Stop Renting. Start Owning.
Your San Diego Home is Closer Than You Think.
Discover how grants and down payment assistance from the San Diego Housing Commission can turn your homeownership dream into a reality.
Unlock up to $150,000 in assistance.
Bridging the Gap Between Your Savings and Your San Diego Front Door.
Saving for a down payment in San Diego can feel like an impossible climb. That’s why the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC), a dedicated public agency, offers powerful programs specifically designed to help first-time homebuyers like you.[3, 4] These are official, government-backed initiatives created to make homeownership more accessible for our community.
- Receive tens of thousands of dollars for your down payment.
- Get grants to cover your closing costs—some of which are completely forgivable! [3]
- Benefit from low-interest loans with payments deferred for up to 30 years. [5]
Find the Program That’s Right For You.
Assistance varies by your location (City vs. County) and your household income. This simplified guide highlights the key options available to help you understand what you might qualify for. The official guidelines can be complex, but we’ve distilled the most important details here.[6, 7]
| Program Name & Area | Who It’s For (Income Level) | Max Assistance Available | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of San Diego Low-Income (ZIPs starting with 921) | Below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) | Up to 19% of price (max $125k) + $10k grant [3, 6] | 30-year deferred loan. Great for maximizing loan amount. |
| City of San Diego Middle-Income (ZIPs starting with 921) | 80% – 150% of AMI | $40,000 loan + $10,000 forgivable grant [3] | Fixed $50k assistance. Loan payments begin in year 6. [8] |
| County of San Diego Low-Income (12 participating cities + unincorporated) | Below 80% of AMI | Up to 22% of price + up to $10k for closing costs [3, 9] | Highest percentage assistance for low-income buyers. |
| County of San Diego Moderate-Income (6 participating cities + unincorporated) | 80% – 120% of AMI | Up to 17% of the purchase price [6, 10] | Simple, effective down payment boost for moderate earners. |
| City of Chula Vista Program | Below 80% of AMI | Up to 22% of price (max $120k) [3] | Significant assistance specifically for Chula Vista residents. |
| City of El Cajon Program | Below 80% of AMI | Up to 25% of price (max $150k) [3, 5] | The highest percentage of assistance available in the county. |
Your Simple 4-Step Path to Unlocking the Door.
Navigating these programs can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. We simplify the entire process into four clear steps, guiding you from initial curiosity to holding the keys to your new home.
1. Free Eligibility Check
Fill out our quick form below. We’ll assess your basic information against the latest SDHC program guidelines [6, 11] to see which grants and loans you may qualify for—at no cost to you.
2. Connect with a Specialist
The SDHC requires all applicants to work with an approved lender.[3, 10] We’ll connect you with a trusted, participating loan officer who specializes in these powerful programs.
3. Secure Your Loan & Grant
Your specialist will guide you through the application, help you attend the required homebuyer education classes [5, 8], and submit all documentation to the SDHC on your behalf.
4. Get Your Keys!
Once your assistance is approved and your home loan is finalized, you’ll be ready to close the deal and move into your new San Diego home. [12, 13]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “First-Time Homebuyer” actually mean?
According to the San Diego Housing Commission guidelines, a “first-time homebuyer” is generally defined as a person who has not owned a home within the last three years. This includes property owned in other countries. There are some specific exceptions for individuals like displaced homemakers or single parents who may have previously owned a home with a spouse.[8, 11]
What is Area Median Income (AMI) and how is it calculated?
Area Median Income (AMI) is a key statistic published annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the San Diego metropolitan area. The assistance programs use a percentage of this figure (e.g., 80%, 120%, 150%) to set the maximum income limits for eligibility, adjusted for the number of people in your household. We use the official SDHC income charts to determine which bracket you fall into.[6, 14]
Do I have to pay this assistance back?
It depends on the program and type of assistance. Most of the down payment help comes in the form of a deferred-payment loan. This means you don’t make any monthly payments for up to 30 years. The loan is typically repaid when you sell the home, refinance, or at the end of the 30-year term.[5] Some closing cost assistance is structured as a grant, which can be completely forgiven if you live in the home as your primary residence for a set period, often 3 years.[3]
What kind of credit score do I need?
The minimum FICO credit score for most of these programs is 640. However, some programs, particularly those for middle-income buyers or those with higher debt-to-income ratios, may require a higher score, such as 720, to qualify for the maximum flexibility.[6, 8, 11]
Are there any classes I have to take?
Yes, all SDHC programs require applicants (and any non-borrowing spouse) to complete both a Homebuyer Education class and a Pre-Purchase Counseling session from an SDHC-approved provider. These are two separate requirements. We can help you find a list of approved providers and get these scheduled as part of the process.[5, 8, 10]
Can I choose any house in San Diego?
Each program has specific geographic boundaries. For example, the City of San Diego programs are restricted to properties with ZIP codes beginning in 921. The County programs are for homes in unincorporated areas and a list of specific participating cities like Poway, La Mesa, and Vista. The Chula Vista and El Cajon programs are exclusive to homes within those city limits. Part of our service is ensuring the home you love is in an eligible area for the program you qualify for.[3, 10]
Meet
Your San Diego Homeownership Advocate
My mission is simple: to help hardworking San Diegans navigate the path to homeownership. I believe that owning a home in our beautiful city shouldn’t be an impossible dream. With deep expertise in the San Diego Housing Commission’s first-time homebuyer programs, I specialize in connecting people with the grants and loans that make all the difference.
I am passionate about empowering my clients with the knowledge and guidance they need to make confident, informed decisions. Let’s work together to turn your dream of owning a home into your new address.
, CalDRE #01234567