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Los Angeles LIPA Program

Los Angeles LIPA Program is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Los Angeles County, California.

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The program asks for

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A minimum 660 credit score
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through HUD-approved homebuyer counseling agency; 8-hour education course required prior to application
  • Residency: City Resident
  • Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Property must be within City of Los Angeles city limits (not just LA County). Minimum 1% of purchase price from borrower's own funds required. Must occupy as primary residence for the life of the loan. Completion of 8-hour homebuyer education course required.
  • A home in Los Angeles County

It doesn’t cover

  • Purchases above the $973,750 price cap
  • Households above 80% of area median income
  • Homes outside Los Angeles County

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

Income limit

80% of Los Angeles County’s area median income

HUD sets the area median income each year. The limit changes with household size, so a family of five has a higher limit than a single homebuyer.

$108,100
Area median income, 4-person household (HUD, 2026)

Where it applies

Los Angeles County’s homes

  • 47.3% single-family
  • 6.6% townhouse
  • 8.5% 2–4 units
  • 36% 5+ units
  • 1.6% mobile & other

A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.

$834,200

Los Angeles County median home value

70.3%

built before 1980

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Los Angeles County

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through HUD-approved homebuyer counseling agency; 8-hour education course required prior to application.

  2. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through First-Come-First-Served, 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 homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Questions about this program

What is Los Angeles LIPA Program?

Los Angeles LIPA Program is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Los Angeles County, California. The City of Los Angeles Low Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA) Program helps first-time, low-income homebuyers purchase homes within city limits. The program provides a deferred-payment subordinate loan at 0% interest for down payment, closing costs, and acquisition costs. Borrowers must contribute a minimum of 1% of the purchase price from their own funds. Income must be at or below 80% AMI. Up to $161,000 for down payment, closing costs, and acquisition. 0% interest with no monthly payments. 30-year deferred repayment (due on sale, transfer, first mortgage payoff, or at 30-year maturity). minimum 1% borrower contribution from own funds. available for single-family, condo, and townhome purchases within City of Los Angeles limits. Funding comes from Local Government.

How much assistance does it provide?

Los Angeles LIPA Program offers between $90,000 and $161,000 in assistance, depending on the award tier a homebuyer qualifies under. Award tier “Standard LIPA” — up to $161,000. Who qualifies: Income at or below 80% AMI; first-time homebuyer; City of LA resident purchasing within city limits. Homebuyer contribution: Minimum 1% of purchase price from borrower's own funds. 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?

Los Angeles LIPA Program is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off. 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?

Los Angeles LIPA Program is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time homebuyer" usually means not having owned a home in the last three years, but the program sets its own definition. The program lists a minimum credit score of 660. A homebuyer education course is required, through HUD-approved homebuyer counseling agency; 8-hour education course required prior to application. Residency requirement: City Resident. Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. Property must be within City of Los Angeles city limits (not just LA County). Minimum 1% of purchase price from borrower's own funds required. Must occupy as primary residence for the life of the loan. Completion of 8-hour homebuyer education course required.

What are the income limits?

Los Angeles LIPA Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. 2025 income limits (80% AMI, City of LA): 1 person $84,850; 2 persons $96,950; 3 persons $109,050; 4 persons $121,150; 5 persons $130,850; 6 persons $140,550. 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?

Los Angeles LIPA Program caps the purchase price at $973,750. Eligible property types include Single Family, Condo, and Townhouse.

Where does it apply?

Los Angeles LIPA Program serves homebuyers purchasing in Los Angeles County, California.

How do you apply?

Applications for Los Angeles LIPA Program go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through First-Come-First-Served. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Program terms are set by the administering agency and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.