California Down Payment Assistance Programs (2026)
California's help runs through two statewide agencies, CalHFA and GSFA, plus local programs. Here is the full menu: the Dream For All shared-appreciation loan, GSFA Platinum, CalHFA MyHome, and who each one fits.
Dream For All (CalHFA)
The marquee program. Through CalHFA, Dream For All gives first-time, first-generation buyers a second worth up to 20% of the price (capped at $150,000) for down payment and closing, paired with a Dream For All Conventional first mortgage. It is deferred, and at payoff you repay the original amount plus a share of the appreciation, capped at 2.5 times what you borrowed. The catch: funding comes in limited rounds. See the full terms and the honest math on our Dream For All page.
GSFA Platinum
The workhorse. GSFA’s Platinum program gives up to 5% of the loan on conventional, or up to 5.5% on FHA, VA, and USDA, as a grant, a 15-year second, or a 0% deferred second. Its edge is that it carries no first-time-buyer requirement, so repeat and move-up buyers qualify. For anyone who has owned before, this is usually the statewide option. See our GSFA Platinum page.
CalHFA MyHome
The everyday layer. MyHome is a deferred second worth 3% of the price (conventional, VA, USDA) or 3.5% (FHA) for first-time buyers using a CalHFA first mortgage. It has no monthly payment and can combine with non-CalHFA local assistance to stretch further. See our MyHome page. Not sure which of the three fits? Our comparison page lays them side by side.
Common questions
What down payment assistance programs are there in California?
California runs CalHFA Dream For All (up to 20% shared-appreciation, first-time and first-generation), GSFA Platinum (up to 5% to 5.5%, no first-time rule), and CalHFA MyHome (a 3% to 3.5% deferred second). Local programs like the San Diego Housing Commission can add another layer.
What is the difference between CalHFA and GSFA?
CalHFA (California Housing Finance Agency) runs MyHome and Dream For All, both for first-time buyers. GSFA (Golden State Finance Authority) runs Platinum, which has no first-time-buyer requirement. Both are statewide; which fits depends on your first-time status and whether you want a grant or shared-appreciation loan.
Which California program gives the most money?
CalHFA Dream For All gives the most, up to 20% of the price (max $150,000), but only for first-time, first-generation buyers when a funding round is open, and you share the appreciation. GSFA Platinum gives up to 5.5% with no first-time rule, and MyHome gives 3% to 3.5%.
See which California program fits you
Tell us your county, credit range, and price target, and we’ll map your California path in a no-pressure 20-minute call. No obligation.