Quick Answer
CalHFA programs are available statewide, including all of Los Angeles County. Active programs include MyHome ($10K-$17.5K silent second), FEBL ($50K forgivable after 5 years), CalPLUS with ZIP, CalHFA DPA-FHA ($17.5K), and CalHFA DPA-Conv ($17.5K). Minimum credit score is 660 for most programs. Dream For All is closed with no announced reopening.
Does CalHFA Apply in Los Angeles?
Yes. CalHFA is the California Housing Finance Agency, a state-level entity. Every CalHFA program is available in every California county, including Los Angeles. There are no geographic restrictions. If you are buying a primary residence in LA city, Pasadena, Long Beach, Glendale, or anywhere else in LA County, you can use CalHFA.
The real question is not availability. It is whether CalHFA's assistance amounts are meaningful against LA's price point. At a median home price near $950,000, a $17,500 MyHome loan covers less than 2% of the purchase price. On an FHA loan at $500,000 to $600,000, though, that same $17,500 covers most or all of the 3.5% down payment. CalHFA works best in LA for buyers targeting properties well below the median.
CalHFA Programs Available in Los Angeles
CalHFA operates several distinct DPA products. Each has different assistance amounts, repayment terms, and income limits. Here is the full breakdown for LA buyers.
| Program | Max Amount | Type | Income Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MyHome Assistance | $17,500 | Silent second (deferred) | 150% AMI (~$160K) | Open |
| FEBL (Forgivable Equity Builder Loan) | $50,000 | Forgivable after 5 years | 80% AMI (~$85K) | Open |
| CalPLUS with ZIP | 3% of loan | Grant (zero interest program) | 150% AMI (~$160K) | Open |
| CalHFA DPA-FHA | $17,500 | Silent second (deferred) | 150% AMI (~$160K) | Open |
| CalHFA DPA-Conv | $17,500 | Silent second (deferred) | 150% AMI (~$160K) | Open |
| Dream For All | Up to 20% + 1% | Shared appreciation | 150% AMI | CLOSED |
Dream For All: Closed. Stop Waiting.
Program Status: CLOSED
Dream For All exhausted its funding within days of each release. There is no announced date for a new round. If a lender or agent tells you to "wait for Dream For All," they are asking you to put your homebuying plan on hold for something that may not happen. Do not structure your purchase around this program. Focus on MyHome, FEBL, CalPLUS with ZIP, and the other programs that are actually funded and accepting applications today.
Who Typically Uses CalHFA in Los Angeles?
CalHFA's income limits and first-time buyer requirement define a clear buyer profile. In LA, the typical CalHFA user falls into one of these categories.
CalHFA in LA works best for:
- First-time buyers targeting FHA loans in the $400K-$650K range, where $17.5K covers most of the 3.5% down payment
- Lower-income buyers (under 80% AMI) who qualify for FEBL's $50K forgivable loan, the strongest CalHFA offering
- Buyers in more affordable LA neighborhoods (Palmdale, Lancaster, parts of the San Fernando Valley) where CalHFA amounts cover a larger share
- Moderate-income households (up to 150% AMI, roughly $160K for a family of four) who still need help with closing costs
How CalHFA Assistance Works: Amount, Type, and Repayment
MyHome Assistance Program
MyHome provides up to $10,000 (or $17,500 for first-generation homebuyers) as a deferred-payment second mortgage. "Deferred" means no monthly payments. You repay the balance when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. The loan carries a simple interest rate. Income limit: 150% AMI. This is CalHFA's most widely used DPA product.
FEBL (Forgivable Equity Builder Loan)
FEBL provides up to $50,000 as a junior loan that is completely forgiven after 5 years of continuous owner-occupancy. No monthly payments during that period. If you sell or move out before the 5-year mark, the remaining balance is due. This is CalHFA's most generous active program, but the income cap at 80% AMI (roughly $85,360 for a family of four in LA) means fewer buyers qualify. For those who do, it is the best deal available.
CalPLUS with ZIP (Zero Interest Program)
CalPLUS pairs a slightly above-market first mortgage rate with a ZIP grant covering approximately 3% of the loan amount. The grant never needs to be repaid. The tradeoff is a higher rate on your first mortgage, typically 0.25% to 0.50% above CalHFA's standard rate. Over time, the extra interest may exceed the grant value, so run the numbers carefully.
CalHFA DPA-FHA and DPA-Conv
These are deferred second mortgages of up to $17,500 paired with CalHFA's FHA or conventional first mortgage. Same structure as MyHome: no monthly payments, repaid at sale, refinance, or payoff. DPA-FHA is paired with an FHA first mortgage. DPA-Conv is paired with a conventional first. Income limit is 150% AMI for both.
CalHFA vs. LA's High-Cost Market: The Math
LA County's median home price is approximately $950,000. The FHA loan limit for LA County is $1,209,750. CalHFA's maximum DPA is $50,000 (FEBL) or $17,500 (most other programs). Here is what that means in practice.
| Scenario | Purchase Price | 3.5% FHA Down | CalHFA Covers | Remaining Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condo in Palmdale | $400,000 | $14,000 | $17,500 | $0 |
| Starter home, SFV | $600,000 | $21,000 | $17,500 | $3,500 |
| Median LA home | $950,000 | $33,250 | $17,500 | $15,750 |
The takeaway: CalHFA's $17,500 covers the full down payment on homes up to about $500,000. Above that, it reduces your cash-to-close but does not eliminate it. FEBL's $50,000 extends coverage further, but the 80% AMI income cap limits who qualifies. For buyers near the median price point, CalHFA is a meaningful cost reduction, not a complete solution. You will likely need additional savings or a second DPA source.
Worth noting: GSFA Platinum is another statewide program available in LA that does not require first-time buyer status and may complement CalHFA for some buyers. See GSFA programs in Los Angeles for details.
How to Apply for CalHFA in Los Angeles
You do not apply directly to CalHFA. All CalHFA loans are originated through CalHFA-approved lenders. The process works like this.
-
1
Check Your Eligibility
Use our free eligibility tool to see which CalHFA programs match your income, credit score, and target price range in LA.
-
2
Connect With a CalHFA-Approved Lender
Not every lender offers CalHFA products. You need a lender specifically approved by CalHFA who is experienced with their programs. This is critical. An inexperienced lender will cost you time and potentially the deal.
-
3
Complete Homebuyer Education
CalHFA requires an 8-hour HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Online options through eHome America and Framework are accepted. Complete this early. It takes time and your lender cannot submit the loan without the certificate.
-
4
Get Pre-Approved and Start Shopping
Your lender structures the CalHFA DPA into your loan package. Know your max purchase price and which DPA program you are using before you make offers. In LA's competitive market, a clean pre-approval letter makes a difference.
-
5
Close on Your Home
CalHFA funds are disbursed at closing alongside your first mortgage. The DPA second lien is recorded against the property. No separate closing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CalHFA work in Los Angeles?
Yes. CalHFA is a statewide program available in every California county, including Los Angeles County. Any CalHFA-approved lender can originate these loans for LA buyers.
How much down payment assistance can I get from CalHFA in Los Angeles?
Between $10,000 and $50,000 depending on the program. MyHome provides up to $17,500 as a silent second. FEBL offers up to $50,000 that is fully forgiven after 5 years. CalHFA DPA-FHA and DPA-Conv each provide up to $17,500.
What credit score do I need for CalHFA in LA?
Most CalHFA programs require a minimum 660 credit score. This applies to MyHome, FEBL, CalPLUS with ZIP, and the DPA-FHA and DPA-Conv programs.
What are the CalHFA income limits for Los Angeles County?
Income limits vary by program. MyHome allows up to 150% of Area Median Income (AMI). FEBL is capped at 80% AMI. For a family of four in LA County, the AMI is approximately $106,700, so 80% AMI is roughly $85,360 and 150% AMI is roughly $160,050.
Is the Dream For All program still available?
No. Dream For All is closed and has no announced reopening date. The program exhausted its funding within days of each release. Do not plan your purchase around Dream For All. Focus on currently funded programs like MyHome, FEBL, and CalPLUS with ZIP.
Can CalHFA DPA cover the full 3.5% FHA down payment in LA?
It depends on the purchase price. On a $500,000 FHA purchase, 3.5% down is $17,500, which MyHome or CalHFA DPA-FHA covers entirely. On a $950,000 purchase near LA's median, 3.5% down is $33,250 and CalHFA alone will not cover it. You would need to combine programs or bring additional funds.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer for CalHFA?
Most CalHFA programs require first-time buyer status, meaning you have not owned a home in the past three years. Veterans are exempt from this requirement on certain programs. Repeat buyers should look at GSFA Platinum, which has no first-time buyer requirement.
Can I combine CalHFA with other DPA programs in Los Angeles?
In some cases, yes. CalHFA programs can sometimes be layered with county or city programs. However, combining programs adds complexity and not every lender supports stacking. Work with a CalHFA-approved lender experienced in LA's market to explore options.
Related Pages
See Which CalHFA Programs You Qualify For in LA
Enter your income, credit score, and target home price. Our free tool shows matching CalHFA programs in 60 seconds.
Check My Eligibility →