What Down Payment Assistance Programs Are Available in Los Angeles County in 2026?

Updated for September 2026.

Several down payment assistance programs are active for Los Angeles County buyers right now, from the year-round CalHFA MyHome deferred loan and GSFA Platinum grant to local county programs and the state's Dream For All shared appreciation loan. CalHFA's MyHome Assistance Program provides up to 3.5% of the purchase price as a deferred junior loan with no monthly payments, GSFA Platinum offers up to 5% of the loan amount as a grant that never has to be repaid, and Los Angeles County's LIPA/MIPA program can provide up to $85,000 in deferred assistance for income-qualified buyers. Dream For All still exists, but its voucher application window is currently closed to new applicants, so it is not something you can count on for a purchase happening soon.

What Is the CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program?

MyHome is a deferred-payment junior loan of up to 3.5% of the purchase price, used toward your down payment or closing costs. Because it is deferred, there are no monthly payments on this second loan — the balance becomes due when you sell the home, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage. To qualify, you generally need to be a first-time homebuyer, meaning you have not owned a home in the past three years, and meet CalHFA's income limits for Los Angeles County. On a $650,000 purchase, MyHome can provide roughly $22,750 toward your down payment.

How Does GSFA Platinum Work, and Do You Have to Be a First-Time Buyer?

GSFA Platinum is a grant program, meaning the assistance — up to 5% of your loan amount — never has to be repaid, refinanced, or paid back when you sell. It can be paired with either a conventional or an FHA first mortgage. Unlike MyHome, GSFA Platinum is not limited to first-time buyers, so repeat buyers in Los Angeles County can use it too, as long as they meet the program's credit and income requirements through a participating lender.

What Down Payment Help Is Available Specifically in Los Angeles County?

Los Angeles County and several of its cities run their own deferred-loan down payment programs on top of the statewide options, such as LIPA/MIPA, which can provide up to $85,000 toward a down payment for income-qualified buyers purchasing in eligible areas. These local programs are income-restricted and funded in cycles, so availability opens and closes depending on how much funding the county or city currently has — it is worth checking current status before you count on one for your purchase timeline.

Is the California Dream For All Program Still Available in 2026?

Dream For All is a shared appreciation loan that can cover up to 20% of your down payment or closing costs, up to $150,000, in exchange for repaying a share of your home's appreciation when you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage. The program exists, but the voucher application period that determines who can use it is currently closed, and past rounds have been awarded through a randomized drawing rather than first-come, first-served. If you are hoping to use Dream For All, the best move is to watch CalHFA's site for the next application window rather than plan around it being available today.

Down Payment Assistance FAQ

Can I combine more than one down payment assistance program? In many cases yes, though it depends on the specific programs and your lender — for example, MyHome is commonly paired with a CalHFA first mortgage, and local county programs may allow layering with certain state programs, so ask your loan officer to confirm which combinations are allowed together.

Do these programs require a minimum credit score? Yes, most down payment assistance programs set a minimum credit score, commonly in the high 600s, though the exact number depends on the specific program and your lender's overlays.

Is down payment assistance only for first-time buyers? Not always — CalHFA MyHome and the local county programs generally require first-time buyer status, but GSFA Platinum does not, so repeat buyers have at least one option.

How do I find out if I qualify for income limits in my area? CalHFA and Los Angeles County publish current income limits by county and household size on their own websites, and a lender who works with these programs regularly can check your eligibility against the current limits directly.

Sources: CalHFA (calhfa.ca.gov), and current program summaries from mortgage and down-payment-assistance industry publications reviewed September 2026. This is general information, not a guarantee of eligibility or funding availability — program terms change and local funding can run out. Andrea Pazmino-Pace, HomeSmart Realty Group, DRE #02013784, works with buyers throughout Los Angeles County and can connect you with lenders experienced in these programs. Reach out to talk through which options fit your situation.