Quick Answer
Santa Clara County offers 23 active down payment assistance programs with up to $300,000 in assistance (via ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance Program). 7 programs are grants requiring no repayment. Minimum credit score: 600. Programs include grants, forgivable loans, deferred loans, and tax credits for Santa Clara homebuyers.
Santa Clara homebuyers have access to 23 active down payment assistance programs — ranging from outright grants that never need repayment to deferred loans worth up to $120,000. That includes 7 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 Santa Clara 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.
Santa Clara County DPA at a Glance
Program Types Available
- ✓ Grant Programs (9)
- ✓ Shared Appreciation Loans (2)
- ✓ Forgivable Loans (1)
- ✓ Deferred Payment Loans (6)
- ✓ Repayable Second Mortgages (3)
- ✓ Other Programs (9)
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
Santa Clara County Housing Market in 2026
Santa Clara County sits at the heart of Silicon Valley, making it one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. DPA programs are especially critical here because even a small percentage of the purchase price represents a substantial dollar amount.
~$1.5M
Median Home Price
~$120,000
80% AMI (Family of 4)
$1,149,825
FHA Loan Limit
At these price points, a 3.5% FHA down payment on a $1.1M home is $38,500. That is where DPA programs become essential. The San Jose First-Time Homebuyer Program alone offers up to $120,000, and CalHFA programs can add another $27,500 on top. For buyers earning below 80% AMI (~$120,000 household income), the combination of programs can cover the entire down payment on homes up to the FHA limit.
What DPA Looks Like for a Santa Clara Buyer
Example: First-time buyer purchasing a $950,000 condo in San Jose
City + CalHFA Stack
3.5% FHA down payment = $33,250
San Jose FTHB Program: up to $120,000
CalHFA MyHome: up to $17,500
Available assistance far exceeds the down payment
City program is a deferred loan. Check stacking rules with your lender.
Grant Route (No Repayment)
3.5% FHA down payment = $33,250
NHF Sapphire Grant: up to 5% = $47,500
Grant = no repayment required
Out of pocket: $0 down payment
Min credit: 620 | Slightly higher interest rate
Santa Clara County's high FHA loan limit ($1,149,825) means FHA financing works for homes well above the national median. This opens DPA programs to a wider range of properties than most counties.
Grant Programs
Grants are the gold standard of DPA — you don't pay them back. Here are the grant programs available to Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara County DPA
Income limits are the most confusing part of DPA eligibility. Here's the cheat sheet for Santa Clara:
| AMI Threshold | 4-Person Household | Programs at This Level |
|---|---|---|
| 80% AMI | ~$159,550 | Workforce Initiative Subs..., CalHFA Forgivable Equity ..., NeighborhoodLIFT Bay Area, San Jose First-Time Homeb... +3 more |
| 120% AMI | ~$234,250 | CalHFA Dream For All Shar..., Empower Homebuyers SCC Pr..., San Jose First-Time Homeb..., Sunnyvale Below Market Ra... |
| 150% AMI | ~$292,800 | — |
| No Limit | Unlimited | Empower Homebuyers SCC, Golden State Finance Auth..., NeighborhoodLIFT, Chenoa Fund DPA +1 more |
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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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)
Key rule: Not all programs can be combined. Your lender must confirm layering compatibility before you commit.
Programs by Area Within Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County has both countywide and city-specific DPA programs. San Jose offers the most substantial local program.
San Jose
All statewide programs + San Jose First-Time Homebuyer Program (up to $120,000). This is one of the largest city-level DPA programs in California.
Sunnyvale / Mountain View
County and statewide programs apply. Higher price points ($1.5M+) may exceed some program limits. Focus on grant programs with percentage-based assistance.
Milpitas / Santa Clara (city)
County and statewide programs apply. Condos and townhomes in the $700K-$1M range are strong candidates for DPA programs.
Morgan Hill / Gilroy
County and statewide programs apply. More affordable price points ($800K-$1M) make DPA cover a larger share of the down payment.
For CalHFA program details, see the CalHFA program guide. Use our eligibility tool to see programs matching your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Santa Clara 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), San Jose First-Time Homebuyer Program ($120,000). Multiple programs can often be combined for even more assistance.
Do I need to be a first-time homebuyer?
Not always. 7 programs available in Santa Clara 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. Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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% ... |
| Empower Homebuyers SCC | Other | Varies | Closed | Varies by program |
| Empower Homebuyers SCC Program | Shared Appreciation | Varies | Closed | Maximum 120% of Area Median Income by household size: 1 pers... |
| 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... |
| Housing Trust Silicon Valley Down Payment Assistance | Other | Varies | Closed | low- and moderate-income |
| NeighborhoodLIFT | Grant | $25,000 | Closed | Varies by program |
| 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) |
| NeighborhoodLIFT Bay Area | Grant | $25,000 | Closed | Household income at or below 80% AMI |
| Bank of America Down Payment Grant + America's Home Grant | Grant | $17,500 | Open | Income limits vary by market area |
| San Jose First-Time Homebuyer Program | Deferred Loan | $120,000 | Open | Household income at or below 80% AMI for Santa Clara County.... |
| SCCR Foundation Down Payment Assistance Fund | Grant | $15,000 | Open | Low-to-moderate income per HUD limits for Santa Clara County |
| Sunnyvale Below Market Rate (BMR) Homeownership Program | Other | Varies | Active — ongoing as developers complete new projects with BMR units | Up to 120% AMI: 1-person $152,300; 2-person $174,050; 3-pers... |
| SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Reduced Down Payment Program | Other | Varies | Active | No income limits — available to all qualifying SchoolsFirst ... |
| Mountain View Below Market Rate (BMR) Housing Program | Other | Varies | Active — units available as new developments complete inclusionary requirements | Low to moderate income limits for Santa Clara County |
| Palo Alto Below Market Rate (BMR) Housing Purchase Program | Other | Varies | Active — waitlist-based; units available as developments complete | Low to moderate income; family of 3 max ~$200,000 |
| Alta Housing BMR Homeownership (Silicon Valley) | Other | Varies | Active — multiple developments in pipeline | Low to moderate income limits for Santa Clara/San Mateo coun... |
| Middle-Income Downpayment Assistance (MDPA) | Grant | $50,000 | Open | Between 80.01% and 140% of HUD defined AMI based on purchase... |
| City of Santa Clara Below Market Purchase (BMP) Program | Other | Varies | Open | low- and moderate-income families |
| 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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