Homebuyer Incentives & Assistance Programs for Ventura County, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Simi Valley, Camarillo, Newbury Park and surrounding areas

Christine Mason
Dec 24, 2025
4 min read

Buying a home in Westlake Village — part of Ventura County, California — can be financially challenging, especially for first-time buyers or middle-income households. Fortunately, there are a number of down payment assistance programs, tax-credit options, and homebuyer support services designed to help bridge the affordability gap, reduce upfront costs, and make homeownership more accessible. Many programs are statewide or countywide but apply directly to buyers in Westlake Village and surrounding areas.

1. CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program

The CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program is a popular statewide program offered by the California Housing Finance Agency. It provides eligible homebuyers with a deferred-payment junior loan of up to 3% of the home’s purchase price or appraised value to assist with down payment and/or closing costs. The loan is deferred until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.

To qualify, buyers must:

Be first-time homebuyers
Occupy the property as their primary residence
Meet income and home price limits based on county guidelines
Complete an approved homebuyer education course
Pair the MyHome loan with a CalHFA mortgageMore about the MyHome Assistance Program (FHA)

This type of assistance helps buyers reduce the upfront cash needed at closing — often a major financial hurdle.

2. Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) Down Payment Assistance

The Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) offers several statewide down payment assistance programs that can be especially helpful for buyers who may not qualify for traditional first-time buyer programs.

Two key options include:

GSFA Platinum Program

Offers up to 5.5% of the loan amount toward down payment and closing cost assistance
Assistance can be forgivable after a set period if requirements are met
Available to both first-time and repeat homebuyers

GSFA OpenDoors Program

Offers up to 7% in assistance, including both forgivable and repayable portions
Broad eligibility with higher income limits than some other programs

These GSFA programs work with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans, giving flexibility to a wide range of buyers.Overview of GSFA programs (Down Payment Assistance Programs)

3. Ventura County & VCCDC “Hope to Home” Down Payment Assistance

Ventura County supports local homeownership through community development initiatives that help bridge financial gaps for low- to moderate-income buyers. One such initiative is coordinated through the Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC)’s Hope to Home program.

Under this initiative, qualifying households may receive down payment assistance using federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, intended to make homeownership more attainable for working families. Assistance has historically been provided in amounts that may total up to approximately $50,000 per household when combined with other grant sources, though specific allocations vary by funding cycle.See VCCDC Hope to Home program details (Ventura County Portal)

Because funding levels and eligibility criteria shift annually, it’s important to check with the County or VCCDC for the most current opportunities.

4. GSFA Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program

The Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program, often offered through local governments or housing agencies including Ventura County, provides a federal tax credit worth 20% of the annual mortgage interest paid. This effectively increases the homebuyer’s take-home pay by reducing federal income taxes, which may improve your ability to qualify for a mortgage.

The MCC is a permanent federal tax credit for as long as you live in the home and claim the credit, though it does not reduce the mortgage principal. It’s particularly valuable to buyers who want to keep monthly costs down and improve long-term affordability.Details are available through the County housing office’s assistance contact list.Ventura County housing assistance resources (Ventura County)

5. CalHFA “Dream for All” Shared Appreciation Loan (Upcoming)

The CalHFA Dream for All Shared Appreciation Loan is a newer type of down payment assistance expected to be offered again soon. It’s designed to provide up to 20% of the purchase price or closing costs (capped at $150,000) for first-time homebuyers when used with a Dream for All mortgage. Because this assistance is a shared appreciation loan, repayment occurs when the home is sold or refinanced — including a share of any appreciation.

While this program is not always continuously open, prospective buyers can sign up for voucher registration when it opens again (often early each year) and potentially benefit from a significant boost toward their purchase.Learn more about this type of CalHFA assistance: https://www.fha.com/grants/california-myhome-assistance-program (search Dream for All for current updates) (My Way Home)

Homebuyer Education & Support Services

In addition to direct financial programs, homebuyer education courses and counseling are often required for many assistance options. These classes help buyers understand:

Mortgage types and qualification
Budgeting and credit improvement
The closing process
Homeownership responsibilities

Local nonprofit agencies, such as Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC), regularly offer workshops and one-on-one counseling to guide buyers through these steps and help them access assistance programs.More on housing assistance: https://venturacounty.gov/county-executive-office/community-development/housing-homeowner-and-rental-assistance/ (Ventura County)

Final Tips for Westlake Village Homebuyers

Check eligibility early: Many assistance programs require income limits, first-time buyer status, and homebuyer education.
Work with approved lenders: Programs like CalHFA require participation through approved lenders.
Combine resources where possible: Some buyers can pair CalHFA assistance with GSFA or county programs to maximize support.
Stay informed: Funding availability changes frequently, so connect with local housing agencies for updates.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a working family seeking financial support, these programs offer real opportunities to reduce the burden of down payment and closing costs — making homeownership in Westlake Village more attainable.