First Time Home Buyer Programs in Los Angeles County 2026

If you are a first time home buyer in Los Angeles County in 2026 you have more assistance available to you than any previous generation of buyers. The challenge is knowing which programs you qualify for and how to stack them to maximize your benefit.

CalHFA Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan

This is one of the most powerful first time buyer programs in California history. The Dream For All program provides up to 20% of the purchase price as a down payment loan with no monthly payments. When you sell or refinance you repay the original loan amount plus a share of the appreciation. For buyers who struggle with the down payment this program can be a game changer.

CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program

MyHome provides a deferred payment junior loan up to 3.5% of the purchase price or appraised value to help cover down payment and closing costs. The loan is deferred meaning no payments until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. This program can be combined with other CalHFA loans.

Los Angeles County First Time Homebuyer Program

The county operates its own down payment assistance program for low to moderate income buyers purchasing in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Income limits apply and the program provides silent second loans at low interest rates.

City of Los Angeles LIPA Program

The Los Angeles Housing Department operates the Low Income Purchase Assistance Program which provides down payment and closing cost assistance for low income buyers purchasing in the City of Los Angeles. The assistance is provided as a loan that is repaid when you sell or transfer the property.

How to Stack These Programs

Many of these programs can be combined with each other and with conventional or FHA loans. The key is working with a lender who understands how to layer these programs effectively. Through Towne Center Realtors my clients have access to in house lending support that can help identify which combination of programs gives you the best outcome for your specific situation.