California down payment assistance, without the brochure-speak.
State programs, California-wide programs and national DPA options—organized around the questions a homebuyer actually needs answered.
Reviewed September 11, 2026 • Joshua Dobson, NMLS #190260
Quick comparison
| Program | Potential assistance | First-time buyer? | Big thing to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| CalHFA MyHome | Up to 3.5% with eligible government first mortgage; up to 3% with eligible conventional | Yes | Deferred junior loan; income limits and education apply. |
| California Dream For All | Up to 20%, max $150,000 | Yes + first-generation requirement | Shared appreciation; voucher/drawing process. |
| GSFA Platinum | Varies by option; some options up to 5%+ | Generally no | Assistance can be a second mortgage plus possible gift; terms vary by option. |
| GSFA Golden Opportunities | Up to 5% | No | Second-mortgage portion requires payments; optional gift portion does not. |
| National Homebuyers Fund | Up to 5% | No | National program family; repayment/forgiveness depends on the specific option. |
| Chenoa Fund | 3.5% or 5% with FHA | No | National DPA available outside New York through approved lender partners. |
CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program
MyHome is a deferred-payment junior loan designed to help with down payment and/or closing costs. CalHFA currently states that eligible government-loan transactions may receive up to the lesser of 3.5% of purchase price or appraised value, while eligible conventional transactions may receive up to the lesser of 3%.
CalHFA says borrowers must be first-time homebuyers, occupy the property as a primary residence, meet program income limits, and complete approved homebuyer education/counseling. Manufactured homes may be eligible, subject to first-mortgage requirements.
California Dream For All
Dream For All is very different from a traditional grant. The 2026 program offers up to 20% of the purchase price/appraised value for down payment or closing costs, capped at $150,000, paired with the Dream For All conventional first mortgage.
CalHFA says all borrowers must be first-time homebuyers, at least one borrower must be a first-generation homebuyer, at least one must currently reside in California, and household income must meet the county program limit. Access is through a voucher process with randomized selection rather than first-come, first-served.
GSFA Platinum
Golden State Finance Authority's Platinum program can be used for a primary residence anywhere in California. GSFA offers several assistance structures, so the repayment terms depend on the option—not simply the “Platinum” name.
For example, GSFA currently describes a Platinum “Select” option with primary assistance of 3.5% as a 15-year fully amortizing second mortgage, with possible additional gift assistance subject to market conditions. Certain occupations may qualify for Select. GSFA also describes an “Assist-to-Own” option for eligible employees of GSFA member counties with a deferred 0% second mortgage plus possible gift assistance.
GSFA Golden Opportunities
GSFA says Golden Opportunities can provide up to 5% of the first-mortgage amount for down payment and/or closing costs and is not limited to first-time buyers. GSFA currently says FICO scores as low as 620 may qualify, depending on the full program and loan requirements.
The program can work with FHA, VA or USDA financing and may support multiple eligible property types. The home must be the borrower's primary residence.
National DPA options California buyers should know about
State programs are only part of the picture. A buyer may have access to DPA sponsored by an organization operating across many states. These options belong on every Mortgage Navigator state guide so consumers don't assume their state housing agency is their only choice.
National Homebuyers Fund (NHF)
NHF says its DPA programs can provide up to 5% of the mortgage loan amount toward down payment and/or closing costs. It is available in most U.S. states through participating lenders and does not require the borrower to be a first-time homebuyer.
NHF describes FHA, VA, USDA and conventional financing options. Depending on the specific program, assistance may be immediately forgiven, forgiven after a period of time, or carry repayment requirements.
Chenoa Fund
CBC Mortgage Agency's Chenoa Fund says it offers FHA down payment assistance of 3.5% or 5% and does not require first-time-homebuyer status. CBC says the program is available in every state except New York through approved lender partners and is not a bond program that periodically runs out of allocated funds.
Which DPA is “best”?
There isn't one answer. The largest assistance amount can be a worse financial choice if it comes with a materially higher first-mortgage cost, a monthly second-mortgage payment, shared appreciation, restrictive refinance terms, or other tradeoffs. Mortgage Navigator compares the whole structure: cash needed, payment, rate/APR, repayment, future refinance/sale consequences, and eligibility.
Let Josh compare the options.
Tell me your state, approximate purchase goal and what is making the down payment difficult. No credit pull or formal application is required to ask the question.
Sources & update policy
This guide prioritizes official program administrators over third-party summaries. Program details are rechecked before updates are published. Because DPA can change quickly, always confirm current guidelines, funding and lender participation for your transaction.