Quick Answer
Los Angeles County offers 52 active down payment assistance programs with up to $300,000 in assistance (via ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance Program). 9 programs are grants requiring no repayment. Minimum credit score: 600. Programs include grants, forgivable loans, deferred loans, and tax credits for Los Angeles homebuyers.
Los Angeles homebuyers have access to 52 active down payment assistance programs, ranging from outright grants that never need repayment to deferred loans worth up to $250,000. That includes 9 grant programs that require no repayment at all.
After 25+ years originating mortgages across California, the most common thing I hear from first-time buyers is "I had no idea these programs existed." That is why this guide exists. Every program available in Los Angeles County is listed below, with what it offers and who qualifies, so you can figure out which ones fit your situation before you talk to a lender.
The biggest barrier to using DPA is not qualification. It is awareness. Use this page as your complete reference for Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County DPA at a Glance
Program Types Available
- ✓ Grant Programs (11)
- ✓ Shared Appreciation Loans (3)
- ✓ Forgivable Loans (3)
- ✓ Deferred Payment Loans (31)
- ✓ Repayable Second Mortgages (3)
- ✓ Tax Credit Programs (1)
- ✓ Other Programs (5)
Key Numbers
- Max Assistance: Up to $300,000 (ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance...)
- Lowest Credit Score: 600
- Income Limits: Vary by program; some have none
- First-Time Buyer Required: Not always
Los Angeles Housing Market Context for DPA Buyers
The median single-family home price in Los Angeles County is approximately $890,000, up about 1.8% year-over-year (Q1 2026 estimate, Southern California region). That price point determines which DPA programs are most useful here and how far the available assistance amounts will actually stretch.
Los Angeles County contains every California housing market in microcosm. Buyers using DPA typically focus on the Antelope Valley (Lancaster, Palmdale), South LA, San Pedro, the eastern San Gabriel Valley, or condo markets in Long Beach and Glendale where prices stay below the county median.
| City | Approx. Median Home Price | DPA Picture |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $990,000 | Condos, BMR units, or stacked DPA typically needed. |
| Long Beach | $810,000 | DPA stacking (state + county + employer) often required. |
| Lancaster | $510,000 | Statewide DPA covers most of an FHA down payment. |
City medians are approximate Q1 2026 estimates. Actual transaction prices vary by neighborhood, home size, and condition.
What this means in practice for Los Angeles:
On a $890,000 home with FHA financing, you would need about $31,150 for the 3.5% down payment. Homebuyer Assistance Program (up to $250,000) covers the entire 3.5% FHA down payment with $218,850 left over for closing costs.
Grant Programs
Grants are the gold standard of DPA — you don't pay them back. Here are the grant programs available to Los Angeles County homebuyers.
Forgivable Loans
Forgivable loans are forgiven after a set period (typically 3-7 years) of living in the home. If you stay, you keep the money.
Deferred Payment Loans
Deferred loans charge zero monthly payments while you live in the home. You repay when you sell, refinance, or move out. These are a strong option if you want to keep your monthly costs low.
Repayable Second Mortgages
These programs provide DPA as a second mortgage with monthly payments. The amounts are significant and the qualification is broader — no first-time buyer requirement, no income caps for some.
Tax Credit Programs
Tax credits aren't cash at closing, but they reduce your federal income tax every year for the life of the loan — and can help you qualify for a larger loan.
Income Limits for Los Angeles County DPA
Income limits are the most confusing part of DPA eligibility. Here's the cheat sheet for Los Angeles:
| AMI Threshold | 4-Person Household | Programs at This Level |
|---|---|---|
| 80% AMI | ~$121,150 | Golden Opportunities, GSFA Platinum Standard, Habitat LA Downpayment As..., HOP80 +11 more |
| 120% AMI | ~$127,900 | CalHFA Dream For All Shar..., HOP120 |
| 150% AMI | ~$159,900 | Moderate Income Purchase ... |
| No Limit | Unlimited | Golden Opportunities, GSFA Platinum Standard, Chenoa Fund DPA, SchoolsFirst Federal Cred... +24 more |
Don't know your AMI level? Use our AMI Lookup Tool to check your county's limits by household size.
What You Can Afford in Los Angeles County with DPA
One of the most common questions first-time buyers ask is "how much house can I actually afford with down payment assistance?" The table below runs the math for Los Angeles using the CalHFA MyHome (down payment) + ZIP (closing cost) stack on FHA financing. MyHome covers the 3.5% FHA down payment, and ZIP covers closing costs, so your purchase power is driven entirely by what your income can support under FHA loan limits for Los Angeles.
In Los Angeles County, the 2026 FHA loan limit for a 1-unit home is $1,249,125, which comfortably exceeds what most buyers can qualify for on income alone. At the maximum CalHFA program income of $211,000, a Los Angeles household can afford approximately $961,000 in purchase price. Income, not FHA limits, is the binding constraint in this county.
| Annual Household Income | Max Monthly PITI | Max Purchase Price | Binding Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $3,150/mo | $403,000 | Income-based |
| $106,600 | $3,398/mo | $436,000 | Income-based |
| $150,000 | $5,025/mo | $654,000 | Income-based |
| $211,000 | $7,313/mo | $961,000 | Income-based |
Assumptions behind this table
- 30-year fixed FHA loan at 6.125% (illustrative; rates change daily)
- 3.5% down payment covered by CalHFA MyHome (no borrower down payment required)
- ZIP covers closing costs (does not affect purchase power)
- UFMIP of 1.75% financed into the loan; annual MIP of 0.55%
- Property tax estimated at 1.25% annually; hazard insurance $150/month
- 45% back-end DTI with $600/month in non-housing debt (car, credit cards, student loans)
- Purchase price rounded to nearest $1,000
- 2026 FHA loan limit for Los Angeles County (1-unit): $1,249,125
- 2025 CalHFA income cap for Los Angeles County: $211,000
Estimates only. Actual qualification depends on credit, full debt profile, property type, and lender-specific underwriting. Contact a licensed mortgage originator for a personalized pre-approval.
How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance in Los Angeles County
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1
Check Your Eligibility
Use our free eligibility tool to see which programs match your situation. Enter your county, income, and target home price.
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2
Get Pre-Approved with a DPA-Approved Lender
Not every lender participates in every DPA program. Work with a lender who is approved for the programs you want. Ask specifically about CalHFA, NHF, Chenoa Fund, and GSFA approval.
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3
Complete Homebuyer Education (If Required)
Many programs require an 8-hour HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Online options through eHome America and Framework are accepted by most programs.
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4
Find a Home & Make an Offer
Your lender will structure the DPA into your loan package. Some programs have purchase price limits and property type restrictions, so confirm eligibility before making offers.
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5
Close & Move In
The DPA funds are disbursed at closing alongside your first mortgage. No separate application process — your lender handles everything.
Stacking Programs: Combining Multiple DPA Sources
One of the most powerful strategies in Los Angeles is combining multiple DPA programs. Here are proven combinations:
CalHFA Stack (Most Popular)
CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP) + CalHFA Down Payment Assistance - FHA + CalHFA Down Payment Assistance - Conventional
Maximum Assistance Stack
ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance Program ($300,000) + Homebuyer Assistance Program ($250,000)
Key rule: Not all programs can be combined. Your lender must confirm layering compatibility before you commit.
Programs by Area Within Los Angeles County
City of Los Angeles
All statewide + Low Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA), Moderate Income Purchase Assistance (MIPA), Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Los Angeles County?
Up to $300,000 through the largest available program. For most Los Angeles buyers, the realistic stack is $20,000 to $80,000 combining statewide CalHFA, GSFA, or Chenoa Fund options with any local layer. The largest county-level program is Homebuyer Assistance Program at up to $250,000.
On a $890,000 home in Los Angeles, how much will I actually need at closing?
The 3.5% FHA down payment on a Los Angeles median-priced home ($890,000) is about $31,150. Homebuyer Assistance Program covers the full 3.5% FHA down payment with $218,850 left for closing costs. Add closing costs of roughly $22,250 and most Los Angeles buyers can plan on $3,000 to $8,000 in true out-of-pocket cash to close after DPA is applied.
What is the 2026 FHA loan limit in Los Angeles County?
The 2026 FHA loan limit for a 1-unit home in Los Angeles County is $1,249,125. Los Angeles is one of California's high-cost FHA counties, so you can finance a more expensive home with FHA than you could in most of the state. Loans above the FHA limit move to conventional or jumbo financing, which usually require larger down payments than the 3.5% FHA minimum.
What is Homebuyer Assistance Program and how does it work for Los Angeles buyers?
It is the largest county-level DPA option available in Los Angeles, offering up to $250,000. It is structured as a deferred loan, which means no monthly payment while you live in the home; the balance comes due when you sell, refinance, or move out. First-time buyer status (no ownership in the past 3 years) is required. Apply through a participating lender, not the program administrator directly. Your lender confirms current funding availability before submitting your application.
I have owned a home before. Can I still qualify for DPA in Los Angeles?
Yes. 14 programs available to Los Angeles buyers do not require first-time buyer status, including Golden Opportunities, GSFA Platinum Select, GSFA Platinum Standard. Even for programs that do require first-time status, the standard definition is no ownership in the past 3 years, so many former owners requalify.
Which Los Angeles DPA programs are true grants I won't have to pay back?
9 grant programs are currently available to Los Angeles buyers, including Bank of America Down Payment Grant + America's Home Grant, Long Beach First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program, LA County Greenline Home Program. Grants never require repayment regardless of how long you stay in the home. Most have occupancy requirements (the home must be your primary residence) and income caps. Confirm current funding status with your lender, since grant pools exhaust faster than loan-based programs.
Will a 600 credit score qualify me for DPA in Los Angeles?
Yes. At least one Los Angeles DPA option accepts credit scores as low as 600. Programs in the 600 to 619 range are usually Chenoa Fund variants. Most CalHFA and GSFA programs require 660 or higher. If your score is between 580 and 619, plan on Chenoa Fund as your primary path. Between 620 and 659, GSFA programs open up. At 660+ all major statewide programs are on the table.
What income do I need to qualify for DPA in Los Angeles?
Most Los Angeles DPA programs use Area Median Income (AMI) tiers anchored to the 4-person median family income of about $106,600 (2025 HUD figure). Programs typically cap eligibility at 80% AMI ($85,280), 120% AMI ($127,920), or 150% AMI ($159,900) for a 4-person household. Some programs have no income limit at all. Adjust for your household size, since AMI thresholds scale by family count.
| Program Name | Type | Max Assistance | Funding Status | Income Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP) | Deferred Loan | $10,000 | Open | Must meet CalHFA county-specific income limits (low to moder... |
| CalHFA Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan | Shared Appreciation | $150,000 | Closed | Must meet CalHFA Dream For All income limits (based on 120% ... |
| Golden Opportunities | Repayable Second | $25,000 | Open | No income limits when using FHA, VA, or USDA first mortgages... |
| GSFA Platinum Select | Repayable Second | $25,000 | Open | Designed for low- to moderate-income borrowers with flexible... |
| GSFA Platinum Standard | Repayable Second | $25,000 | Open | No income limits when using FHA, VA, or USDA first mortgages... |
| Habitat LA Downpayment Assistance Program | Deferred Loan | $100,000 | Verify | Low-income (income not to exceed 80% of the area median inco... |
| HOP120 | Shared Appreciation | $85,000 | Verify | 120% AMI - 1 person: $89,550, 2 person: $102,300, 3 person: ... |
| HOP80 | Shared Appreciation | $100,000 | Verify | 80% AMI - 1 person: $84,850, 2 person: $96,950, 3 person: $1... |
| Low Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA) | Deferred Loan | $161,000 | Open | Household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income. 2025... |
| Moderate Income Purchase Assistance (MIPA) | Deferred Loan | $115,000 | Open | Household income between 81-150% of Area Median Income |
| Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) | Tax Credit | $100,000 | Closed | Low to moderate income. Targeted areas in parts of South Los... |
| My Way Home Down Payment Assistance | Other | Varies | Verify | Low- and moderate-income households with eligibility for ind... |
| Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership (WISH) | Grant | $32,099 | Closed | Household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) |
| Chenoa Fund DPA | Forgivable Loan | $17,500 | Open | No income limits |
| CalHFA Forgivable Equity Builder Loan (FEBL) | Grant | $50,000 | Closed | Household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) |
| Bank of America Down Payment Grant + America's Home Grant | Grant | $17,500 | Verify | Income limits vary by market area |
| Long Beach First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program | Grant | $25,000 | Verify | Household income cannot exceed 200% of LA County Area Median... |
| Palmdale Down Payment Assistance Program | Deferred Loan | Varies | Verify | Must meet HCD Income Limits for Los Angeles County |
| LA County Greenline Home Program | Grant | $35,000 | Verify | Low-to-moderate income. Priority given to residents in high-... |
| Pomona First-Time Homebuyer Program | Deferred Loan | $60,000 | Open | Household income at or below 80% AMI for LA County |
| Inglewood First-Time Homebuyer Assistance | Deferred Loan | $50,000 | Verify | Household income at or below 80% AMI for LA County |
| Santa Clarita First-Time Homebuyer Assistance | Deferred Loan | $75,000 | Verify | Household income at or below 80% AMI for LA County |
| Lancaster First-Time Home Buyer Program (FTHBP) | Forgivable Loan | $150,000 | Closed | Household income at or below 80% AMI for LA County (approx $... |
| Pasadena Affordable Homeownership Opportunities Program (AHOP) | Other | $200,000 | Verify | Must meet CalHome income limits (generally 80% AMI for LA Co... |
| NHS of Los Angeles County Down Payment Assistance Programs | Other | Varies | Verify | Low to moderate income families |
| Heritage Housing Partners Affordable Homeownership (Pasadena) | Other | Varies | Verify | Low to moderate income limits based on government funding de... |
| SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Reduced Down Payment Program | Other | Varies | Open | No income limits — available to all qualifying SchoolsFirst ... |
| Middle-Income Downpayment Assistance (MDPA) | Grant | $50,000 | Verify | Between 80.01% and 140% of HUD defined AMI based on purchase... |
| Middle Income Downpayment Assistance Program | Grant | $50,000 | Open | Between 80.01% and 140% of the HUD defined AMI based on purc... |
| ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance Program | Forgivable Loan | $300,000 | Open | capped at 80% of the Area Median Income |
| CalHFA Down Payment Assistance - FHA | Deferred Loan | $17,500 | Open | Must meet CalHFA county-specific income limits for FHA gover... |
| CalHFA Down Payment Assistance - Conventional | Deferred Loan | $15,000 | Open | Must meet CalHFA county-specific income limits. 660 credit s... |
| MyHome Assistance Program | Deferred Loan | $17,500 | Open | Must meet CalHFA county-specific income limits. 660 credit s... |
| Pathway to Home Closing Cost Assistance Grant | Grant | $10,000 | Verify | Varies by program |
| LA County CalHome Wildfire Survivor Homebuyer Assistance | Deferred Loan | $200,000 | Verify | Varies by program |
| MyAccess | Deferred Loan | $12,500 | Verify | Varies by program |
| Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership (WISH) Program | Grant | $30,000 | Open | Varies by program |
| Homebuyer Assistance | Deferred Loan | $125,000 | Verify | Varies by program |
| Homebuyer Assistance Program | Deferred Loan | $250,000 | Open | Varies by program |
| CITY OF LONG BEACH | Deferred Loan | $25,000 | Open | Varies by program |
| First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP) | Deferred Loan | $100,000 | Open | Varies by program |
| GSFA Member County "Assist-to-Own" DPA | Deferred Loan | $27,500 | Verify | Varies by program |
| GSFA Platinum® Program | Deferred Loan | $27,500 | Verify | Varies by program |
| Greenline Housing Foundation Down Payment Grant | Grant | $50,000 | Open | Varies by program |
| First Time Home Buyer Program (FTHB) | Deferred Loan | $120,000 | Verify | Varies by program |
| CalHome Loan Program | Deferred Loan | $37,790 | Verify | Varies by program |
| Home Ownership Program (HOP120) | Deferred Loan | $85,000 | Open | Varies by program |
| Home Ownership Program (HOP80) | Deferred Loan | $100,000 | Open | Varies by program |
| CalHome Loan Program | Deferred Loan | $37,790 | Verify | Varies by program |
| MHDC Second Mortgage Loan Program | Deferred Loan | $30,000 | Verify | Varies by program |
| NHF Downpayment Assistance | Deferred Loan | $25,000 | Open | Varies by program |
| Sacramento Neighborworks CALHome DAP | Deferred Loan | Varies | Verify | Varies by program |
| NPHS Opportunity Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program | Deferred Loan | $25,000 | Verify | Varies by program |
| First Time Home Buyer Program | Deferred Loan | Varies | Open | Varies by program |
| Down Payment Assistance | Grant | $20,000 | Open | Varies by program |
| Chenoa Fund FHA Down Payment Assistance Forgivable | Deferred Loan | $25,000 | Verify | Varies by program |
| Chenoa Fund FHA Down Payment Assistance Repayable | Deferred Loan | $25,000 | Verify | Varies by program |
Help Us Keep This Data Accurate
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