20 % Down Payment Assistance

One of the biggest 2026 programs is the CalHFA Dream For All shared appreciation loan.    

 

One of the biggest 2026 programs is the CalHFA Dream For All shared appreciation loan.   - Offers up to 20 % of the purchase price toward down payment or closing costs (max ~50,000).Works as a shared appreciation loan — you repay the amount plus a matching share of home value gain when you sell, refinance, or transfer the home.Registration (lottery system) is slated for Feb 24 – Mar 16, 2026 — prepare early.Often prioritized for first-time and first-generation buyers.

This is effectively the closest mainstream option in 2026 that can reach 20 % assistance for eligible buyers in California.

 

Local & County Down Payment Assistance Programs

Many cities/counties have their own DPA programs that can cover around 20 % of purchase price as deferred loans:

 

Los Angeles County

LACDA Home Ownership Programs (HOP80/HOP120) offer up to 20 % of purchase price as a second mortgage for down payment/closing cost assistance.

 

Riverside County

First-time buyer programs may provide assistance up to 20 % of sales price, depending on eligibility.

 

San Diego

SDHC programs provide up to ~19 % deferred down-payment assistance plus closing cost grants — close to the 20 % mark.

Other Cities/Counties

Local DPA offerings across California may provide $10K – $200K in assistance — effectively a large chunk of down payment on many homes.

These local programs vary widely in income limits, purchase price caps, and eligibility (often first-time buyers).

 

How These Programs Typically Work

Down payment assistance is usually structured in one of the following ways:

 

Deferred Second Mortgage

No monthly payments.
Repay when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.
Often used for 20 % assistance loans like Dream For All.

Shared Appreciation

You repay the principal plus a share of home’s appreciation — the model used by CalHFA Dream For All.

Zero-Interest or Forgivable Loans

Available in some local programs; may be forgiven if you stay in the home a set period.

 

Tips for 2026 Down Payment Assistance

Check eligibility early — many programs require pre-registration, income limits, credit score minimums, and completion of homebuyer education.Work with an approved lender — especially for California programs like GSFA or CalHFA — they’ll handle many requirements.

Combine programs — sometimes state and local assistance can stack (e.g., CalHFA + city/county DPA).

Other National & State Options (Often Less Than 20 %)

 

These might not reach 20 %, but can still help:

 

CalHFA MyHome Assistance: ~3–3.5 % toward down payment.

State/National programs offering various grants or loans for first-time buyers.

Community programs like WISH matching grants (amounts vary).

 

Top Realtor Serving Tracy & Surrounding Areas!

Manpreet Nagi, trusted Realtor serving Tracy, Manteca, River Islands, Lathrop, Mountain House, Livermore, and Brentwood, CA.

Call today to schedule a private tour or consultation.Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, investing, or selling, Manpreet Nagi will personally guide you through every step with expert local market knowledge.

 

 

Manpreet Nagi,

Broker Associate

Keller Williams Realty

Nearly 20 years of experience helping Livermore & East Bay homeowners sell with confidence.
🌐 www.SellWithNagi.com

📞 1-844-NAGI-SELL

📞1-844-624-4735