20% Down Payment Assistance

The most anticipated program in California is back for 2026. Get up to $150,000 toward your home purchase with a unique shared-appreciation model that makes homeownership a reality.

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OVERVIEW

The Lowdown on CA Dream For All…

The California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan is a revolutionary program from CalHFA. Instead of a typical loan with monthly payments, the state provides you with up to 20% of the home’s purchase price (capped at $150,000) to use for your down payment and closing costs.

Here is the catch (and the benefit): You make $0 monthly payments on this assistance. Instead, when you sell, transfer, or refinance the home in the future, you pay back the original loan amount plus a percentage of any increase in the home’s value (appreciation).

This program is designed to help first-generation buyers break into the market, build generational wealth, and drastically lower their monthly mortgage payments from day one.

A Fair Shot for Every Californian

Because demand for this program is so high, the state uses a Randomized Voucher Selection process. It is not first-come, first-served.

The Window

Registration for the 2026 lottery is open from February 24 to March 16, 2026.

The Voucher

If selected, you receive a voucher that reserves your funds for 90 days while you shop for a home.

Geographic Equity

Vouchers are distributed proportionally across nine regions of California to ensure everyone from the Bay Area to the Central Valley has an equal opportunity.

Eligibility

Are You a “First-Generation” Buyer?

For 2026, the eligibility requirements are very specific. You must meet both the First-Time and First-Generation definitions:

Requirement 2026 Standard Notes
First-Generation Yes At least one borrower must not have owned a home in 7 years AND their parents must not currently own a home in the US.
First-Time Buyer Yes All borrowers on the loan must not have owned a home in the last 3 years.
Income Limits County Based Limits are generous (e.g., $168k in LA, $253k in Alameda, $309k in Santa Clara).
Credit Score 660 – 680 Minimum score required to qualify for the first mortgage.
Residency CA Resident At least one borrower must currently reside in California.
Foster Care Special Status Former foster youth automatically meet the first-generation requirement.
CA Dream for All FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

The Window is Closing Soon!

The registration portal for the 2026 lottery closes on March 16. Don’t miss your chance to secure $150,000 in assistance.