Down Payment Assistance 2026: Programs for East Bay & North Bay Homebuyers

“The number one question I hear from first-time buyers is, 'Do I need 20 percent down?' The answer is no, and there is more help available than most people realize. Let's explore your options.”

One of the biggest misconceptions in Bay Area real estate is that you need a massive down payment to buy a home. In Concord, Antioch, Richmond, or San Pablo, a qualified buyer can purchase a single-family home with as little as 3.5 percent down through an FHA loan. In Vallejo and Fairfield, the same applies. And across Alameda, Contra Costa, and Solano counties, there are down payment assistance programs that can provide tens of thousands of dollars in help.

As mortgage rates have eased to approximately 5.6 to 6.2 percent across the region as of mid-2026, more buyers are re-entering the market. The combination of lower rates and available assistance programs makes this a strong time to explore homeownership. Here is what you need to know about the programs available right now.

Statewide programs through CalHFA

The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) offers several programs that work together to help first-time and first-generation homebuyers. These are the most impactful programs for buyers across all of the cities I serve.

Dream For All: Up to 20 percent assistance (up to $150,000)

The CalHFA Dream For All program is a shared appreciation loan available to first-generation homebuyers. It provides up to 20 percent of the purchase price, capped at $150,000, to use for the down payment and closing costs. The program opened with $300 million in funding for 2026 and has income limits of approximately $234,000 in Contra Costa County and $316,000 in Alameda County. In Solano County, the income limit is approximately $178,000.

This program is particularly relevant for buyers in Concord, Antioch, Pittsburg, and the Solano County cities. For example, a buyer purchasing a $600,000 home in Antioch could receive up to $120,000 in assistance through Dream For All, reducing their out-of-pocket requirement significantly. Applications are processed through a lottery system, so early preparation is critical.

MyHome Assistance: 3 to 3.5 percent deferred loan

The CalHFA MyHome program provides a deferred second mortgage of 3 to 3.5 percent of the purchase price to cover the down payment and closing costs. This is a silent second loan, meaning no payments are required until the home is sold or refinanced. It is available year-round and can be combined with a CalHFA first mortgage.

Forgivable Equity Builder Loan: Up to $50,000

The FEBL program provides up to $50,000 in down payment assistance that is fully forgiven after five years of occupying the home. This is one of the most attractive options for buyers who plan to stay in their home for at least half a decade. It is available in all three counties and can make the difference between renting and owning in markets like San Pablo, Pittsburg, and Vallejo. Compare Renting vs. Buying Costs to see how large that difference is in your market.

Local programs in Alameda and Contra Costa counties

Beyond the statewide programs, there are local options that provide even deeper assistance for buyers in specific counties.

Home Access Program: Up to $200,000 in assistance

The Home Access Program, administered by Housing Trust Silicon Valley, provides up to $200,000 in down payment assistance for first-time buyers in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. This is a significant resource for buyers targeting homes in Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Dublin, and Pleasanton, where entry prices are higher. The program is designed for middle-income buyers who may earn too much for other assistance programs but still struggle to save a large down payment.

AC Boost: Alameda County's homeownership program

The AC Boost program provides down payment assistance loans to eligible first-time homebuyers in Alameda County. It is designed for middle-income households and can be combined with other assistance programs. For buyers in Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, and San Ramon, this program offers a meaningful bridge to homeownership.

Additional programs to know about

The WISH Program offers loans up to approximately $30,800, and NeighborhoodLIFT provides up to $25,000 in assistance. The Black Wealth Builders Fund offers loans up to $15,000. Each of these programs has specific eligibility requirements, and I recommend working with a lender who is experienced in navigating these options.

Matching programs to cities: where assistance matters most

The impact of down payment assistance varies by city. Here is how it breaks down across the region:

Solano County (Vallejo, Fairfield): With median prices between $511,000 and $691,000, a Dream For All award of $100,000 to $150,000 can cover a significant portion of the purchase price. CalHFA programs are the most accessible here, and an FHA loan with 3.5 percent down is realistic for most buyers.
Eastern Contra Costa (Antioch, Pittsburg): Median prices of $570,000 to $620,000 make these cities ideal targets for CalHFA programs. A buyer using the FEBL for $50,000 plus a MyHome assistance loan could purchase a home with very little cash out of pocket.
Central Contra Costa (Concord, Walnut Creek, San Ramon): In Concord ($725,000 to $755,000), CalHFA and the Home Access Program provide strong coverage. In Walnut Creek and San Ramon, where prices climb above $950,000, the Home Access Program becomes the most impactful resource.
West Contra Costa (Richmond, San Pablo): San Pablo's median of $520,000 to $566,000 is one of the most accessible entry points in the region. The FEBL and MyHome programs can make a huge difference here. Richmond's median of $637,000 still benefits from the same programs.
Alameda County (Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, Tri-Valley): The Home Access Program and AC Boost are essential resources here, where prices range from Oakland's $850,000 median to Pleasanton's $1.5 million. The Dream For All program's higher income limit ($316,000 in Alameda County) makes it available to more buyers in these higher-cost areas.
Tri-Valley (Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore): Livermore's $1.0 to $1.1 million median is the most accessible entry point in the Tri-Valley. The Home Access Program combined with CalHFA programs can help bridge the gap for first-time buyers here.

How to get started

The most important step is getting connected with a lender who is experienced in these programs. Not all lenders are approved to originate CalHFA loans, and the application process for Dream For All requires readiness the moment the lottery opens. Here is my advice:

Get pre-approved by a CalHFA-approved lender before you start shopping. You need to know exactly what programs you qualify for and how much assistance you can receive.
Have your documents ready. Tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and identification should be organized before you apply for any assistance program.
Understand the trade-offs. Some programs, like Dream For All, require shared appreciation when you sell the home. Others, like the FEBL, are forgiven after five years. Each program has different terms, and the right choice depends on your plans.
Work with a real estate agent who understands these programs. There may be an opportunity here that a less experienced agent would miss. I have helped many buyers navigate these programs across the East Bay and North Bay.

Ready to explore your options?

I work with lenders who specialize in down payment assistance programs across Alameda, Contra Costa, and Solano counties. Whether you are looking at a starter home in San Pablo, a duplex in Oakland, or a family home in Concord, I can connect you with the right resources. No pressure, just good information.

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Frequently asked questions about down payment assistance

Do I need 20 percent down to buy a home in the Bay Area?

No. FHA loans require as little as 3.5 percent down, and conventional loans can go as low as 5 percent for qualified buyers. With down payment assistance programs, many buyers purchase homes with minimal cash out of pocket. I have worked with buyers in Antioch, San Pablo, and Vallejo who purchased their first home with less than 10 percent total cash invested.

What is the CalHFA Dream For All program?

Dream For All is a shared appreciation loan that provides up to 20 percent of the purchase price (capped at $150,000) for first-generation homebuyers. It is funded through a lottery system. When you sell the home, you repay the original assistance plus 20 percent of any appreciation. As of early 2026, $300 million in funding was allocated for the program.

Can I use down payment assistance in Walnut Creek or San Ramon where prices are higher?

Yes. The Home Access Program provides up to $200,000 in assistance for first-time buyers in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, which can help bridge the gap in higher-priced markets. AC Boost serves Alameda County buyers specifically. The Dream For All program also has higher income limits in Alameda County (approximately $316,000), making it available to more buyers in premium markets.

Are there down payment programs for buying a duplex or triplex?

Yes. FHA loans can be used to purchase multi-unit properties up to four units, as long as you live in one of the units. This is called house hacking, and it is one of the most powerful ways to build wealth through real estate. CalHFA programs and other assistance can be applied to FHA loans, making multi-unit purchases accessible with very little cash down. I have helped buyers do this with duplexes and triplexes in Oakland, Richmond, and Vallejo.

How do current mortgage rates affect down payment assistance programs?

With 30-year fixed rates ranging from approximately 5.6 to 6.2 percent across the region as of August 2026, monthly payments are more manageable than they were when rates peaked above 7 percent. Lower rates mean lower payments, which can improve your debt-to-income ratio and make it easier to qualify for both a mortgage and down payment assistance. The 2026 high-balance conforming loan limit for Alameda and Contra Costa counties is $1,249,125.

What is the first step to get down payment assistance?

The first step is to get pre-approved by a lender who is approved to originate CalHFA loans. Not all lenders have this designation, so it is important to ask specifically. Once you are pre-approved, your lender can help you identify the programs you qualify for and guide you through the application process. I can refer you to lenders I trust who have experience with these programs across the East Bay and North Bay.

Down Payment Assistance 2026: How East Bay and North Bay Buyers Can Get Up to $200,000 in Help