: A CalHFA program that offers a loan at 0% interest, which is entirely forgiven if the buyer stays in the home for five years. Regional and Local Initiatives

: Offered by the Golden State Finance Authority , this provides grants or forgivable loans up to 5% of the loan amount. These are often forgiven after just three years of residency.

Many of California's largest cities and counties operate their own "Low Income Purchase Assistance" (LIPA) programs to supplement state aid.

: Limits vary by county; for example, limits can be as low as $83,000 in rural areas or over $300,000 in San Francisco.

: The San Diego Housing Commission provides deferred-payment loans up to 22% of the purchase price for low-income buyers.

The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) is the primary engine for state-backed support. They do not lend money directly but partner with private lenders to offer specialized products.

Unlike traditional loans, some programs offer funds that do not need to be repaid if certain residency requirements are met.

: This offers zero-interest loans specifically for closing costs, which can be layered with other CalHFA first mortgages.