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Down Payment Assistance in the East Bay
You do not need 20 percent down to buy in the East Bay. First-time buyers here can combine a low down payment loan with state, city or employer help. Most programs have income limits, most run out of money at some point in the year, and most people never check whether they qualify. The quiz below takes about a minute.
The Grant Matcher
Answer five questions and see which programs may fit your situation. Nothing is submitted until the last screen.
1. Have you owned a home in the last three years?
2. What is your household income before taxes?
3. Where are you looking?
4. Does any of this describe your work?
5. When do you want to buy?
Programs that may fit you
Want the full breakdown emailed to you?
We will send the current income limits, the application steps, and whether the funding window is open right now.
What is available right now
These change constantly. We check every month and show you the date we last looked.
CalHFA MyHome Assistance
A California state program. It offers a second loan to help cover the down payment and closing costs for first-time buyers under the income limit. It is paid back when you sell or refinance.
Last verified: [month year]. Check the official program page before you apply.
Official program page add link
City of Oakland buyer programs
Oakland runs its own assistance for buyers inside city limits. Funding opens and closes during the year, so the calendar matters as much as your income.
Last verified: [month year]. Check the official program page before you apply.
Official program page add link
WISH Grant
A matching grant offered through member banks. You save, the program matches. Funds are limited and they go fast when the window opens.
Last verified: [month year]. Check the official program page before you apply.
Official program page add link
Employer and public service programs
Some school districts, hospitals and public agencies offer housing help. Most buyers never ask their HR department. It is worth one email.
Last verified: [month year]. Check the official program page before you apply.
Official program page add link
Monthly check reminder
Update the last verified date on every program above once a month. A page that is accurate this month beats every stale article on the internet. That freshness is the whole advantage here.
Common questions about down payment help
Do I have to pay back a down payment grant?
It depends on the program. A true grant is not paid back if you follow the rules. Many East Bay programs are second loans instead, which are paid back when you sell or refinance.
Can I use more than one program at once?
Often yes. A state program and a city program can sometimes be stacked. The rules change by program and by year, so check before you plan on it.
Do I still need savings if I get help?
Yes. Most programs still expect you to put in some of your own money, and you need cash for inspections and moving costs.
What counts as a first-time buyer?
For most programs it means you have not owned a home in the last three years. That surprises people who owned a home a long time ago.
Not sure which program fits?
Send your situation and get a straight answer about what you may qualify for.