Live In San Francisco

Down-Payment Assistance and Affordable Loans

By enrolling and completing SFHDC’s Community Homebuyers Program, you will qualify for the following affordable loans and down-payment assistance programs:

City Second Loan Program

The Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH) offers financial assistance to eligible first time home buyers by providing a no interest, 40 year deferred loan up to $100,000 or 30% of the home purchase price.  In lieu of interest payments, repayment will include a shared appreciation in the value of the property at the time of resale.  The city loan is in second position after your first mortgage and can be repaid at anytime without penalty.  However, this loan is restricted to units or homes located within selected developments.

Mortgage Credit Certificate Program

This program can help you qualify for a mortgage loan by increasing your buying power at your current income level.  The certificate provides assistance to first-time homebuyers for the purchase of owner-occupied single family homes, town-homes, and condominiums.  It can help reduce the amount of your federal income taxes, if eligible, and allow you to take the appropriate tax credit every year as long as you keep the same home and the original first mortgage and continue to live in the property as your principal residence.

Down-payment Assistance Loan Program

DALP is offering down-payment assistance to low-income first time homebuyers in San Francisco, who want to purchase any single family home in the city, except for a Below Market Rate Unit or Inclusionary Unit.  This loan is called a silent second loan that requires no payments for 40 years. The principal amount plus a share of the appreciation (profit) shall become due at the time of the end of the term, or repaid upon sale, transfer or rental of the property, whichever comes first. Eligible borrowers include individuals who never owned property as their principal residence, and those who meet income limits.

Extra Credit Teacher Program

This program makes the dream of homeownership a reality for eligible teachers, administrators, staff members and classified employees who work in high priority schools across the state (API ranks 1-5).  You may qualify for low interest rate financing and down-payment assistance through the California Housing Finance Agency (CALHFA) for the purchase of your first home anywhere in California, within the sales prices and income limits established by CALHFA for each county.

Learn More

Find out more about First-time Homeowners Grants, Loans and Down-Payment Assistance Program by attending our monthly Community Homebuyers Workshop.