California Dream For All Program Returning in 2026: What Homebuyers Need to Know
The California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan program, administered by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), is expected to resume accepting applications in early 2026. This program can provide up to $150,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible first-time, first-generation homebuyers in California.
What the Program Provides
The California Dream For All program is structured as a shared appreciation loan rather than a grant. Key details include:
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Up to 20% of the purchase price (capped at $150,000) for down payment and/or closing cost assistance.
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No monthly payments on the assistance while you live in the home.
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The loan is repaid when you sell, refinance, or transfer the property, along with a share of the home’s appreciation.
This shared appreciation structure means the assistance is not free money, and the total repaid may exceed the original amount borrowed if the property value increases.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Dream For All program, applicants must meet several criteria:
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All borrowers must be first-time homebuyers (no ownership in the prior three years).
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At least one borrower must be a first-generation homebuyer — meaning their parents did not own a home in the United States.
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Applicants must meet CalHFA’s income limits for the county where the home will be purchased.
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Buyers must work with a CalHFA-approved lender to obtain a pre-approval letter before submitting an application.
- Find your local CALHFA approved lender here: https://welcomehome.calhfa.ca.gov/directory
For detailed income limits by county, visit CalHFA’s official income limits page:
👉 CalHFA Income Limits – https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homeownership/limits/index.htm
Application Process and Dates
Unlike earlier rounds of the program that were first-come, first-served, CalHFA is using a randomized selection process in 2026. Applicants must register during the specific application window to be entered into the lottery for available funds.
The Dream For All Pre-Registration Portal is scheduled to open February 24, 2026 and remain open through March 16, 2026 at 5 p.m. PDT. Once registration closes, CalHFA will randomly select applicants who will receive conditional approval vouchers.
Selected applicants typically have 90 days to find a home, secure financing, and reserve the Dream For All funds with a participating lender.
You can access the official Dream For All portal here:
👉 CalHFA Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan – https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/dream/
If a portal becomes available for registration or voucher tracking, it will likely be through:
👉 Dream For All Registration / Login Portal – https://www.calhfadreamforall.com/
Why Preparation Matters
Because demand for this program regularly exceeds available funds, buyers who prepare in advance — including obtaining a pre-approval letter from a CalHFA-approved lender and confirming eligibility — are in a much stronger position once the registration window opens.
Preparing early does not guarantee selection, but it ensures you are ready to submit a complete application during the registration period.
Your trusted Real Estate Experts on the Central Coast,
Lane & Jane Karney
925-286-8981
DRE 02165892 & 02165893
Specializing in luxury ranch properties and homes in Paso Robles, Templeton, Atascadero, Santa Margarita, San Luis Obispo, and surrounding areas, with a passion for helping first-time home buyers in San Luis Obispo County!
