California Dream For All

What is California Dream For All?

California Dream For All is a shared-appreciation loan for homebuyers in California.

• The California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan provides up to 20% of the home's purchase price (maximum $150,000) for down payment assistance. At repayment, borrowers share a portion of the home's appreciation with CalHFA. At least one borrower must be a first-generation homebuyer. The program is available statewide through CalHFA-approved lenders.
• Up to 20% of home purchase price (max $150,000) for down payment.
• 0% interest with no monthly payments.
• repayment only upon sale, transfer, or payoff of first mortgage.
• shared appreciation based on income level (0.75:1 ratio for borrowers at or below 80% AMI.
• 1:1 ratio for borrowers above 80% AMI up to income limit).
• available statewide through CalHFA-approved lenders.
• selected via lottery system.
• Funding comes from State.

How much assistance does it provide?

California Dream For All offers up to $150,000 in assistance.

• Award tier “Standard - Shared Appreciation” — up to $150,000. Who qualifies: First-generation homebuyer; CalHFA income limits apply; lottery selection during open enrollment.
• The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — the administering agency determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

California Dream For All is a shared-appreciation loan and is repaid under the terms set by the administering agency.

• Repayment is triggered by Sale, Transfer of Title, and Maturity Date.
• The assistance is recorded in 2nd Lien position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

California Dream For All is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

California Dream For All limits household income to 120% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Income limits vary by county per CalHFA guidelines. Combined household income must not exceed the CalHFA Income Limit for the county of purchase. Limits range from approximately $148,000 in rural counties to over $300,000 in high-cost counties like Santa Clara.
• Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

California Dream For All caps the purchase price as follows: Must not exceed county high balance conforming loan limit. Limits vary by county (e.g., $806,500 in most counties; higher in high-cost counties).

• Eligible property types include Single Family, Condo, Townhouse, and Manufactured Home.
• Manufactured homes are eligible.

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

California Dream For All names first-generation buyers among the groups it serves.

• Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.

Where does it apply?

California Dream For All serves buyers purchasing anywhere in California.

How do you apply?

Applications for California Dream For All go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through HUD-approved homebuyer education required; CalHFA-approved counseling agencies.

2. 2

   Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Lottery, and are subject to availability.

3. 3

   Work with a lender who handles the program

   Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.