San Francisco DALP (Downpayment Assistance Loan Program)

What is San Francisco DALP (Downpayment Assistance Loan Program)?

San Francisco DALP (Downpayment Assistance Loan Program) is a shared-appreciation loan for homebuyers in San Francisco, California.

• Silent second loan up to $500,000 for eligible low-to-middle income first-time buyers purchasing market-rate property in San Francisco. No monthly payments. Repay principal plus equitable share of appreciation on sale. Income limit: 200% AMI. Lottery-based application (2025 applications March 4 – June 2). No three-year ownership in prior three years.
• Up to $500,000 in assistance.
• shared equity with provider at resale.
• Funding comes from City of San Francisco.

How much assistance does it provide?

San Francisco DALP (Downpayment Assistance Loan Program) offers up to $500,000 in assistance.

• The program asks buyers to contribute 1% of purchase price (borrower minimum).
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — the administering agency determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

San Francisco DALP (Downpayment Assistance Loan Program) is a shared-appreciation loan and is repaid under the terms set by the administering agency.

• Repayment is triggered by Sale, refinance, transfer, or cessation of owner-occupancy.
• 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?

San Francisco DALP (Downpayment Assistance Loan Program) is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

San Francisco DALP (Downpayment Assistance Loan Program) limits household income to 200% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• 120% AMI; 4-person household limit ~$299,700 (2026 SF AMI).
• 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?

San Francisco DALP (Downpayment Assistance Loan Program) caps the purchase price at $1.3M.

• Eligible property types include Single-family (1-4 unit), FHA-approved condominium, townhome/PUD.
• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

San Francisco DALP (Downpayment Assistance Loan Program) serves buyers purchasing in San Francisco, California.

How do you apply?

Applications for San Francisco DALP (Downpayment Assistance Loan Program) 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 housing counselor in San Francisco.

2. 2

   Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Apply through SF MOHCD; limited slots; contact for availability, 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.