California Down Payment Assistance

The following mortgage down payment assistance programs were developed by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). See more information about local California down payment assistance programs.

• Developed to assist low and moderate-income first-time homebuyers with down payment assistance in California

• CalHFA joins forces with 300 localities to offer this program

• Provides deferred-payment junior loan (up to 3% of purchase price of appraised value, whichever is less) to first-time homebuyers seeking California down payment assistance

• Approved for use with CalHFA or non-CalHFA fixed rate, first mortgage loans

• Offers a partial or full rebate (conditional grant) of school facility fees paid by the builder


• Applies to the purchase of newly constructed homes


• Average rebate of $5,100 (depending on the school district and square footage)


• Forgiven after 5 years if the buyer occupies the home for the duration

To qualify for down payment assistance in California, buyers are required to complete a homebuyer’s education course through a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac counseling agency, mortgage insurance companies, or a HUD-approved homebuyer counseling organization. Education completed online, over the phone, or face-to-face is accepted.