When does Dream For All open again?

Voucher registration is expected to open again in early 2026. Unlike previous rounds, this is not a first come, first served program. Instead, homebuyers must register for a voucher during the registration period, and a randomized drawing will select registrants who receive vouchers. We recommend starting your preparation now by getting pre-approved and understanding the requirements.

How much assistance can I get?

The CalHFA Dream For All program provides up to 20% of the purchase price for down payment or closing costs, with a maximum of $150,000. For example, on a $750,000 home, you could receive the full $150,000 in assistance (which is 20% of the purchase price).

What does "first-generation homebuyer" mean?

A first-generation homebuyer is someone whose parents have never owned a home. This is different from being a "first-time homebuyer" (someone who hasn't owned a home themselves). For the Dream For All program, at least one borrower must meet this first-generation requirement. You'll need to provide documentation about your parents' homeownership history. If you have questions about whether you qualify, we encourage you to contact a Dream For All-approved lender who can help determine your eligibility.

Down Payment Assistance Programs for Santa Clarita Home Buyers

Buying a home in Santa Clarita is more affordable than you think with down payment assistance (DPA) programs. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or moving up, programs like CalHFA Dream For All, CalHFA MyHome, CalHFA ZIP, and GSFA DPA can help you buy a home with as little as 3% down—with assistance up to $150,000.

💰 Quick Summary: Down Payment Assistance in Santa Clarita

Buy with as little as 3% down (or 0% with some programs)
Get up to $100,000+ in down payment assistance
Available for first-time AND repeat buyers (income limits apply)
Can be combined with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans
Santa Clarita median price $850K = need $25,500-$170K down (3-20%)

Down Payment Assistance Programs for Santa Clarita

CalHFA Dream For All

Important: Voucher registration will open again in early 2026. Start preparing now.

Program Highlights

Up to 20% assistance for down payment or closing costs, not to exceed $150,000
No interest rate and no monthly payment on the down payment assistance
Appreciation share requirement: CalHFA shares in the appreciation when you sell or refinance
Voucher system: Homebuyers must register for a voucher. A randomized drawing will select registrants who receive the voucher. This is not first come, first served.

Eligibility Requirements

First-generation homebuyer: At least one borrower must be a first-generation homebuyer (neither parent has owned a home)
California resident: One borrower must be a current resident of California
First-time homebuyers: All borrowers must be first-time homebuyers
Income requirements: Income must meet CalHFA Income Limits for the county you are purchasing in

Income Limits by County

Select your county to see the maximum income limit

Select County

Maximum Household Income

$211,000

Los Angeles County

Note: Income limits shown are CalHFA Government & Conventional limits (effective 06/09/2025).

Documents Needed

California Dream For All Lender Pre-Approval Letter
Government ID: Passports, driver's license, state-issued ID, military ID, permanent residence cards, visas, or employment authorization documents
Foster care documentation (if applicable): Foster Care Verification Form/Letter or court documents
Parent information for designated first-generation borrower(s):
- • Name
- • Date of birth
- • Date of death (if applicable)
- • Current address
- • Proof of parent relationship (Birth Certificate, Adoption papers)

Frequently Asked Questions

2. CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program

Program Type:

Deferred-payment junior loan (3.5% of purchase price)

Interest Rate:

0% interest, no monthly payments

Repayment:

Due when you sell, refinance, or pay off first mortgage

First-Time Buyer?

Yes (or haven't owned in 3 years)

How CalHFA MyHome Works:

Get a second loan for 3.5% of the purchase price (down payment help)
This loan has 0% interest and no monthly payment
Only repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off your mortgage
Can be combined with FHA (3.5% down) or conventional (3% down) loans
Maximum loan limits: Up to $100,000 in DPA for Santa Clarita

Real Example: Buying in Saugus with CalHFA MyHome

Home price: $700,000 (Saugus)

CalHFA MyHome assistance: $24,500 (3.5% of price)

Your down payment: $500 (FHA minimum 3.5% - $24,500 assistance)

First mortgage: $675,500 (FHA loan)

Total out of pocket: ~$15,000 (includes closing costs)

You just bought a $700K home with $15K!

CalHFA MyHome Requirements:

First-time home buyer (or haven't owned in 3 years)
Income limits: Varies by county (see CalHFA Dream For All section below for county limits)
Credit score: Minimum 660 for conventional, 640 for FHA
Homebuyer education: Required course (online available)
Owner-occupied: Must be your primary residence
Property types: Single-family, condos, townhomes (no investment properties)

3. CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP)

Program Type:

Deferred-payment junior loan (up to $30,000)

Interest Rate:

0% interest, no monthly payments

Repayment:

Due when you sell, refinance, or pay off first mortgage

First-Time Buyer?

No - repeat buyers OK!

How CalHFA ZIP Works:

Get up to $30,000 in down payment assistance (fixed amount, not percentage)
0% interest, no monthly payment (same as MyHome)
KEY DIFFERENCE: You don't have to be a first-time buyer!
Can use for down payment and/or closing costs
Combined with conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA loans

Real Example: Buying in Canyon Country with CalHFA ZIP

Home price: $650,000 (Canyon Country)

CalHFA ZIP assistance: $30,000

Down payment needed (5%): $32,500

Your down payment: $2,500 ($32,500 - $30,000 DPA)

First mortgage: $617,500 (conventional)

Total out of pocket: ~$12,000 (includes closing costs)

CalHFA ZIP Requirements:

First-time buyer: NOT required (repeat buyers OK!)
Income limits: Same as MyHome - varies by county
Credit score: Minimum 660 (conventional), 640 (FHA)
Homebuyer education: Required
Owner-occupied: Primary residence only

4. GSFA Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program (Platinum)

Program Type:

15-year amortizing second mortgage (up to 5.5% of loan amount)

Repayment:

Yes - monthly payments required

Interest Rate:

Same rate as your first mortgage

First-Time Buyer?

Yes (or haven't owned in 3 years)

How GSFA DPA Works:

Get up to 5.5% of loan amount as down payment assistance
Second mortgage with 15-year term and monthly payments
Interest rate on second loan matches your first mortgage rate
Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans
Income limits apply for conventional loans only (80% of Area Median Income)
Due and payable when you sell, refinance, or pay off first mortgage

Real Example: Buying in Newhall with GSFA DPA

Home price: $725,000 (Newhall)

First mortgage (FHA): $699,625 (96.5%)

GSFA DPA (5% of loan): $34,981 (second mortgage)

Your down payment: $500 (FHA 3.5% minus DPA)

Interest rate (both loans): 6.75%

First mortgage payment: ~$4,536/month

Second mortgage payment: ~$310/month (15-year term)

Total monthly payment: ~$4,846 + taxes/insurance

Buy with minimal cash, but monthly payment includes both loans

GSFA DPA Requirements:

First-time buyer: Required (or 3 years without ownership)
Income limits: NONE for FHA/VA/USDA. For conventional loans, income must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income for best pricing
Credit score: Minimum 640 (660 for manufactured housing)
Max DTI: 45-50% depending on loan type and credit score
Homebuyer education: Required if all borrowers are first-time buyers
Owner-occupied: Primary residence only

Down Payment Assistance Programs Comparison

Feature	CalHFA Dream For All	CalHFA MyHome	CalHFA ZIP	GSFA DPA
Assistance Amount	Up to 20% (max $150K)	3.5% of price	Up to $30,000	Up to 5.5% of loan
Must Repay?	Appreciation share	Yes (when sell/refi)	Yes (when sell/refi)	Yes (when sell/refi)
Monthly Payment?	No	No	No	YES - amortizing
Interest Rate	0%	0%	0%	Same as first mortgage
First-Time Buyer?	Yes (first-generation)	Yes	NO	Yes
Income Limits?	Yes (by county)	Yes (by county)	Yes (by county)	Conventional only (80% AMI)
Min Credit Score	Varies by lender	640-660	640-660	640
Best For	First-generation buyers needing max assistance	First-time buyers under income limits	Repeat buyers or fixed $30K need	Buyers who can afford 2 payments

Which Down Payment Assistance Program Should You Choose?

Choose CalHFA Dream For All if:

You're a first-generation homebuyer (parents never owned a home)
You need significant down payment help (up to $150K)
Your income meets CalHFA county limits
You want 0% interest with no monthly payment on the assistance
You're OK with appreciation sharing when you sell
You can register for a voucher when the program opens in early 2026

Choose CalHFA MyHome if:

You're a first-time buyer
Your income meets CalHFA county limits
You want the lowest interest rate possible
You want 0% interest with no monthly payment on the assistance
You're OK repaying when you sell (which most people do anyway)

Choose CalHFA ZIP if:

You've owned a home before (not first-time buyer)
You need a fixed $30,000 in help
Your income meets CalHFA county limits
Buying a lower-priced home where $30K is enough

Choose GSFA DPA if:

You need more than $30K in assistance (up to 5.5% of loan amount)
You can afford two monthly mortgage payments (first + second)
You're using FHA/VA/USDA and have higher income (no income limits)
You want assistance without a higher interest rate surcharge

Ready to Buy a Home in Santa Clarita with Down Payment Assistance?

Don't let a small down payment hold you back. With these programs, you can buy a home in Santa Clarita with as little as $10,000-$15,000 total out of pocket.