Down Payment Assistance Options in Southern California
Down Payment Assistance Options in Southern California
Active Programs for Southeast LA County Buyers | The GO Team
Southern California has real down payment assistance programs — not hypothetical ones, not programs that ran out in 2009. There are active options right now for buyers who qualify. The challenge is knowing which ones exist, whether you're eligible, and whether they have funding available when you're ready to buy.
LACDA: LA County's Biggest Assistance Program
The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) offers down payment assistance of up to $85,000 for income-qualifying buyers purchasing anywhere in LA County (in unincorporated areas and participating cities — not the City of LA proper). The assistance is structured as a silent second mortgage. That means no monthly payments on the $85,000. You repay it when you sell the home, refinance, or transfer title. It's not free money, but it dramatically lowers the cash you need to close. For many buyers in cities like Downey, Norwalk, Whittier, Lakewood, and surrounding areas, LACDA is the most substantial assistance program available.
CalHFA: Statewide Programs for California Buyers
CalHFA runs several assistance products: MyHome Assistance Program — up to 3.5% of the purchase price as a deferred-payment second loan. Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan — up to 20% of the purchase price (max $150,000) with no monthly payments. When you sell, you repay the loan plus a proportional share of appreciation. This program has limited funding that historically runs out within days of opening each round. CalHFA requires working with an approved lender.
City-Specific Programs
Norwalk CalHome: City of Norwalk's program using state CalHome funds. Limited amount, first-come first-served, only for homes within Norwalk city limits. City of Los Angeles programs: LAHD offers its own assistance for buyers purchasing within City of LA boundaries. Several smaller cities in the region have their own community development programs that occasionally include buyer assistance.
The Honest Caveat
Funding availability is real. Programs close when money runs out. A program that's available today may be paused when you're ready to apply in three months. This is why having an agent and lender team who actively track these programs matters. The other caveat: income limits mean higher earners may not qualify for some of these programs even if they feel cash-strapped. In high-cost Southern California, the limits are higher than in cheaper parts of the state, but they still cap out. Know your numbers before you count on any program.
Questions About Your Specific Situation?
Every buyer's situation is different. Reach out to The GO Team Real Estate Services and let's figure out exactly where you stand and what's possible for you.
THE GO TEAM / REAL ESTATE SERVICES
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