- Introduction
- Other Homebuyer Programs
California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan
Program Highlights | Eligibility | Next Steps | Documents Needed | Program FAQ | Video Spotlight | Shared Appreciation Examples
Interest Rate | Homebuyer Education |The Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan is a down payment and/or closing cost assistance program for first-generation homebuyers, used with the Dream For All Conventional first mortgage.
When the home is sold, transferred or the first mortgage is paid in full, the homebuyer repays the original down payment loan, plus a share of the appreciation in the value of the home.
03/16/2026 5:00 p.m. PDT - The application period for the opportunity to receive a DFA loan voucher is now CLOSED. If you submitted an application, please log into the DFA Portal to check your status.
Program Highlights
- Offers up to 20% for down payment or closing costs, not to exceed $150,000
- Homebuyer must register for a voucher. A randomized drawing will select registrants who will receive the voucher. This will not be first come, first served.
Eligibility
- One borrower must be a first-generation homebuyer.
- One borrower must be current resident of California.
- All borrowers must be first-time homebuyers.
- Combined household income must meet CalHFA Income Limits for the county you are purchasing in.
Next Steps
- CalHFA is expecting it will take several weeks to process and audit applications and conduct the randomized drawing.
- You will be notified through your portal account and email.
- All applicants will receive a notification, whether they were selected, waitlist, or not selected, but it may take several weeks as we work through the review and audit process, so please keep checking your portal account and email.
- Take the 1-hour California Dream For All education course which covers what shared appreciation is and how it affects your mortgage repayment. This course is delivered online and is free. Visit calhfadreamforall.com to get signed up and learn about shared appreciation now.
Documents Needed
- California Dream For All (DFA) Lender Pre-Approval Letter
- Government ID: Passports, driver’s license, state-issued ID, military ID, permanent residence cards, visas or employment authorization documents
- Foster care documentation (if applicable): Foster Care Verification Form/Letter or court documents
- The DFA Voucher application will require information for both parents of the designated first-generation borrower(s) including:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Date of death (if applicable)
- Current address
- Proof of parent relationship
- Birth Certificate
- Adoption papers
- Sign up for our enews to get updates
Video Spotlight
The Arteaga-Sánchez family talks about how their homeownership dreams came true after 20 years. (05:30)
La familia Arteaga-Sánchez conversa de como sus sueños de ser dueños de su propia casa se hacía una realidad después de 20 años (05:30)
Program FAQ
California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan
Shared Appreciation Examples
Shared Appreciation is a little more complex than a typical mortgage loan, so we’ve put together a few examples for you.
Interest Rate
What is the interest rate?
Interest rates will vary depending on your financial circumstances, lender fees, and other factors. Interest rates can also change daily. We recommend that you check with a CalHFA-approved loan officer to receive an accurate rate quote for this program.
CalHFA does not lend money directly to consumers. CalHFA works through and uses approved lenders to qualify consumers and to make all mortgage loans. The fees you pay could be different depending on the lender and the program. View sample Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) here.
Homebuyer Education Requirement
CalHFA firmly believes that homebuyer education and counseling is critical to the success and happiness of a homeowner, and requires homebuyer education and counseling for first-time homebuyers using a CalHFA program.
Who has to take this Homebuyer Education and Counseling course?
Only one occupying first-time borrower on each loan transaction.
How do I take this education and counseling course?
- ONLINE: eHome's eight-hour Homebuyer Education and Counseling course is the only online course accepted by CalHFA. (fee: $100) Other online courses like Frameworks and HomeView are not acceptable because they do not provide a one-hour, 1-on-1 counseling follow-up session.
- IN-PERSON or VIRTUAL: Live Homebuyer Education and Counseling in-person or virtually though NeighborWorks America or any HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency
(fee: varies by agency)
OR
AND
California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan Education
- ONLINE: The California Dream For All education is free and online only.




