Live totals from our verified listings, plus what each kind of help means and who usually qualifies.
43
Open programs
34
Cities covered
$832.8K
Largest single award
Oct 2
Last updated
Counts include only programs currently open or taking a waitlist. Closed and referral-only listings aren't counted.
01
Down payment assistance
20 open programsIn 17 cities, plus countywide optionsUp to $832.8K
Help covering the down payment and closing costs on a home purchase. Most assistance comes as a second loan with no monthly payments, repaid when you sell, refinance, or transfer the home, or forgiven over time. Programs are run by individual cities, the County of Orange, and the State.
Good to know
Most programs are for first-time buyers, usually meaning you haven't owned a home in the past three years.
Income limits apply, typically 80% of Orange County's area median income for low-income tiers and up to 120% for moderate-income tiers.
Expect a homebuyer education course, a minimum contribution of your own money (often 1% to 3%), and a cap on purchase price.
Funding is limited. Some programs open in rounds or run lotteries, so getting pre-approved early matters.
14 open programsIn 13 cities, plus countywide optionsGrants up to $20K
Money for health-and-safety repairs that you don't pay back: roofs, plumbing, electrical, water heaters, and accessibility changes like ramps and grab bars.
Good to know
Usually for owner-occupants with household income at or below 80% of area median income.
Several programs focus on seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, or mobile home owners.
Grants are typically smaller than loans and often one-time; some cities make you wait several years before applying again.
13 open programsIn 11 cities, plus countywide optionsLoans up to $100K
Low- or zero-interest loans for bigger repairs and code corrections. Many are deferred: no monthly payments, with the balance due when you sell, refinance, transfer title, or move out.
Good to know
Interest typically runs from 0% to 3%.
Income limits usually match the grant programs (at or below 80% of area median income).
You generally need enough equity in the home to secure the loan.
Several cities offer both a grant and a loan; grants are for smaller emergencies, loans for larger projects.
3 open programsIn 2 cities, plus countywide options
Help adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Junior ADU. Right now that help comes as reduced fees and free plans rather than direct funding.
Good to know
State law (SB 13): no impact fees for ADUs of 750 square feet or less, in every Orange County city.
Some cities go further, such as fee refunds for units rented at affordable rates, or free city-owned pre-approved plans.
Be cautious with ads for "local ADU programs." CalHFA's ADU grant has been closed since December 2023, and the county's ADU loan program was discontinued in 2025.
Every listing is checked against its official source, and the most recent update was October 2, 2026. Funding changes often, so confirm details with the office that runs a program before relying on them.
