What Are Local DPA Programs?
Your real estate agent just showed you the perfect house in your target neighborhood. Great schools, walkable community, reasonable commute to work. The problem? You need $50,000 down and only have $15,000 saved. Then you discover your city offers $40,000 in down payment assistance for local workers.
Here’s what most California homebuyers don’t know: Local DPA programs often provide more generous assistance than state or federal programs. Cities and counties design these programs specifically to keep essential workers, families, and community members housed locally rather than displaced by rising housing costs.
California’s 58 counties and hundreds of cities operate targeted assistance programs addressing local housing challenges. From San Francisco’s $500,000 assistance to rural programs offering $15,000 grants, local DPA provides community-specific solutions that state programs can’t match. Consider USDA loans in California for rural.
California Local DPA Program Directory - City & County Assistance
Here’s what’s actually available right now across California’s major metro areas. These aren’t theoretical programs, they’re real government assistance you can apply for today or watch for when applications reopen.
What DPA Programs Are Available in the Bay Area?
| Program | Location | Assistance Amount | Income Limit | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DALP (Downpayment Assistance Loan Program) | San Francisco | Up to $500,000 | 200% AMI (~$256,200 for 4-person household) | sf.gov/dalp or (415) 701-5500 |
| AC Boost | Alameda County | $160,000-$210,000 (shared appreciation loan) | 120% AMI | acboost.org or (510) 500-8840 |
| Empower Homebuyers SCC | Santa Clara County | Up to 17% of purchase price | 120% AMI | Housing Trust SV (408) 703-3837 |
| HEART of San Mateo County | San Mateo County | Up to $182,025 (15-year second lien) | Moderate income | heartofsmc.org |
| EDPAP | San Mateo County Employees | $100,000 loan + $5,000 grant | County employees only | housing.smcgov.org |
What DPA Programs Are Available in Southern California?
| Program | Location | Assistance Amount | Income Limit | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LIPA | City of Los Angeles | Up to $161,000 | Low income | housing.lacity.gov or (323) 808-8808 |
| LACDA HOP | LA County (unincorporated) | $85,000-$100,000 | Varies by program | lacda.org or (626) 262-4510 |
| SDHC Low-Income | City of San Diego | Up to 19% of purchase price + $10,000 closing costs | 80% AMI | (619) 578-7788 or homeownership@sdhc.org |
| SDHC Middle-Income | City of San Diego | $40,000 loan + $10,000 closing costs grant | 80-150% AMI | (619) 578-7788 |
| San Diego County CalHome | San Diego County | Up to 22% of purchase price + 4% closing costs | 80% AMI | sandiegocounty.gov/sdhcd |
| Orange County MAP | Orange County | $40,000-$80,000 (3% simple interest, 30-year deferred) | 80% AMI | ochcd.org |
| NeighborWorks OC | Orange County | Various programs | Varies | nwoc.org or (714) 490-1250 |
What DPA Programs Are Available in the Inland Empire & Desert?
| Program | Location | Assistance Amount | Income Limit | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARPA FTHB | Riverside County | Up to $100,000 (20% of purchase price), includes $10,000 for closing | Low-moderate income | rivcohws.org/downpayment-assistance |
| 5th District Program | Riverside County (5th District) | Up to $100,000 with 15-year forgiveness | Varies | rivcohws.org/5th-district |
What DPA Programs Are Available in Central Valley & Sacramento?
| Program | Location | Assistance Amount | Income Limit | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHRA CalHome | Sacramento City/County | Varies (purchase price cap ~$344,000) | 80% AMI ($72,050 for 1 person, $102,900 for 4 persons) | shra.org or (916) 440-1390 |
| SHRA PLHA | Sacramento City/County | Varies (excludes incorporated cities with own programs) | 80% AMI | shra.org or (916) 440-1390 |
| OpenHome DPA | Fresno County | Up to $25,000 grant (no repayment) | 80% AMI | Beyond Housing Foundation |
| Fresno County 1st Time Homebuyer | Fresno County (unincorporated + select cities) | Up to 20% of purchase price + closing costs (zero-interest, 30-year deferred) | Varies | County Housing Authority |
What DPA Programs Are Available in Coastal & Ventura County?
| Program | Location | Assistance Amount | Income Limit | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VCCDC Camarillo | Camarillo | Up to $40,000 forgivable grant (10-year forgiveness) | 80% AMI | vccdc.org/dpa |
| VCCDC Oxnard | Oxnard | Up to $40,000 forgivable grant (10-year forgiveness) | 80% AMI | vccdc.org/dpa |
| VCCDC Santa Paula | Santa Paula (Harvest at Limoneira development) | Up to $23,000 (30-year deferred loan) | 150% AMI | vccdc.org/dpa |
| VCCDC CalHome | Ventura County | Up to $40,000 (30-year deferred loan) | 80% AMI | vccdc.org/dpa |
Program Status Notes: Many local programs operate on lottery systems or first-come, first-served basis with limited annual funding. San Francisco DALP 2025 applications closed June 2, 2025. AC Boost completed its final funding round in 2024. Always verify current program status and funding availability directly with program administrators before planning your home purchase.
What Are Local DPA Programs and How Do They Work?
Local programs specifically target teachers, firefighters, police officers, healthcare workers, and essential professionals who keep communities functioning but struggle with local housing costs. Coastal programs address million-dollar home prices while inland programs focus on workforce retention. California’s local programs collectively provide over $500 million annually in down payment assistance.
What DPA Programs Serve Bay Area Counties?
Bay Area programs provide the highest assistance amounts due to extreme housing costs. San Francisco DALP offers up to $500,000 with 200% AMI income limits, running lottery applications March-June annually. Alameda County’s AC Boost provided $160K-$210K shared appreciation loans (completed final round 2024). Santa Clara County’s Empower program offers 17% of purchase price through Housing Trust Silicon Valley. San Mateo’s HEART provides up to $182,025 with no PMI requirement. These programs recognize that traditional assistance barely impacts million-dollar down payments.
How Do Los Angeles and San Diego Programs Compare?
LA City LIPA provides up to $161,000 for low-income buyers. LA County HOP serves unincorporated areas with HOP-80 ($100K) and HOP-120 ($85K) programs. San Diego Housing Commission operates separate city and county programs - low-income city buyers receive up to 19% of purchase price plus $10K closing costs, while middle-income buyers get $40K loans plus $10K grants. Regional cooperation creates comprehensive coverage across urban and suburban communities.
What Assistance Exists in Inland Empire and Central Valley?
Riverside County’s ARPA program offers up to $100,000 (20% of purchase) including $10K for closing costs, with 15-year forgiveness - among California’s most generous. Sacramento SHRA serves city and county residents earning 80% AMI with CalHome and PLHA programs. Fresno’s new OpenHome DPA provides up to $25,000 grants requiring no repayment. These programs focus on teacher and essential worker retention in growing markets.
How Are Local DPA Programs Structured?
Local DPA programs operate as deferred second mortgages with no monthly payments during homeownership. Repayment occurs when you sell, refinance, or transfer ownership. Forgiveness schedules range from 5-30 years. Interest rates vary from zero-interest (true grants) to simple interest below market. Many programs include shared appreciation capturing a portion of property value increases. Consider refinance options for refinance.
Who Qualifies for Local DPA Programs in California?
Local programs typically require employment, residence, or displacement connections to the target jurisdiction. Income limits follow Area Median Income formulas (80-150% AMI typical). First-time buyer definitions usually mean no ownership in past 3 years. Property must be located within program boundaries. Consider FHA loans in California for first-time buyer and VA loans in California for veteran.
What DPA Programs Exist for California Teachers, Firefighters, and Essential Workers?
Many programs give preference to teachers, firefighters, police, and healthcare workers. San Francisco DALP has separate educator and first responder funding (up to $500,000). Santa Clara County includes teachers and healthcare professionals as priority occupations. When applying to any local DPA program, always identify your occupation - many programs give point preferences or maintain separate funding pools not publicly advertised. Contact your employer’s HR department about housing assistance partnerships with local jurisdictions.
How Do You Apply to Local DPA Programs in California?
Step 1: Identify Programs - Check programs where you live, work, or were displaced from. Use the directory above. Key resources: city housing department websites, county housing authority sites, 211 hotline, HUD counseling agencies.
Step 2: Verify Funding - Many programs use lottery or first-come, first-served with limited annual funding. SF DALP opens March-June. Sacramento SHRA runs continuously. Call ahead to verify current availability.
Step 3: Complete Education - Most require 8-10 hour homebuyer education through HUD-approved providers (Framework Homeownership, eHome America, Money Management International). Mandatory before closing.
Step 4: Get Pre-Qualified - Work with approved lenders (listed on program websites). We work with most California DPA programs: (510) 589-4096.
Step 5: Submit Complete Application - Need: 2 years tax returns, 30 days pay stubs, 2 months bank statements, homebuyer education certificate, photo ID, employment verification.
Step 6: Wait for Approval - Lottery programs (SF DALP) take longer. First-come, first-served programs process faster. Ongoing programs (Sacramento) work through approved lenders.
Maintain Compliance: Make on-time payments, occupy as primary residence, maintain property condition, keep all documentation.
Can You Stack Local DPA with Other Programs?
Local DPA stacks with CalHFA, FHA, VA, and conventional loans. Some combinations cover 100% of upfront costs. FHA, VA, and conventional all accept local DPA with proper approval. Employer assistance, gift funds, and Mortgage Credit Certificates also stack with local DPA. Consider bridge loans in California for timing gaps.
Rates change daily based on your credit, down payment, and property type. Contact us for your personalized rate quote.
Next Steps for Local DPA Success
Local DPA programs provide California’s most generous and targeted down payment assistance, but navigating program requirements and coordination opportunities requires local expertise and current program knowledge.
Our team maintains relationships with local program administrators, understands current funding availability, and coordinates multiple assistance programs for maximum buyer benefit.
Every local DPA situation involves unique program availability, eligibility requirements, and stacking opportunities. Generic information doesn’t maximize benefits or ensure successful program completion.
California’s local DPA programs represent community investment in homeownership that often exceeds state and federal assistance. Call (510) 589-4096 to discuss local assistance options or view all down payment assistance programs.
Explore More Down Payment Assistance
Not sure if local DPA fits your situation? Compare our other down payment assistance programs including CalHFA MyHome/ZIP (statewide availability), Elite Grant (quick forgiveness), and Mortgage Credit Certificates (annual tax savings) to find the perfect assistance for your California home purchase.
