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Housing Trust Fund Santa Barbara Workforce Homebuyer Program (South County)

Santa Barbara County, California

Last verified
See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Income limit

150% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Price cap

$900,000

Highest purchase price the program allows

Repayment

Repayable

Repaid on the terms set by the administering agency

What is Housing Trust Fund Santa Barbara Workforce Homebuyer Program (South County)?

Housing Trust Fund Santa Barbara Workforce Homebuyer Program (South County) is a repayable second loan for homebuyers in Santa Barbara County, California.

  • 10-year simple interest-only down payment loan up to $125,000 for low- to middle-income workforce homebuyers in South Santa Barbara County. Removes financial barriers for conventional financing.
  • Up to $125,000 in assistance.
  • Funding comes from Non-profit / County.

Do you have to pay it back?

Housing Trust Fund Santa Barbara Workforce Homebuyer Program (South County) is a repayable second loan and is repaid under the terms set by the administering agency.

  • Repayment is triggered by Due at end of 10-year term or on sale/transfer.
  • The assistance is recorded in Second position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Housing Trust Fund Santa Barbara Workforce Homebuyer Program (South County) is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: Contact lender for current credit score requirements
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through HUD-approved homebuyer counseling agency
  • Residency: Purchase in South Santa Barbara County
  • Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or other eligible non-citizen
  • Must purchase in Santa Barbara County; must work in Santa Barbara County (workforce program); income ≤80-150% AMI depending on tier; deferred loan for north county, interest-only for south coast

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Purchases above the $900,000 price cap
  • Households above 150% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

Housing Trust Fund Santa Barbara Workforce Homebuyer Program (South County) limits household income to 150% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Contact program provider for current income limits.
  • The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
  • The program lists a maximum household size of 8.
  • 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?

Housing Trust Fund Santa Barbara Workforce Homebuyer Program (South County) caps the purchase price at $900,000.

  • Eligible property types include Single-family (1-2 unit), conventional condominium, townhome, PUD.
  • New construction is eligible.
  • Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Housing Trust Fund Santa Barbara Workforce Homebuyer Program (South County) serves buyers purchasing in Santa Barbara County, California.

How do you apply?

Applications for Housing Trust Fund Santa Barbara Workforce Homebuyer Program (South County) go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through HUD-approved homebuyer counseling agency.

  2. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Contact provider directly; subject to funding availability, and are subject to availability.

  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.

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