First-time home buyer programs in California (2026)
California first-time buyer help in 2026: CalHFA MyHome (3% to 3.5% of the price), Dream For All (up to 20%, $150,000), ZIP and MyAccess, CalHFA first mortgages, and who qualifies.
The short answer
California's main first-time buyer help comes from CalHFA. MyHome Assistance is a deferred-payment second loan of up to 3.5% of the price on an FHA loan or 3% on a conventional loan, for down payment or closing costs. Dream For All lends up to 20% of the price (capped at $150,000) to first-generation buyers and is repaid with a share of appreciation, but its 2026 application window closed March 16, 2026. All CalHFA programs require first-time buyer status, county income limits and homebuyer education.
Key numbers
- MyHome
- Up to 3.5% (FHA) / 3% (conventional)
- Dream For All
- Up to 20%, max $150,000
- Dream For All 2026 window
- Closed March 16, 2026
- Education
- Required (8-hour eHome course or counseling)
CalHFA down payment programs (2026)
| Program | What you get | Repayment | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| MyHome Assistance | Up to the lesser of 3.5% of the price or appraised value (CalHFA FHA) or 3% (CalHFA Conventional) | Deferred-payment junior loan | Ongoing through CalHFA lenders |
| Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan | Up to 20% of the price, not more than $150,000 | Original amount plus 20% of appreciation (15% at or below 80% of area median income), when you sell, transfer or pay off the first mortgage | 2026 application window closed March 16, 2026; vouchers by random drawing |
| ZIP (Zero Interest Program) | Closing-cost help | Junior loan paired with CalPLUS first mortgages | Ongoing |
| MyAccess | Down payment or closing-cost help | Junior loan paired with CalPLUS Access first mortgages | Ongoing |
Program terms are from CalHFA's pages as of Oct. 22, 2026. CalHFA doesn't list Dream For All's next round; funding depends on the state.
CalHFA first mortgages
The assistance is paired with a CalHFA first mortgage made by an approved lender: CalHFA FHA, CalHFA Conventional, CalHFA VA and CalHFA USDA (30-year fixed), plus CalPLUS FHA and CalPLUS Conventional, which carry a slightly higher rate and come with ZIP for closing costs. Dream For All uses its own Dream For All Conventional first mortgage.
Who qualifies
- First-time buyer: all borrowers must meet CalHFA's first-time buyer definition.
- Income limits: household income must be within CalHFA's limits for the county where you buy. Limits vary widely by county, so check the current table on CalHFA's site.
- Primary residence: you must live in the home; non-occupant co-borrowers aren't allowed on MyHome.
- Homebuyer education: at least one first-time borrower completes CalHFA-approved education: eHome's 8-hour online course (about $100) or in-person or virtual counseling through NeighborWorks or a HUD-approved agency.
- Dream For All only: at least one borrower must be a first-generation homebuyer and a California resident, and applicants also take a free one-hour Dream For All course.
- Property: one-unit homes, approved condos and PUDs; manufactured housing is allowed under MyHome.
How to apply
- Find a CalHFA-approved loan officer (listed on CalHFA's site) and get pre-approved; read pre-qualification vs. pre-approval.
- Complete homebuyer education early, since the certificate is required before closing.
- Ask the lender to compare CalHFA FHA + MyHome against CalPLUS + ZIP and a standard loan; the higher-rate options cost more over time.
Local city and county programs in California often stack with CalHFA help. Ask your lender which ones apply where you're buying, and see how much down payment you really need.
Frequently asked questions
What first-time home buyer programs does California offer?
CalHFA's MyHome Assistance (up to 3.5% of the price on FHA, 3% conventional), Dream For All (up to 20%, max $150,000, first-generation buyers), and ZIP and MyAccess closing-cost and down payment help paired with CalPLUS loans.
Is California Dream For All open in 2026?
No. The 2026 application window closed March 16, 2026, and vouchers were issued by random drawing. CalHFA hasn't announced the next round.
How much is CalHFA MyHome Assistance?
Up to the lesser of 3.5% of the purchase price or appraised value with a CalHFA FHA loan, or 3% with a CalHFA Conventional loan. It's a deferred-payment second loan.
Do I have to repay Dream For All?
Yes, when you sell, transfer or pay off the first mortgage: the original amount plus 20% of the home's appreciation, or 15% for borrowers at or below 80% of area median income.
What are the CalHFA income limits?
They're set by county and change each year. Check CalHFA's current income limits table for the county where you're buying.
Is homebuyer education required for CalHFA?
Yes. At least one first-time borrower must complete approved education, such as eHome's 8-hour online course (about $100) or counseling through NeighborWorks or a HUD-approved agency.