Buying a home in Los Angeles County or San Bernardino County in 2025 can feel impossible.
Prices are high, and saving for a down payment while paying rent isn’t easy.
The good news?
There are down payment assistance programs that can give you thousands of dollars to help you buy your first home.
This guide explains:
What programs are open now
How much money you can get
Who qualifies
How to apply step-by-step
These programs open and close fast. Bookmark this page and check regularly for updates.
What Programs Are Open Now
Many people are Googling “down payment assistance Los Angeles” or “first-time homebuyer help San Bernardino” but not finding clear and pointed answers.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the top programs active in 2025:
CalHFA MyHome: Up to 3.5% for FHA loans or 3% for Conventional loans. Statewide program for first-time buyers only.
GSFA Platinum: Up to 5% to 5.5% assistance. Not limited to first-time buyers.
LAHD LIPA: Up to $161,000 for properties within the City of Los Angeles. First-time buyers only.
LACDA HOP80 / HOP120: Up to $100,000 (HOP80) or $85,000 (HOP120) or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is lower. Covers many San Gabriel Valley cities and unincorporated LA County.
IE DPA (Inland Empire): Up to $40,000 in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
WISH Grant (Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco): 4-to-1 match up to $32,099, available through participating banks.
Note: CalHFA’s Dream For All shared appreciation program is currently closed, but more funding is expected later in 2025.
Top Program Details
CalHFA MyHome
Assistance amount: Up to 3.5% of the purchase price for FHA or 3% for Conventional. Use for down payment or closing costs. Deferred-payment junior loan, no monthly payments until you sell, refinance, or pay off your mortgage. Available statewide, including LA and San Bernardino Counties.
GSFA Platinum
Assistance amount: Up to 5% to 5.5% of the loan amount. Some options include forgivable grants that do not need to be repaid. Not limited to first-time homebuyers. Minimum FICO score typically starts around 640.
LAHD LIPA (City of Los Angeles)
Assistance amount: Up to $161,000. 0% interest with shared appreciation when you sell or refinance. Only for homes located within Los Angeles City limits, including many San Fernando Valley neighborhoods like North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, and Van Nuys. Funding is released in reservation rounds, and spots fill quickly.
LACDA HOP80 / HOP120 (LA County)
Assistance amount: Up to $100,000 (HOP80) or $85,000 (HOP120) or 20% of the home price, whichever is less. Designed for households at 80% or 120% of Area Median Income (AMI). Covers many San Gabriel Valley cities, including San Dimas, La Verne, Sierra Madre, Temple City, and unincorporated LA County. Uses a shared equity model, meaning you share part of the appreciation when you sell.
Inland Empire Down Payment Assistance (IE DPA)
Assistance amount: Up to $40,000. Available for buyers in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. 0% deferred second mortgage due in 30 years or when you sell/refinance. Perfect for San Bernardino Valley first-time buyers.
WISH Grant
Provides a 4-to-1 match on your savings, up to $32,099. True grant — does not have to be repaid, though there is a retention period. Available only through participating local banks. Can sometimes stack with other programs like MyHome or IE DPA.
Eligibility Rules You Need to Know
Most programs have similar requirements. Here are the basics:
First-time buyer: Typically means you haven’t owned a home in the last three years.
Income limits: Each program has different thresholds based on household size and county.
Purchase price limits: Caps vary by city and program, always check before shopping.
Homebuyer education course: Most programs require completing an 8-hour HUD-approved class.
Credit score: Minimum scores usually start at 640, though higher scores may qualify you for better terms.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Choose your main program LA City → Start with LIPA.
San Gabriel Valley → Look at LACDA HOP.
San Bernardino Valley → Consider IE DPA and WISH.
Work with an approved lender
Programs like CalHFA, GSFA, LIPA, and HOP require specific participating lenders.
Get pre-approved early Funds are limited and go quickly once reservation windows open.
Complete the education course Schedule your HUD-approved class now so you’re ready when funding opens.
Reserve your funds.
Your lender will submit all required documentation to secure assistance.
Combining Programs
Some programs can be combined, but not all.
CalHFA MyHome can often pair with grants like WISH.
GSFA Platinum usually stands alone and may not be combined.
Always ask your lender to confirm program compatibility before planning to stack assistance.
Example: A buyer in Rancho Cucamonga could use IE DPA for $40,000 plus a WISH grant for extra closing cost help.
City-Specific Tips
San Gabriel Valley: Many cities are included in the LACDA HOP program, such as San Dimas, La Verne, Sierra Madre, and Temple City.
San Fernando Valley: If your property is within Los Angeles City limits, you may qualify for LIPA’s $161,000 in assistance.
San Bernardino Valley: Buyers often combine IE DPA with WISH grants to cover both down payments and closing costs.
FAQs
Is CalHFA Dream For All open right now?
No. The program is currently closed, but new funding is expected later in 2025.
Do I have to pay the money back?
MyHome: Repayment is due when you sell, refinance, or pay off your mortgage.
LIPA & HOP: You repay a portion of the home’s appreciation (shared equity).
GSFA Platinum gift portion: Does not need to be repaid.
WISH: No repayment required, but there is a retention period.
Can I qualify with a lower credit score?
Most programs require at least 640 FICO, though higher scores improve your options and terms.
Can I combine multiple programs?
Sometimes, yes, but only certain programs work together.
Your lender will guide you through what can be layered safely.
Final Tips for Buyers
Start early by connecting with an approved lender who specializes in these programs.
Have your documents ready: pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements.
Stay flexible on location and price to match program eligibility rules.
Be ready to act quickly when funding windows open, spots often fill within hours.
Programs like these don’t last forever.
As mentioned, funding windows can close in hours, especially in popular areas like Glendora, San Dimas, Pasadena, and Rancho Cucamonga.
Don’t wait and risk missing out.
Email me TODAY, and we’ll create a personalized plan to use every dollar available for your down payment.