California down payment help
with no income limits
California’s DPA programs turn away buyers who earn above their income caps every day. HOPER doesn’t have income limits. Get up to $13,000 toward your FHA home purchase — no income test, no repayment, no second lien.
Available across California including:
See If You Qualify for HOPER
Takes 60 seconds. No credit pull. We’ll call you within 5 minutes.
How much could you receive
on your California home?
Enter your estimated purchase price and see your HOPER funds instantly.
* Maximum $13,000. Actual amount subject to program eligibility.
Every California down payment program
— compared
CalHFA’s income limits vary by county but typically cap at $180,000–$250,000 in high-cost areas — but the programs are often oversubscribed and run out of funding entirely. Here is the full picture including what HOPER does differently.
| Program | Max Assistance | Income Limit | Repayment | Who Gets Left Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CalHFA MyHome | Up to 3.5% of price | Yes — income restricted | Yes — 120% AMI max | Deferred second lien |
| CalHFA ZIP | Up to 3% of loan | Yes — income restricted | Yes — income capped | Deferred second lien |
| GSFA Platinum | Up to 5% of loan | Yes — income restricted | Yes — AMI restricted | Forgivable after 3 yrs |
| Golden State Finance Authority | Varies | Yes — income restricted | Yes — strict limits | Second lien |
| ✦ HOPER via CloseReady | Up to $13,000 (3.5%) | No income limit | Never — $0 repayment | Nobody — all FHA buyers welcome |
HOPER is available across
all of California
No geographic restrictions — if you are buying with an FHA loan anywhere in California, you may qualify for HOPER.
Median FHA home price: $400,000–$700,000. California buyers in this market can leverage HOPER funds to close the down payment gap without taking on additional debt or liens.
Median FHA home price: $450,000–$700,000. California buyers in this market can leverage HOPER funds to close the down payment gap without taking on additional debt or liens.
Median FHA home price: $350,000–$500,000. California buyers in this market can leverage HOPER funds to close the down payment gap without taking on additional debt or liens.
Median FHA home price: $250,000–$380,000. California buyers in this market can leverage HOPER funds to close the down payment gap without taking on additional debt or liens.
Median FHA home price: $380,000–$550,000. California buyers in this market can leverage HOPER funds to close the down payment gap without taking on additional debt or liens.
Median FHA home price: $280,000–$400,000. California buyers in this market can leverage HOPER funds to close the down payment gap without taking on additional debt or liens.
California Homebuyer Assistance in 2025
California’s Extreme Down Payment Gap
California has the highest home prices of any state in the country. Even in the Central Valley — historically one of California’s most affordable regions — median FHA home prices now exceed $300,000. In Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Bay Area, FHA buyers routinely need $15,750 or more just for the minimum down payment, before a dollar of closing costs.
California’s official DPA programs through CalHFA help some buyers — but income limits cap eligibility well below what a working household in most California metros earns. A dual-income couple earning $130,000 in the Inland Empire is too wealthy for most CalHFA programs but still needs $15,000+ to close.
How HOPER Works for California FHA Buyers
HOPER provides up to 3.5% of the purchase price (maximum $13,000) as research participant compensation through Attainable Housing Advocates. There is no repayment requirement and no second lien placed on your California home. Funds can be applied toward your down payment, closing costs, a rate buydown, or qualified debt payoff.
California has a substantial manufactured housing market in the Central Valley, Inland Empire, and rural counties. HOPER supports FHA loans for manufactured homes statewide.
California homebuyer questions
answered
Is there down payment assistance in California with no income limit?
Yes. HOPER, available through CloseReady, has no income limits. California’s state DPA programs have income caps — but HOPER is open to any FHA-eligible buyer in California regardless of income.
How much down payment help can I get in California?
Through HOPER, California buyers can receive up to 3.5% of their purchase price with a maximum of $13,000. There are no income limits and no repayment required.
Is HOPER available statewide in California?
Yes. HOPER is available statewide across California with no geographic restrictions. All California counties are eligible.
Do I have to repay HOPER funds in California?
Never. HOPER funds are research compensation — not a loan. There is no repayment requirement and no second lien placed on your California home.
Can I use HOPER if I earn too much for California’s DPA programs?
Yes. HOPER has no income limit. If you have been turned away from California DPA programs for earning too much, you may still qualify for HOPER.
California buyers — your home is closer than you think.
Check your HOPER eligibility free. No income test. No credit pull. We call you in 5 minutes.
Check My California Eligibility — Free →Available statewide across all California counties