Quick Answer
Yes, CalHFA programs are available in San Diego County. The largest currently open program is the Forgivable Equity Builder Loan (FEBL) at up to $50,000, forgiven after 5 years. MyHome and DPA-FHA each offer up to $17,500 as deferred second mortgages. Dream For All is closed. Minimum credit score: 660.
Does CalHFA Apply in San Diego?
Yes. CalHFA is administered by the California Housing Finance Agency and is available statewide. There are no geographic restrictions within California. Every San Diego neighborhood, from Chula Vista to Oceanside to downtown, is eligible.
San Diego County has its own local DPA programs as well, but CalHFA operates independently as a state-level option. You do not need to choose one or the other before checking eligibility. Start by comparing what is available, then pick the program with the best terms for your purchase price and income.
What CalHFA Offers San Diego Buyers
CalHFA runs several programs, each with different assistance amounts, repayment structures, and income requirements. Here is the current lineup as it applies to San Diego County buyers.
| Program | Max Amount | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| FEBL (Forgivable Equity Builder Loan) | $50,000 | Forgivable after 5 years | Open |
| MyHome Assistance Program | $17,500 | Deferred silent second | Open |
| CalHFA DPA-FHA | $17,500 | Deferred second mortgage | Open |
| CalHFA DPA-Conventional | $17,500 | Deferred second mortgage | Open |
| CalPLUS with ZIP | $10,000 | Zero-interest deferred loan | Open |
| Dream For All | $150,000 | Shared appreciation loan | Closed |
Dream For All: Closed
Dream For All offered up to $150,000 (20% of purchase price) as a shared appreciation loan. Funding has been exhausted statewide with no confirmed timeline for a new round. Do not plan around this program reopening. Focus on the five programs that are currently accepting applications.
Who Uses CalHFA in San Diego
San Diego is one of the most expensive metro areas in California, and CalHFA's dollar amounts cover a smaller percentage of the purchase price here compared to markets like Sacramento or Fresno. That said, these programs still serve real purposes for specific buyer profiles.
CalHFA is a strong fit in San Diego for:
- First-time buyers using FHA loans. With San Diego's FHA limit at $1,006,250, FHA is viable here. CalHFA's $17,500 covers more than half of the 3.5% minimum down payment on a $500,000 condo or townhome.
- Military families transitioning from base housing. San Diego's large military presence (Camp Pendleton, MCAS Miramar, Naval Base San Diego) means many buyers are VA-eligible. CalHFA does not pair directly with VA loans, but military families who choose FHA can use CalHFA for the down payment.
- Moderate-income households targeting condos and townhomes. San Diego's entry-level condo market ($400K to $600K range) is where CalHFA assistance has the most impact relative to purchase price.
- Buyers who qualify for FEBL. $50,000 forgiven after five years is significant in any market. At 80% AMI in San Diego (roughly $95,600 for a family of four), this is the strongest CalHFA program available.
How Each Program Works
FEBL: Forgivable Equity Builder Loan
Up to $50,000 (10% of purchase price). This is a forgivable loan, meaning the full balance is forgiven after 5 years of continuous owner-occupancy. If you sell or move before 5 years, the forgiveness is prorated. Requires household income at or below 80% AMI. Must pair with a CalHFA first mortgage. First-time buyers only.
San Diego context: On a $500,000 purchase, FEBL covers the entire $50,000 (10%). On an $875,000 purchase, the cap is still $50,000, covering about 5.7% of the price.
MyHome Assistance Program
Up to $17,500 or 3.5% of purchase price (whichever is less for FHA). This is a deferred-payment second mortgage with no monthly payments. You repay when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. No interest accrues. Requires 660+ credit score and CalHFA first mortgage.
San Diego context: On a $500,000 home with FHA, MyHome provides the full $17,500 (3.5%). That covers the entire minimum down payment.
CalHFA DPA-FHA
Up to $17,500. Deferred-payment junior loan with no monthly payments. Repaid on sale, refinance, or payoff. Pairs with a CalHFA FHA first mortgage. Can be used alongside MyHome for combined assistance up to 8% of the loan amount.
San Diego context: Combined with MyHome, this provides up to $35,000 in deferred loans. On a $500,000 purchase, that covers the entire 3.5% down payment plus closing costs.
CalHFA DPA-Conventional
Up to $17,500. Same deferred structure as DPA-FHA, but paired with a CalHFA Conventional first mortgage. Requires 680+ credit score. Up to 3% of loan amount via MyHome plus up to 3% via ZIP.
San Diego context: Conventional loans have lower conforming limits than FHA in San Diego. Best suited for buyers targeting properties under the conforming limit who prefer Conventional over FHA.
CalPLUS with ZIP (Zero Interest Program)
Up to $10,000. CalPLUS is a slightly higher-rate first mortgage that comes bundled with the ZIP second mortgage at 0% interest. The ZIP portion is deferred (repaid on sale, refinance, or payoff). Available in both FHA and Conventional versions.
San Diego context: The higher first-mortgage rate on CalPLUS means you should compare total monthly cost against a standard CalHFA loan with MyHome. ZIP works best for buyers who need closing cost help more than down payment help.
How CalHFA Works in San Diego's Market
San Diego's median home price of approximately $875,000 is well above the statewide median. That changes the math on CalHFA in a few important ways.
The Down Payment Gap
At $875,000 with FHA (3.5% down), you need roughly $30,625 as a minimum down payment. CalHFA's $17,500 MyHome covers about 57% of that. You will still need approximately $13,000 from savings, gifts, or employer assistance. For condos and townhomes in the $400K to $600K range, CalHFA covers a much larger share.
FHA Loan Limits Work in Your Favor
San Diego County's FHA loan limit is $1,006,250, one of the highest in the country. This means FHA financing is viable even for properties well above the median. CalHFA programs that pair with FHA loans can be used on San Diego properties that would be out of FHA range in most other counties.
Military Buyers: VA vs. FHA with CalHFA
San Diego has one of the largest military populations in the country. VA loans offer zero down payment, which is hard to beat. But VA loans come with a funding fee (1.25% to 3.3% of the loan amount), and CalHFA does not pair with VA loans. Military buyers should run the numbers on both paths: a VA loan with no down payment but a funding fee, versus an FHA loan with CalHFA assistance covering most or all of the down payment. The right choice depends on your specific purchase price, credit score, and how long you plan to stay.
Income Limits in a High-Cost County
San Diego County's AMI of approximately $119,500 (family of four) means the income ceilings for CalHFA are higher here than in most California counties. FEBL's 80% AMI cap translates to roughly $95,600 for a family of four. Other CalHFA programs at 120% to 150% AMI allow household incomes up to $143,000 to $179,000. These higher limits reflect the reality that moderate-income households in San Diego face significantly higher housing costs.
How to Apply for CalHFA in San Diego
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1
Check Your Eligibility
Use our free eligibility tool to see which CalHFA programs match your income, credit score, and target purchase price in San Diego County.
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2
Find a CalHFA-Approved Lender
CalHFA assistance is only available through approved lenders. Not every San Diego mortgage company participates. Confirm CalHFA approval before starting your application.
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3
Complete Homebuyer Education
Most CalHFA programs require an 8-hour HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Online options through eHome America and Framework are accepted. Complete this early to avoid delays at closing.
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4
Get Pre-Approved and Start Shopping
Your lender structures the CalHFA DPA into your loan package. In San Diego's competitive market, a pre-approval letter that includes your DPA makes your offer stronger because sellers see you have financing in place.
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5
Close and Move In
CalHFA funds are disbursed at closing alongside your first mortgage. There is no separate funding process. Your lender handles everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CalHFA work in San Diego?
Yes. CalHFA is a statewide program available in all 58 California counties, including San Diego County. Any San Diego homebuyer who meets income, credit, and first-time buyer requirements can use CalHFA assistance.
How much CalHFA assistance can I get in San Diego?
Currently available CalHFA programs offer up to $50,000 through the Forgivable Equity Builder Loan (FEBL). Other options include MyHome ($10,000 to $17,500), DPA-FHA ($17,500), DPA-Conventional ($17,500), and CalPLUS with ZIP ($10,000). Dream For All offered up to $150,000 but is currently closed.
What are the CalHFA income limits for San Diego County?
CalHFA income limits in San Diego are tied to Area Median Income (AMI). San Diego County AMI is approximately $119,500 for a family of four. FEBL requires household income at or below 80% AMI. Other programs use CalHFA county-specific limits, typically 120% to 150% AMI. Use our free eligibility tool to check your specific situation.
Is $17,500 enough for a down payment in San Diego?
It depends on your purchase price. With San Diego's median at $875,000, a 3.5% FHA down payment is roughly $30,625. CalHFA's $17,500 covers more than half. For a $500,000 condo, $17,500 covers the entire 3.5% FHA minimum. Lower price points make CalHFA more impactful.
Can military families in San Diego use CalHFA?
Yes, active-duty and veteran buyers can use CalHFA programs. However, CalHFA pairs with FHA or Conventional loans, not VA loans. Military buyers who are VA-eligible should compare a zero-down VA loan (with funding fee) against an FHA loan with CalHFA assistance to see which structure costs less over their expected time in the home.
What credit score do I need for CalHFA in San Diego?
Most CalHFA programs require a minimum 660 credit score. CalHFA DPA-Conventional requires 680. These minimums are the same statewide and do not change by county.
Is Dream For All available in San Diego?
No. Dream For All is currently closed statewide. Funding has been exhausted with no confirmed date for a new round. Do not plan your home purchase around this program reopening. Focus on FEBL, MyHome, DPA-FHA, and the other programs currently accepting applications.
Can I combine CalHFA with San Diego County programs?
Generally no. CalHFA programs require a CalHFA first mortgage, and most CalHFA subordinate loans cannot be layered with other DPA sources. You can compare CalHFA against local San Diego programs to determine which offers better terms. Use our San Diego DPA page to see all available options side by side.
How do I apply for CalHFA in San Diego?
Apply through a CalHFA-approved lender. Step 1: Check eligibility with our free tool. Step 2: Connect with a CalHFA-approved lender in San Diego. Step 3: Complete homebuyer education. Step 4: Get pre-approved and start your home search. CalHFA funds are disbursed at closing.
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