Los Angeles County & San Bernardino County First-Time Buyer Guide
Looking for down payment assistance in Southern California? This 2026 guide breaks down current programs in Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County, eligibility rules, and how to apply before funding runs out.
Buying a home in Los Angeles County or San Bernardino County in 2026 can still feel out of reach.
Prices remain high, interest rates fluctuate, and saving a full down payment while paying rent is no small task.
Here’s the part buyers can miss: down payment assistance programs are still available in Southern California, and some can cover tens of thousands of dollars, if you qualify.
This guide covers, as of early 2026:
Which programs are currently open or cycling funding
How much assistance you can receive
Who qualifies (and who doesn’t)
How to apply step-by-step without missing reservation windows
Funding opens and closes quickly. Bookmark this page and check back as programs refresh throughout 2026.
What Down Payment Assistance Programs Are Open in 2026?
Buyers searching for “Down Payment Assistance Southern California” often find outdated or vague answers.
Below is a clear snapshot of major programs available or cycling funding in 2026, based on the most recent funding rounds.
Top Programs to Know in 2026
CalHFA MyHome Up to 3.5% (FHA) or 3% (Conventional) for first-time buyers statewide.
Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) Platinum Up to 5%–5.5% assistance. Not limited to first-time buyers.
Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) LIPA Up to $161,000 within Los Angeles City limits.
Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) HOP80 / HOP120 Up to $100,000 depending on income tier. Inland Empire Down Payment Assistance (IE DPA) Up to $40,000 in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco WISH Grant 4-to-1 savings match up to $32,099, through participating lenders.
Status note (2026):
CalHFA’s Dream For All shared appreciation program remains closed as of early 2026. Additional funding cycles are expected, but timing has not been formally announced.
Program Details: What Buyers Need to Know
CalHFA MyHome (Statewide – 2026)
Assistance: Up to 3.5% (FHA) or 3% (Conventional) Use: Down payment and/or closing costs Structure: Deferred second loan, no monthly payments Repayment: Due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the home
Available throughout Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County, including Glendora, Pasadena, and Rancho Cucamonga.
GSFA Platinum (2026 Funding Cycles)
Assistance: 5%–5.5% of the loan amount Buyer type: Not limited to first-time buyers Repayment: Some options are forgivable grants Credit scores: Often start around 640 FICO
This program is popular when buyers need flexibility and faster execution.
LAHD LIPA – City of Los Angeles
Assistance: Up to $161,000 Interest: 0%, shared appreciation model Location: Los Angeles City limits only
This includes many San Fernando Valley neighborhoods and select areas of the city proper. Funding is released in reservation rounds and often fills within days.
LACDA HOP80 / HOP120 – LA County
Assistance: HOP80: Up to $100,000 HOP120: Up to $85,000 Income limits: Based on 80% or 120% AMI Structure: Shared equity, repay a portion of appreciation
Covers many San Gabriel Valley cities such as San Dimas, La Verne, Temple City, and unincorporated LA County areas.
IE DPA – San Bernardino & Riverside Counties
Assistance: Up to $40,000 Structure: 0% deferred second mortgage Term: Due in 30 years or upon sale/refinance
A strong option for buyers in Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, and surrounding Inland Empire markets.
WISH Grant (Federal Program)
Benefit: 4-to-1 savings match Max assistance: $32,099 Repayment: No repayment, retention period applies
Often stacks well with programs like MyHome or IE DPA when lender-approved.
Eligibility Rules Buyers Miss in 2026
Most California down payment assistance 2026 programs share core requirements:
First-time buyer: No home ownership in the last 3 years
Income limits: Vary by household size and county
Purchase price caps: City-specific, always verify early
Education: HUD-approved homebuyer course required
Credit score: Usually 640+, higher scores improve options
How to Apply (Step-by-Step in 2026)
Choose the right program LA City → Start with LIPA San Gabriel Valley → LACDA HOP San Bernardino Valley → IE DPA + WISH Work with an approved lender
Not all lenders are authorized for every program.
Get pre-approved early
Funding is limited and reservations move fast.
Complete the education course
Do this before funding windows open.
Reserve funds
Your lender submits documentation to secure assistance.
Can You Combine Programs?
Sometimes, but not always.
MyHome + WISH: Often allowed
GSFA Platinum: Usually standalone
Local programs: Must be confirmed case-by-case
Example:
A buyer in Rancho Cucamonga may combine IE DPA ($40,000) with a WISH grant for closing costs.
City-Specific Tips for 2026 Buyers
San Gabriel Valley: Cities like San Dimas, La Verne, Temple City frequently qualify for LACDA HOP.
Los Angeles City: If the home is inside city limits, LIPA may offer substantial leverage.
San Bernardino Valley: IE DPA paired with WISH remains one of the strongest combinations.
FAQs (Updated for 2026)
Is CalHFA Dream For All open right now?
No. As of early 2026, the program remains closed, with future funding anticipated but unconfirmed.
Do I have to pay the money back?
MyHome: Repaid upon sale/refinance
LIPA & HOP: Shared appreciation
GSFA grant portion: No repayment
WISH: No repayment, retention period applies
Can I qualify with a lower credit score?
Some programs allow flexibility, but 640+ is the common baseline.
Final Tips for Southern California Buyers
Start early with a lender who specializes in assistance programs
Have documents ready before funding opens
Stay flexible on city and price
Act quickly… funding can close within hours
Programs don’t disappear overnight, but their funding does.
If you’re buying in Glendora, Pasadena, San Dimas, or Rancho Cucamonga, timing matters more than most buyers realize.
If you want a personalized plan for 2026, please reach out. No strings attached.
We’ll map out which programs fit your city, income, and timeline so you can move forward confidently when the window opens.
And if you need a referral to a trusted loan officer, I can help there too.