First-time homebuyer assistance programs in Los Angeles and Ventura County including down payment grants and homebuyer support

Homebuyer Assistance Programs in Los Angeles & Ventura County

There are many homebuyer assistance programs that can help you buy a home in Southern California. It can be challenging, especially for first-time buyers trying to save for a down payment while managing rising home prices. Fortunately, there are a number of federal, state, county, and city programs designed to help eligible buyers purchase a home. These programs may provide assistance with down payments, closing costs, or reduced interest financing.

Many of these programs are intended to help moderate-income households become homeowners. Eligibility typically depends on several factors including household income relative to area median income (AMI), the location of the property being purchased, whether the buyer is a first-time homeowner, and the type of mortgage financing used.

Some assistance programs provide grants that do not need to be repaid if the homeowner occupies the property for a certain number of years. Others provide deferred loans or shared-equity loans that are repaid when the property is sold or refinanced. In addition, many programs require completion of a homebuyer education course to help buyers better understand the responsibilities of homeownership.

In Los Angeles County and Ventura County, homebuyer assistance programs may be offered by city housing departments, county housing authorities, nonprofit housing organizations, and statewide agencies. Because eligibility requirements and funding availability can change frequently, it is helpful to review multiple programs to determine which options may be available for your situation.

The database below highlights many of the homebuyer assistance programs available in Southern California. Use it as a starting point to explore potential options for down payment assistance, grants, and affordable home financing programs.

Programs change frequently, so eligibility depends on income, property location, and funding availability.

 

Program NameAdmin AgencyWebsitePhoneEmailCountyCity RestrictionZip / Census Tract RestrictionIncome Limit (AMI %)Assistance TypeMax Assistance AmountFirst-Time Buyer RequiredOccupancy RequirementNotes
Low Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA)LA Housing Departmenthttps://housing.lacity.gov(213) 808-8800Los AngelesCity of Los Angeles≤80% AMIDeferred silent second loanUp to ~$161,000YesOwner occupiedDown payment and closing cost assistance
Moderate Income Purchase Assistance (MIPA)LA Housing Departmenthttps://housing.lacity.gov(213) 808-8800Los AngelesCity of Los AngelesModerate income limitsSilent second loanUp to ~$115,000+YesOwner occupiedFor moderate income buyers
LA County Home Ownership Program (HOP)Los Angeles County Development Authorityhttps://www.lacda.orgLos AngelesCountywideUp to 120% AMIDeferred second mortgageUp to ~$100,000YesOwner occupiedDown payment assistance
Affordable Homeownership Program (AHOP)Los Angeles County Development Authorityhttps://housing.lacounty.govLos AngelesCountywideLow‑Moderate incomeDeferred loanVariesYesOwner occupied
Greenline Home ProgramLA County Dept Consumer & Business Affairshttps://dcba.lacounty.gov/greenlineLos AngelesEligible census tractsDesignated tractsLow‑Moderate incomeGrant$35,000YesOwner occupiedEquity building program
Habitat LA Down Payment AssistanceHabitat for Humanity Greater LAhttps://www.habitatla.orgLos AngelesCountywide≤80% AMIDPA assistanceVariesYesOwner occupiedIncludes homebuyer education
CalHFA MyHome AssistanceCalifornia Housing Finance Agencyhttps://www.calhfa.ca.govStatewideProgram dependentDeferred junior loanUp to 3.5% purchase priceYesOwner occupied
California Dream For AllCalHFAhttps://www.calhfa.ca.govStatewideIncome limits applyShared appreciation loanUp to 20% purchase priceYesOwner occupied
GSFA Platinum ProgramGolden State Finance Authorityhttps://www.gsfahome.orgStatewideProgram dependentGrant or second mortgageUp to ~5% loan amountYesOwner occupied
MyWay Home ProgramVentura County Community Development Corphttps://www.mywayhome.orgVenturaCountywideIncome limits applyDown payment assistanceVariesYesOwner occupied
Oxnard First‑Time Homebuyer ProgramCity of Oxnardhttps://www.oxnard.orgVenturaCity of OxnardLow‑Moderate incomeDeferred loanUp to ~$57,000YesOwner occupied
Simi Valley Homebuyer AssistanceCity of Simi Valleyhttps://www.simivalley.orgVenturaCity of Simi ValleyUp to ~150% AMIDeferred equity share loanUp to 20% purchase priceYesOwner occupied
Ventura County Habitat HousingHabitat for Humanity Ventura Countyhttps://www.habitatventura.orgVenturaCountywideLow incomeAffordable housing purchaseSubsidized mortgageYesOwner occupied

Not Sure Which Programs You Qualify For?

Many programs have specific eligibility rules that depend on factors such as household income relative to area median income, property location, first-time buyer status, and the type of financing being used. Some programs are limited to certain cities, ZIP codes, or census tracts, while others require completion of homebuyer education courses or participation through approved lenders.

In addition, funding availability can change throughout the year, and some programs operate on limited funding cycles. Determining which programs you may qualify for often requires reviewing multiple criteria simultaneously—income limits, purchase price caps, loan type, and whether the property meets program guidelines. Completing the form below allows us to review your situation and help identify assistance programs that may be available based on your goals and financial profile.

If you are just getting started, check our future buyer section for helpful information on qualifying. 

Homebuyer Assistance Eligibility
Name

You can use the Freddie Mac Down Payment Assistance Database to search nationwide. Click here: DPA One by Freddie Mac 

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