Most people think you need 20% down to buy a house. In California, that's rarely true — and a lot of first-time buyers qualify for money that helps with the down payment. Here are the real programs in 2026, explained simply.
CalHFA Dream For All
Dream For All is a shared-appreciation loan that can cover up to 20% of the purchase price for first-generation buyers (you, and your parents never owned a home in the U.S. while you lived with them). It's funded in limited rounds and looks for a credit score around 660. On a $460,000 home, that can be tens of thousands toward your down payment.
CalHFA MyHome and GSFA Platinum
MyHome is a deferred junior loan (no monthly payment until you sell or refinance) that covers a few percent of the price. GSFA Platinum can be a grant or a repayable second, and has no first-time-buyer requirement. Both pair with FHA or conventional loans.
Low-down and $0-down loans
- FHA — 3.5% down, credit from 580. The most common path for first-time buyers.
- VA — $0 down for veterans and active military.
- USDA — $0 down in eligible rural areas (parts of the Antelope Valley qualify).
- Conventional — as little as 3% down for some first-time buyers.
Stacking programs
The real magic is combining them — for example, FHA's low down payment with a CalHFA assistance program covering most of it. Done right, some families buy with very little out of pocket. The catch is that the rules change and the rounds fill up, so timing and guidance matter.
See all the programs and how they fit together at detuladocasas.com/en/programs, and the full home-buying steps at detuladocasas.com/en/steps-to-buying-a-house. When you're ready, text Sal to find out exactly which programs you qualify for in Palmdale, Lancaster, and the Antelope Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
What down payment assistance is available in California in 2026?+
The main programs are CalHFA Dream For All (a shared-appreciation loan up to 20% of the price for first-generation buyers), CalHFA MyHome (a deferred junior loan), and GSFA Platinum (a grant or repayable second). FHA also allows just 3.5% down, and VA and USDA allow $0 down.
How much can down payment assistance cover?+
It varies by program. CalHFA Dream For All can cover up to 20% of the purchase price for first-generation buyers; MyHome and GSFA typically cover a few percent of the price. Combined with FHA, some buyers get into a home with very little out of pocket.
Who qualifies for down payment assistance in California?+
Most programs are for first-time buyers (no home owned in the last 3 years), with income limits and a minimum credit score (Dream For All looks for 660+). First-generation status helps for Dream For All. A bilingual agent can match you to the right program.
Can I use down payment assistance with an ITIN?+
Program eligibility varies, and many state programs require a Social Security number. But ITIN buyers still have a path through ITIN mortgages. The best move is to review your exact situation with someone who knows both the programs and ITIN lending.
Questions? We're Here.
Talk to Sal — Hablamos Espanol
Bilingual real estate agent serving Palmdale, Lancaster, Quartz Hill, and all of Antelope Valley. No pressure, no jargon.