Quick Answer
Riverside County offers 25 active down payment assistance programs with up to $300,000 in assistance (via ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance Program). 6 programs are grants requiring no repayment. Minimum credit score: 600. Programs include grants, forgivable loans, deferred loans, and tax credits for Riverside homebuyers.
Riverside homebuyers have access to 25 active down payment assistance programs — ranging from outright grants that never need repayment to deferred loans worth up to $100,000. That includes 6 grant programs that require no repayment at all.
I've spent 25+ years originating mortgages in California, and the most common thing I hear from first-time buyers is "I didn't know these programs existed." That's the whole reason this guide exists — to lay out every program available in Riverside County, explain what each one actually offers, and help you figure out which ones fit your situation.
The biggest barrier to using these programs isn't qualification — it's awareness. Use this page as your complete reference.
Riverside County DPA at a Glance
Program Types Available
- ✓ Grant Programs (6)
- ✓ Shared Appreciation Loans (1)
- ✓ Forgivable Loans (1)
- ✓ Deferred Payment Loans (11)
- ✓ Repayable Second Mortgages (3)
- ✓ Tax Credit Programs (1)
- ✓ Other Programs (6)
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
Riverside County Housing Market in 2026
Riverside County remains one of the most accessible housing markets in Southern California, making it a prime location for buyers using DPA programs.
~$580,000
Median Home Price
~$89,500
80% AMI (Family of 4)
$766,550
FHA Loan Limit
Compared to neighboring Orange County (median ~$1.1M) and LA County (median ~$850K), Riverside's lower home prices mean DPA programs cover a larger percentage of your down payment. A $580,000 home with FHA financing requires just $20,300 down, which CalHFA's MyHome + ZIP combination ($27,500) can cover entirely.
What DPA Looks Like for a Riverside Buyer
Example: First-time buyer purchasing a $575,000 home in Temecula
Grant Route (Best Case)
3.5% FHA down payment = $20,125
NHF Sapphire Grant covers up to 5%
Grant = no repayment required
Out of pocket: $0 down payment
Min credit: 620 | No first-time buyer requirement
CalHFA Stack Route
3.5% FHA down payment = $20,125
MyHome covers up to $17,500
ZIP adds up to $10,000 for closing costs
Total assistance: up to $27,500
Deferred loans, no monthly payments | Min credit: 660
Both paths can get you into a home with little to no money down. The grant route has no repayment obligation but requires a slightly higher interest rate. The CalHFA route uses deferred loans repaid only when you sell or refinance.
Grant Programs
Grants are the gold standard of DPA — you don't pay them back. Here are the grant programs available to Riverside 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 Riverside County DPA
Income limits are the most confusing part of DPA eligibility. Here's the cheat sheet for Riverside:
| AMI Threshold | 4-Person Household | Programs at This Level |
|---|---|---|
| 80% AMI | ~$89,500 | HOME First Time Home Buye..., PLHA First Time Home Buye..., Workforce Initiative Subs..., CalHFA Forgivable Equity ... +5 more |
| 120% AMI | ~$124,700 | CalHFA Dream For All Shar..., PLHA First Time Home Buye..., Riverside County PLHA Dow..., Riverside County 4th Dist... |
| 150% AMI | ~$155,850 | — |
| No Limit | Unlimited | Golden State Finance Auth..., Chenoa Fund DPA, SchoolsFirst Federal Cred... |
Don't know your AMI level? Use our AMI Lookup Tool to check your county's limits by household size.
How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance in Riverside 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 Riverside is combining multiple DPA programs. Here are proven combinations:
CalHFA Stack (Most Popular)
CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP) + CalHFA Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan + CalHFA Forgivable Equity Builder Loan (FEBL)
Maximum Assistance Stack
ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance Program ($300,000) + CalHFA Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan ($150,000)
Tax Savings Stack
Any DPA program + Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program = ongoing annual tax savings on top of initial assistance
Key rule: Not all programs can be combined. Your lender must confirm layering compatibility before you commit.
Programs by Area Within Riverside County
Most DPA programs in Riverside County are available countywide, but some target specific cities. Here are the major areas and what additional programs they may qualify for:
City of Riverside
All statewide and county programs apply. Moreno Valley First-Time Homebuyer Program available for qualifying buyers.
Temecula / Murrieta
County and statewide programs apply. Median prices in the $600K-$650K range. CalHFA and grant programs cover most of the down payment.
Corona / Norco
County and statewide programs apply. Median prices slightly above county average ($600K-$700K). Check purchase price limits on county-specific programs.
Moreno Valley / Perris
County and statewide programs apply. More affordable price points ($450K-$550K) mean DPA covers a larger share. Moreno Valley has its own city program offering up to $50,000.
For program-specific details, use the CalHFA program guide or our eligibility tool to see which programs match your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Riverside County?
Up to $300,000 through available programs. Top programs by amount: ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance Program ($300,000), CalHFA Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan ($150,000), Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program ($100,000). Multiple programs can often be combined for even more assistance.
Do I need to be a first-time homebuyer?
Not always. 6 programs available in Riverside are open to repeat buyers, including Golden Opportunities, GSFA Platinum Assist-to-Own, GSFA Platinum Select. First-time buyer is typically defined as not having owned a home in the past three years.
What credit score do I need?
As low as 600 (Chenoa Fund DPA). Most programs accept 620-660. CalHFA programs typically require 660+.
Are there income limits?
Many programs have income limits based on Area Median Income (AMI). Common thresholds are 80%, 120%, and 150% AMI. Some programs have no income limits at all. Use our free eligibility tool to see which programs match your specific income.
Can I combine multiple programs?
Yes — stacking is common. For example, CalHFA first mortgage programs can often be paired with MyHome or ZIP assistance. Your lender can identify which combinations work together.
Do I have to repay the assistance?
It depends on the type. Grants = no repayment. Forgivable loans = forgiven after 3-7 years. Deferred loans = repaid when you sell or move out (no monthly payments). Repayable seconds = monthly payments. Riverside County has programs in multiple categories.
How do down payment assistance programs work in California?
DPA programs provide funds to cover part or all of your down payment and sometimes closing costs. You apply through a participating lender — not directly with the program. The assistance is structured as a grant (free money), a forgivable loan (forgiven after 3-7 years), a deferred loan (repaid when you sell), or a shared appreciation loan (repay original amount plus a share of your home's value increase). Your lender handles the DPA paperwork alongside your main mortgage.
Can I use down payment assistance with an FHA loan?
Yes. Most DPA programs in Riverside County work with FHA loans. CalHFA's MyHome program offers up to 3.5% of the purchase price specifically for FHA borrowers. Chenoa Fund, GSFA, and National Homebuyers Fund also pair with FHA financing. Your lender must be approved for both the FHA program and the specific DPA program you want to use.
How long does it take to get down payment assistance?
DPA doesn't add a separate timeline — it's built into your mortgage process. A typical home purchase with DPA takes 30-45 days from accepted offer to closing, the same as a standard mortgage. The main time investment is upfront: completing homebuyer education (most programs require an 8-hour course) and getting pre-approved with a DPA-approved lender. Start the pre-approval process before you begin house hunting.
Can I get down payment assistance with bad credit?
Some programs accept credit scores as low as 600. Chenoa Fund and some GSFA programs accept scores starting at 600-620. CalHFA programs typically require 660+. If your score is below 620, focus on credit improvement first — even a small increase can open up more DPA options.
| 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 | Lottery | Must meet CalHFA Dream For All income limits (based on 120% ... |
| Golden Opportunities | Repayable Second | $25,000 | Open | Flexible income limits vary by county and first mortgage typ... |
| Golden State Finance Authority Down Payment Assistance | Other | Varies | Open | Varies by program |
| GSFA Platinum Assist-to-Own | Deferred Loan | $27,500 | Closed | Designed for low- to moderate-income borrowers with flexible... |
| GSFA Platinum Select | Repayable Second | $25,000 | Closed | Designed for low- to moderate-income borrowers with flexible... |
| GSFA Platinum Standard | Repayable Second | $25,000 | Open | Designed for low- to moderate-income borrowers with flexible... |
| HOME First Time Home Buyer Program | Deferred Loan | $100,000 | Closed | Household income at or below 80% AMI. 2025 limits: 1 person ... |
| Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program | Tax Credit | $100,000 | Unknown | Household income cannot exceed 115% of Area Median Income, u... |
| NPHS Down Payment Assistance Programs | Deferred Loan | $100,000 | Unknown | Income restrictions may apply |
| PLHA First Time Home Buyer Program | Deferred Loan | $100,000 | Open | Up to 120% AMI for PLHA; up to 80% AMI for HOME (HOME funds ... |
| Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership (WISH) | Grant | $32,099 | Fully_committed | Household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) |
| Chenoa Fund DPA | Grant | $17,500 | Open | No income limits |
| CalHFA Forgivable Equity Builder Loan (FEBL) | Grant | $50,000 | Exhausted | Household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) |
| Bank of America Down Payment Grant + America's Home Grant | Grant | $17,500 | Open | Income limits vary by market area |
| Inland Empire Down Payment Assistance Program (IEDPA) | Deferred Loan | $40,000 | Closed | Income restrictions apply per HUD limits |
| NHSIE CalHome Down Payment Assistance | Deferred Loan | $55,000 | Open | Low income per CalHome limits (approximately 80% AMI for San... |
| Moreno Valley First-Time Homebuyer Program | Deferred Loan | $50,000 | Open | Household income at or below 80% AMI for Riverside County |
| SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Reduced Down Payment Program | Other | Varies | Active | No income limits — available to all qualifying SchoolsFirst ... |
| Riverside County PLHA Down Payment Assistance Program | Other | $100,000 | Active — Permanent Local Housing Allocation funded; availability varies by city | Up to 120% AMI for Riverside County. 2025: 1-person $87,300;... |
| Riverside County 4th District ARPA First-Time Homebuyer Program | Other | $100,000 | Active — $1 million ARPA allocation; may also cover closing costs | Up to 120% AMI for Riverside County |
| City of Menifee Homebuyer Assistance Program | Other | Varies | Active — administered by NPHS Inc. | Lower income limits for Riverside County |
| Springboard Homeownership Center (Riverside/Inland Empire) | Other | Varies | Active | Varies by connected program |
| Middle-Income Downpayment Assistance (MDPA) | Grant | $50,000 | Open | Between 80.01% and 140% of HUD defined AMI based on purchase... |
| Middle Income Downpayment Assistance Program | Grant | $50,000 | Unknown | 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... |
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