CalHFA, the California Housing Finance Agency, helps homebuyers through approved private lenders. Its assistance programs are MyHome, a junior loan for the down payment or closing costs; ZIP, a closing-cost loan paired with CalPLUS first mortgages; and Dream For All for first-generation buyers. All three are loans that are repaid, not grants.
Program details on this page come from CalHFA's homebuyer program pages and its 2026 income limits (effective June 30, 2026), checked on October 3, 2026. CalHFA changes its programs from time to time, so confirm details with a CalHFA-approved loan officer.
What is CalHFA?
The California Housing Finance Agency is a state agency. It does not lend money directly to consumers: it works through approved lenders, whose loan officers are approved and trained by CalHFA and who qualify buyers and make all of its mortgage loans. CalHFA offers first mortgages and, with them, down payment and closing cost assistance.
CalHFA down payment and closing cost programs
| Program | What it covers | Paired with | When it is repaid |
|---|---|---|---|
| MyHome Assistance Program | Down payment and/or closing costs: 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 | CalHFA FHA or conventional first mortgages; the CalHFA USDA program can also be combined with MyHome | When the home is sold, refinanced or paid in full |
| ZIP, with CalPLUS | Closing costs | CalPLUS FHA or CalPLUS Conventional first mortgages | When the home is sold, refinanced or paid in full |
| Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan | Down payment and/or closing costs for first-generation buyers: up to 20% of the purchase price, capped at $150,000 | Dream For All Conventional first mortgage | The original amount plus a share of the appreciation, when the home is sold, transferred or the first mortgage is paid in full |
Does CalHFA assistance have to be paid back?
Yes. CalHFA calls its assistance subordinate loans, or second loans. MyHome and ZIP are repaid when the home is sold, refinanced or paid in full. Dream For All is repaid with a share of the home's appreciation when the home is sold, transferred or the first mortgage is paid in full.
What is the difference between CalHFA and FHA?
FHA insures mortgages; CalHFA is a California agency that offers home loan programs through approved lenders. The CalHFA FHA program is an FHA-insured first mortgage, and CalHFA also offers conventional, VA and USDA first mortgages. MyHome assistance can be paired with CalHFA FHA and conventional loans.
Who qualifies for CalHFA programs?
- MyHome requires a first-time homebuyer: someone who has not owned and occupied a home in the last three years, or lived in a home owned by a spouse in that time.
- You must live in the home as your primary residence; non-occupant co-borrowers are not allowed.
- Household income must be within CalHFA's limit for the program and the county where you buy.
- One occupying first-time borrower on each loan completes homebuyer education and counseling.
- For MyHome, the home must be a one-unit residence, such as a house or an approved condominium or PUD; manufactured housing is permitted.
| County | CalHFA government and conventional loans | Dream For All |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $214,000 | $171,000 |
| Kern | $192,000 | $153,000 |
How to apply for CalHFA down payment assistance
- Contact a CalHFA-approved loan officer; CalHFA is not a direct lender.
- Have pay stubs, bank statements, your employment history and previous tax returns ready for the first conversation.
- Complete homebuyer education and counseling: eHome's eight-hour online course ($100) or a live course from NeighborWorks America or a HUD-approved housing counseling agency.
- For Dream For All, register for a voucher in CalHFA's portal when a round opens.
Related guides
Sources
Checked October 3, 2026
- CalHFA: homebuyer loan programs
- CalHFA: MyHome Assistance Program
- CalHFA: CalPLUS FHA program
- CalHFA: Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan
- CalHFA: 2026 government and conventional income limits (PDF)
- CalHFA: Dream For All 2026 income limits (PDF)
- CalHFA: borrower eligibility
- CalHFA: find an approved loan officer
Last verified: October 3, 2026. This page explains public programs; it is not an offer of credit. CalHFA and its approved lenders decide eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CalHFA program?+
A home loan program from the California Housing Finance Agency, offered through approved private lenders. CalHFA offers FHA, conventional, VA and USDA first mortgages and, with them, assistance such as MyHome, ZIP and Dream For All.
Does CalHFA have to be paid back?+
Yes. MyHome and ZIP are repaid when the home is sold, refinanced or paid in full. Dream For All is repaid with a share of the home's appreciation when the home is sold, transferred or the first mortgage is paid in full.
What is the difference between CalHFA and FHA?+
FHA insures mortgages. CalHFA is a California agency whose programs include the CalHFA FHA loan, an FHA-insured first mortgage, along with conventional, VA and USDA loans and down payment and closing cost assistance.
How do I apply for CalHFA down payment assistance?+
Through a CalHFA-approved loan officer, since CalHFA does not lend directly. Bring pay stubs, bank statements, your employment history and tax returns, and complete homebuyer education and counseling.
What are the CalHFA income limits for 2026?+
Effective June 30, 2026: $214,000 in Los Angeles County and $192,000 in Kern County for CalHFA government and conventional loans, and $171,000 and $153,000 for Dream For All.
Is California giving up to $150,000 to first-time homebuyers?+
Not as a gift. Dream For All is a shared appreciation loan of up to 20% of the purchase price, capped at $150,000, for first-generation buyers chosen in a random drawing, repaid with a share of the home's appreciation.
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