277,000
Orange $270,000
San Diego $258,000
Nevada $246,000
El Dorado $239,000
Placer $239,000
Sacramento $239,000
Los Angeles $211,000
Monterey $206,000
Riverside $205,000
San Bernardino $205,000
Ventura $205,000
Fresno $185,000
Kern $185,000

Source: CalHFA Income Limits, effective June 9, 2025

Dream For All Income Limits (Lower Than Standard)

County Dream For All Limit Standard Limit
San Francisco / Marin $295,000 $325,000
Alameda / Contra Costa / Santa Clara $253,000 $316,000
Napa $232,000 $290,000
Orange $216,000 $270,000
San Diego $207,000 $258,000
Sacramento / Placer / El Dorado $191,000 $239,000
Los Angeles $168,000 $211,000
Monterey $165,000 $206,000
Riverside / San Bernardino $164,000 $205,000
Fresno / Kern $148,000 $185,000

Source: CalHFA Dream For All Income Limits, effective June 9, 2025

Credit Score Requirements

Program / Loan Type Minimum Credit Score
CalHFA FHA / CalPLUS FHA 660
CalHFA Conventional / CalPLUS Conv. 680
CalHFA VA 660
CalHFA USDA 660
Dream For All Conventional 660
MyHome Assistance Per first mortgage (660-680)
Forgivable Equity Builder 660
💡

Credit Score Strategy: If you're at 660-679, consider using CalHFA FHA (accepts 660). If you can get to 680+, CalHFA Conventional offers better long-term value (PMI that cancels vs. permanent MIP). A 20-point credit score improvement could save you $200+/month over the life of the loan.

Which CalHFA Program Is Right for You?

Program Selection Guide

  • First-generation buyer + income under DFA limits? → Register for Dream For All lottery, use MyHome as backup
  • Income under 80% AMI + Forgivable Equity Builder funded? → Apply for Forgivable Equity Builder (check availability first)
  • Standard first-time buyer? → CalHFA Conventional + MyHome (3%)
  • Lower credit score (660-679)? → CalHFA FHA + MyHome (3.5%)
  • Need closing cost help? → CalPLUS + ZIP (2-3% for closing costs)
  • Veteran or active military? → CalHFA VA (0% down, no PMI)
  • Buying in rural area? → CalHFA USDA (0% down, low income areas)

Maximum Assistance by Scenario

Buyer Profile Best Combination Total Assistance ($600K home)
First-gen + lottery winner Dream For All Conv. + DFA Loan $120,000 (20%)
Low income (<80% AMI)* CalHFA Conv. + Forgivable Equity $60,000 (10%, forgiven)*
Standard buyer (FHA) CalPLUS FHA + MyHome + ZIP $39,000 (3.5% + 3%)
Standard buyer (Conv.) CalPLUS Conv. + MyHome + ZIP $36,000 (3% + 3%)
Veteran CalHFA VA + MyHome $21,000 (3.5%) + $0 down

*Forgivable Equity Builder: Funding exhausted as of late 2022. Check CalHFA for 2026 availability.

How to Apply for CalHFA Programs (Step-by-Step)

CalHFA doesn't lend directly. You apply through a CalHFA-approved lender.

CalHFA Application Process

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility (Week 1)

  1. Use CalHFA's "Am I Eligible" tool
  2. Verify your income is below county limits
  3. Confirm you meet the first-time homebuyer definition
  4. Check your credit score (660 minimum for most programs)

Step 2: Complete Homebuyer Education (Weeks 2-3)

  1. Take the eHome 8-hour course online ($100) OR
  2. Complete in-person/virtual course through HUD-approved agency
  3. Obtain your certificate of completion
  4. For Dream For All: Complete additional shared appreciation education

Step 3: Find a CalHFA-Approved Lender (Week 3)

  1. Use CalHFA's Find a Loan Officer tool
  2. Contact 2-3 lenders to compare rates and service
  3. Ask specifically about their CalHFA experience and timeline

Step 4: Get Pre-Approved (Weeks 4-5)

  1. Gather documents: pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, bank statements
  2. Submit application to your chosen CalHFA lender
  3. Receive pre-approval letter specifying CalHFA program eligibility

Step 5: Register for Dream For All (If Applicable)

  1. Watch CalHFA announcements for lottery opening date
  2. Have your lender pre-approval ready
  3. Register during the open window
  4. Wait for lottery results

Step 6: Find a Home and Close (Weeks 6-12)

  1. Shop for homes within your pre-approved amount
  2. Make an offer with your CalHFA pre-approval
  3. Complete underwriting and loan processing
  4. Close on your new home

Documents You'll Need

  • Government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, military ID)
  • Last 2 years of W-2s and tax returns
  • Last 30 days of pay stubs
  • Last 2 months of bank statements
  • Homebuyer education certificate
  • For Dream For All: Foster care verification or parent documentation

Homebuyer Education Requirements

CalHFA requires homebuyer education for all first-time buyers using their programs.

Option Details Cost
eHome Online Course 8-hour course + 1-hour counseling session (only online option accepted) $100
NeighborWorks America In-person or virtual through local affiliates Varies
HUD-Approved Agency In-person or virtual counseling Varies (often free)

Important: Not All Online Courses Work

CalHFA only accepts eHome for online education. Other popular courses like Framework and HomeView are not accepted because they don't include the required 1-on-1 counseling follow-up session. If you completed another course, you'll need to redo it through eHome or an approved in-person provider.

Stacking Programs for Maximum Benefit

Some CalHFA programs can be combined ("stacked") for greater assistance. Others cannot.

What Can Stack

First Mortgage Can Add Cannot Add
CalPLUS FHA MyHome + ZIP Forgivable Equity Builder
CalPLUS Conventional MyHome + ZIP Forgivable Equity Builder
CalHFA Conventional MyHome OR Forgivable Equity Builder ZIP (only with CalPLUS)
Dream For All Conv. Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan MyHome, ZIP, Forgivable
CalHFA VA MyHome ZIP, Forgivable
💡

Maximum CLTV is 105%: Combined loan-to-value cannot exceed 105% of the purchase price. This means you can "borrow" up to 5% more than the home is worth when combining programs.

7 CalHFA Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Waiting Until Dream For All Opens to Get Pre-Approved

The Cost:
Missing the lottery entirely. You need a CalHFA lender pre-approval to register. Pre-approval takes 2-4 weeks. Start the process at least 60 days before the expected lottery date.

Mistake #2: Taking the Wrong Homebuyer Education Course

The Cost:
Wasted time and money. CalHFA only accepts eHome for online courses. Framework, HomeView, and other popular courses are NOT accepted. If you already took one, you'll need to redo it.

Mistake #3: Using a Non-CalHFA-Approved Lender

The Cost:
Complete disqualification. CalHFA programs are ONLY available through approved lenders. Your regular bank or an online lender won't work. Use CalHFA's Find a Loan Officer tool.

Mistake #4: Assuming First-Generation Means First-Time

The Cost:
Dream For All rejection. First-generation requires that your parents don't currently own a home anywhere in the US. Many buyers assume they qualify because they're first-time buyers, but their parents are homeowners.

Mistake #5: Not Checking Income Against the Correct Limit

The Cost:
Rejection after you've found a home. Dream For All has LOWER income limits than standard CalHFA programs. Forgivable Equity Builder requires <80% AMI. Verify which limit applies to your target program.

Mistake #6: Trying to Combine Incompatible Programs

The Cost:
Loan rejection. Forgivable Equity Builder cannot be combined with MyHome or ZIP. Dream For All cannot be combined with other DPA programs. Know the stacking rules before planning your financing.

Mistake #7: Ignoring the Shared Appreciation Obligation

The Cost:
Shock when you sell. Dream For All isn't free money—you'll owe 15-20% of your home's appreciation on top of the original loan. In a hot market, that could be $50,000+ more than you borrowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Dream For All lottery open in 2026?

CalHFA has announced that Dream For All will return in early 2026, but exact dates haven't been released. The FY 2025-26 budget included additional funding. Sign up for CalHFA eNews alerts and follow their website for announcements. Historically, registration windows are open for 1-2 weeks.

Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer for all CalHFA programs?

For most down payment assistance programs (MyHome, Dream For All, Forgivable Equity Builder), yes. However, CalHFA VA and CalHFA USDA first mortgages do not require first-time buyer status unless you're adding MyHome assistance. Additionally, non-first-time buyers may qualify for CalHFA Conventional or CalReady Conventional without DPA.

What counts as a "first-time homebuyer" for CalHFA?

Someone who has not owned or occupied a principal residence (or lived in a home owned by a spouse) during the previous three years. This means if you owned a home 4+ years ago and sold it, you're considered a first-time buyer again.

What's the difference between first-time and first-generation homebuyer?

First-time means you haven't owned in 3 years. First-generation (required for Dream For All) means: (1) you haven't owned in 7 years, AND (2) your parents do not currently own a home anywhere in the US. Former foster youth also qualify as first-generation regardless of parent homeownership.

Can I use CalHFA programs for a condo?

Yes, CalHFA programs cover single-family residences including approved condominiums and PUDs (Planned Unit Developments). Condos must meet the requirements of the first mortgage type (FHA-approved for FHA loans, Fannie Mae-approved for conventional). Guest houses, granny units, and in-law quarters may also be eligible.

Is there a maximum home price for CalHFA programs?

No, CalHFA eliminated sales price limits in 2020. However, you're still bound by loan limits for each mortgage type. For 2026, conforming loan limits reach $1,249,125 in high-cost California counties. Your income must also fall within CalHFA limits, which effectively caps what you can afford.

What happens if I sell my home before 5 years with Forgivable Equity Builder?

The loan is forgiven on an annual pro-rated basis. If you sell after 3 years, 60% would be forgiven (3/5 of the loan), and you'd repay the remaining 40%. You'll also receive a 1099 for the forgiven portion, which may be taxable income.

Can I refinance with CalHFA programs?

Yes, CalHFA offers refinance options. For Dream For All borrowers, CalHFA allows limited cash-out refinancing with resubordination of the Shared Appreciation Loan. Standard CalHFA borrowers can refinance through CalHFA FHA Refinance or CalHFA Conventional Refinance programs.

Do I have to pay back MyHome assistance?

Yes, but not monthly. MyHome is a "silent second" deferred loan—no payments due until you sell, refinance, pay off the first mortgage, or no longer occupy the home as your primary residence. At that point, the full principal plus accrued interest is due.

Can I use CalHFA with local city/county down payment programs?

Potentially, yes. FHA-approved subordinate loans from local programs may be layered if they're in subordinate lien position to all CalHFA loans and all parties agree. Check with your CalHFA lender about combining with programs like SF DALP, LA MIPA, or Orange County MAP. The more restrictive guidelines will apply. See our complete guide to 100+ California programs for full details on local DPA options.

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Helpful Resources

Jon Teera

About Jon Teera

Jon Teera is the Lead Developer and Founder of CalcLogix. He builds tools that help first-time homebuyers navigate California's complex assistance programs—because understanding the rules shouldn't require a finance degree.

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