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San Francisco FRDALP (First Responders Downpayment Assistance Loan Program)

San Francisco, California

Last verified
See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Assistance

$500,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Income limit

200% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Shared appreciation

Settled on the terms set by the administering agency

What is San Francisco FRDALP (First Responders Downpayment Assistance Loan Program)?

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

  • Same structure as DALP but earmarked for San Francisco first responders (police, fire, EMT). Up to $500,000 silent second with shared appreciation. Priority processing in DALP lottery.
  • 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 FRDALP (First Responders 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 FRDALP (First Responders 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, transfer, or refinance.
  • 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 FRDALP (First Responders Downpayment Assistance Loan Program) 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 housing counselor in San Francisco
  • Residency: Property must be in San Francisco; must be SF first responder
  • Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or other eligible non-citizen
  • Must be active San Francisco Police, Fire, or Sheriff's Department employee. 30% shared appreciation on sale.

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Households above 200% 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?

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

  • Workforce/moderate income: household income ≤200% 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 FRDALP (First Responders Downpayment Assistance Loan Program) caps the purchase price as follows: Conforms to FHA/conventional high-balance limits for this high-cost county; contact program for current limits.

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

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

San Francisco FRDALP (First Responders Downpayment Assistance Loan Program) names law enforcement officers and firefighters 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?

San Francisco FRDALP (First Responders Downpayment Assistance Loan Program) serves buyers purchasing in San Francisco, California.

How do you apply?

Applications for San Francisco FRDALP (First Responders Downpayment Assistance Loan Program) 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 housing counselor in San Francisco.

  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. 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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