Middle-Income First-Time Homebuyer Program (CA): Amount, Requirements & How to Apply

Middle-Income First-Time Homebuyer Program

Quick answer

Middle-Income First-Time Homebuyer Program is a California down payment assistance program from San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC). It provides $50,000 total ($40,000 deferred down payment loan plus $10,000 closing cost grant) as a deferred-payment loan. It is aimed at first-time buyers. Eligibility, income limits and funding are set by the agency, so confirm current terms on its official page.

Eligibility notes

Funds Available as of February 1, 2026 per SDHC; 4% simple interest, no payments years 1-5 then 120-month amortization; closing cost grant forgiven after 3 years owner-occupancy; not owned a home in last 3 years; max sales price $1,250,000; City of San Diego ZIP codes beginning 921. (SDHC City Low-Income program showed No Funding Available as of Feb 1, 2026 and is excluded.)

Where does Middle-Income First-Time Homebuyer Program apply?

This city-level program is available to buyers in San Diego. Cities on our site where it applies:

Down payment assistance in San Diego

Detail	Program terms
Assistance	$50,000 total ($40,000 deferred down payment loan plus $10,000 closing cost grant)
Type	Deferred-payment loan
Minimum credit	Not published on the program page
First-time buyer	Required
Income limits	80% to 150% AMI

How does Middle-Income First-Time Homebuyer Program work with an FHA loan?

California's 2026 FHA one-unit limits start at $541,287, which supports a price of about $560,000 with 3.5% down.

Where do I confirm current terms?

On the official page: https://sdhc.org/middleincome. Programs can pause when funds run out, so confirm availability with a participating lender.

← All California down payment assistance programs

Frequently asked questions

$50,000 total ($40,000 deferred down payment loan plus $10,000 closing cost grant), according to San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC).

It's a deferred loan — no monthly payments, repaid when you sell, refinance or pay off the first mortgage.

80% to 150% AMI

Sources

Data last updated October 25, 2026.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.