California Homebuyer's Downpayment Assistance Program (CHDAP)

The CHDAP offers down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers who meet specified moderate income limits.

How The Program Works

The CHDAP provides a deferred-payment junior loan – up to 3% of the purchase price, or appraised value, whichever is less – to qualified borrowers to be used for their down payment or closing costs. This junior loan may be combined with a CalHFA or non-CalHFA first mortgage loan. This junior loan cannot be combined with the Extra Credit Teacher Program (ECTP).

Program Elements

Requirements

Details and Reference Sources

First-Time Homebuyer

Borrower must be a first-time homebuyer purchasing a primary residence intended for owner-occupancy.

A borrower is considered a first-time homebuyer if they have not owned and occupied a home in the past three (3) years.

Income Limits

Refer to HCD moderate income limits established for the county in which the borrower is purchasing.

Sales Price Limits

Refer to CalHFA’s published sales price limits for the county in which the property is located.

Citizenship

Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien or other qualified alien, if using in conjunction with a CalHFA first mortgage.

Property Eligibility

Available Through Approved Lenders

Refer to CalHFA’s approved lender list for a lender in your area.

Homebuyer Education

Homebuyer education is required for all borrowers using this program. 

Other Requirements

Must qualify for and meet the requirements of the CalHFA first mortgage loan, the lender, and the mortgage insurer/guarantor. Other program requirements may apply; please contact an approved lender for more details.

Additional Program Options:

Effective January 1, 2005, State Legislation has increased the amount of down payment assistance offered under the CHDAP, from 3% to 5% of the purchase price or the appraised value (whichever is less) for borrowers purchasing a newly constructed home in specific eligible areas. See the list of government entities that have eligible areas (such as, an infill opportunity zone, transit village development district or transit-oriented development plan area) or you may contact your local city/county planning department.

For More Information

To learn more about CHDAP, contact us at:

CalHFA Homeownership Division
P.O. Box 4034 , Sacramento, CA 95812
Phone: 877.9.CalHFA
Email: homeownership@calhfa.ca.gov

Homebuyers interested in applying for financing should contact one of CalHFA's approved lenders.

CalHFA does not lend money directly to consumers. CalHFA works through and uses approved private lenders to qualify consumers and to make all mortgage loans. CalHFA purchases closed loans that meet CalHFA's requirements. The fees consumers pay could be different depending on the lender and the program. View the sample Truth in Lending disclosure here