First-Time Home Buyer Grants Available in Los Angeles (2025 Guide)
Buying your first home in Los Angeles is exciting… and let’s be honest, a little intense. Yes, we live in one of the most desirable markets in the country, but there are real, accessible programs that help first-time buyers bridge the financial gap and get the keys to their first home sooner.
If you're searching for things like:
first-time home buyer grants in Los Angeles
down payment assistance in LA
Los Angeles first-time buyer program
LA County homebuyer assistance
…you’re in the right place.
Below are three real assistance programs available to first-time home buyers in the Los Angeles area, plus what they offer, who they're designed for, and where to learn more.
💡 Pro tip: Funding cycles change, and programs open/close depending on availability, so starting early and staying informed is key.
1. Low Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA) Program — City of Los Angeles
The Low Income Purchase Assistance Program (LIPA) helps first-time buyers in the City of Los Angeles with deferred, zero-interest financing to put toward your down payment and closing costs. If affordability in LA feels intimidating, this program can be a game changer.
Program Highlights
Up to $161,000 in assistance in some cases
0% interest + deferred payments
Must be a first-time buyer & complete an 8-hour education course
Property must be within City of LA boundaries
Learn more & apply:
🔗 https://housing.lacity.gov/housing/first-time-homebuyers
This program is one of the most impactful tools available to first-time buyers in Los Angeles, especially if you're planning to buy within city limits.
2. Greenline Home Program — Los Angeles County
The Greenline Home Program supports buyers purchasing in specific high-need communities across LA County, helping close the homeownership gap while investing in local neighborhoods.
Program Highlights
Up to $35,000 toward down payment or closing costs
Must live in the home for at least three years
For first-time buyers purchasing in eligible census tracts
Learn more & check eligibility:
🔗 https://dcba.lacounty.gov/greenline/
This program is perfect for buyers who are flexible on neighborhoods and exploring exciting emerging pockets throughout LA County.
3. Home Ownership Program (HOP 80 / HOP 120) — Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA)
The HOP 80 and HOP 120 programs provide deferred‐payment second-mortgage assistance to first-time homebuyers purchasing in Los Angeles County or participating cities.
Program Highlights:
Assistance up to $100,000 (HOP 80) or $85,000 (HOP 120), or up to 20% of the purchase price—whichever is less.
0% interest, deferred repayment until sale/transfer/owner‐occupancy change.
Buyer must be first-time (no home ownership interest in past 3 years) and must occupy the home as principal residence.
Learn more & check eligibility:
🔗 https://www.lacda.org/home-ownership/home-ownership-program?
This program could be a major tool to reduce your upfront down payment & closing cost burden while keeping your monthly payment manageable.
Quick Tips for Using First-Time Home Buyer Assistance Programs in LA
To make the most of these programs:
Start early, funding timelines shift
Complete your homebuyer education ASAP - I offer a How to Own in L.A. Workshop that can help you with the basics. Enroll here!
Get pre-approved with a lender experienced in assistance programs
Work with a real-estate agent who understands LA financing options (hi 👋)
Compare multiple programs, you may qualify for more than one
And remember: grants and assistance can stack with low-down payment loans like FHA or 3%-down conventional loans. Yes, that means your homeownership path may be closer than you think.