Homebuyer Incentives & Assistance Programs in Los Angeles County, CA

Christine Mason
Dec 24, 2025
4 min read

Buying a home in Los Angeles County — one of the most expensive real estate markets in the nation — can be a challenge, especially for first-time and moderate-income buyers. Thankfully, a range of local, state, and nonprofit programs exist to help with down payments, closing costs, and tax incentives that improve affordability and access to homeownership. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key options available in Los Angeles County.

1. Los Angeles County Affordable Homeownership Program (AHOP)

The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) offers the Affordable Homeownership Program, which assists low- and moderate-income households with funds for down payment and closing costs. Assistance is provided as a secondary mortgage with 0% interest, and payments are typically deferred until the home is sold, transferred, or refinanced. (LA County Housing)

Who it’s for: First-time homebuyers who meet income eligibility requirements.How it works:

Offers a second mortgage to help with upfront costs
Deferred payment until sale or refinance
Equity share may apply based on program rulesLearn more: https://housing.lacounty.gov/ProgramInfo.html (LA County Housing)

This type of assistance can make a noticeable difference in the amount of cash needed at closing and opens doors for buyers who might otherwise struggle with upfront requirements.

2. Greenline Home Program

The Greenline Home Program is a newer grant initiative aiming to address systemic barriers to homeownership and support economically marginalized communities in Los Angeles County. It provides a $35,000 grant that can be used toward a down payment or closing costs. (LA County Consumer Affairs)

Who it’s for:

First-time homebuyers
County residents with low to moderate income
Priority given to those in high-need census tractsHow it works: Recipients receive grant funds (not a loan), meaning there’s no repayment required once the home is purchased.Learn more: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/greenline/ (LA County Consumer Affairs)

For many buyers, especially those in underserved communities, a grant like this is a meaningful boost toward ownership.

3. City of Los Angeles Low Income & Moderate Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA/MIPA)

Within the City of Los Angeles (which is part of LA County), the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) administers several programs for first-time buyers:

Low Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA)

The LIPA program provides a deferred loan of up to approximately $140,000 to help with down payment and closing costs. As a soft second mortgage, it accrues no monthly payments but requires repayment upon sale, refinance, or transfer. (Housing LA)

Moderate Income Purchase Assistance (MIPA)

The MIPA program assists moderate income first-time buyers, offering up to $115,000 or more depending on income and other factors to cover down payment, acquisition, and closing costs. (Housing LA)

Both programs require applicants to complete a homebuyer education course and meet income, residency, and credit eligibility criteria.

Learn more:

LAHD First-Time Homebuyer Programs – https://housing.lacity.gov/housing/helping-low-income-first-time-homebuyers (Housing LA)

4. Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program

The Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program offers qualified buyers a federal tax credit equal to a percentage of the annual mortgage interest paid. This reduces taxable income — and effectively increases take-home pay — which can improve your ability to qualify for a mortgage and lower your overall monthly payment. (Housing LA)

Who it’s for: First-time homebuyers in Los Angeles County who meet income and purchase price limits.Benefit: Annual federal tax credit that reduces tax liability.Learn more: Available through the county housing department or LACDA resources.

5. GSFA Platinum® Down Payment Assistance Program

The Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) Platinum® Program isn’t limited to LA County but widely used in the region. It provides down payment and closing cost assistance of up to 5.5% of the first mortgage loan amount. (Golden State Finance Authority)

Key features:

Not limited to first-time homebuyers
Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional mortgages
Flexible credit and income eligibilityHow it works: Assistance is rolled into the mortgage process through participating lenders.Learn more: https://www.gsfahome.org/programs/dpa/platinum.shtml (Golden State Finance Authority)

This program is especially useful for buyers who need help with both down payment and closing costs.

6. Nonprofit Assistance: The Win Project & Habitat for Humanity LA

The Win Project

This nonprofit connects homebuyers with major down payment assistance sources, including Los Angeles County programs like LIPA and CalHFA’s Dream For All (when available), offering up to $140,000 or more to reduce upfront costs. (The Win Project)

Learn more: https://thewinproject.org/down-payment-assistance/ (The Win Project)

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

Habitat LA provides gap financing up to $100,000 in down payment assistance for eligible low-income first-time homebuyers, often as a 0% interest loan repayable over decades. (Habitat LA)

Learn more: https://www.habitatla.org/habitat-la-downpayment-assistance-program/ (Habitat LA)

7. Statewide Programs That Apply in LA County

Some California programs also benefit LA County buyers:

CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program

A deferred junior loan of up to 3% of purchase price or appraised value to help with down payment and/or closing costs for first-time buyers. (FHA)

Learn more: https://www.fha.com/grants/california-myhome-assistance-program (FHA)

CalHFA Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan

Expected to reopen in 2026, this program may provide up to 20% of purchase price or closing costs (up to $150,000) as a shared appreciation assistance. (Reddit)

Tips for Homebuyers in LA County

Start early: Many programs are first-come, first-served, and funds are limited.
Complete homebuyer education: Most assistance requires an approved course before funding.
Work with approved lenders: Especially for programs like GSFA and CalHFA.
Check income and price limits: Limits vary by program and household size.

Final Thoughts

Los Angeles County offers multifaceted tools to help homebuyers — from direct down payment grants like the Greenline Home Program to deferred loans, tax credits, and nonprofit support. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seeking additional help with upfront costs, these programs can significantly improve affordability and open the door to homeownership in one of California’s most vibrant regions.