California Mortgage Guide
Complete California mortgage guide with median home prices, property tax rates, denial rates, and down payment assistance programs for 2026.
In California, the median home price is $774,927 and median household income is $95,521. The mortgage denial rate for home purchases is 8.94% according to 2025 HMDA data. 6 down payment assistance programs are available, including Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan (Up to 20% of purchase price (max $150,000) for first-generation homebuyers; repaid with share of appreciation at sale.).
California at a Glance
Median prices based on 2025 FHFA data. Income from 2024 Census ACS. Denial rates from 2025 HMDA data.
Mortgage Calculator for California
Estimate your monthly payment with the interactive California mortgage calculator. Includes property taxes, mortgage insurance, and down payment assistance programs.
Open Calculator →Mortgage Denial Rates in California
In 2025 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data for home purchases, California logged 380,164 final-action applications. The mortgage denial rate was 8.94% and the originated share was 67.86%.
These figures show aggregated market outcomes, not an individual buyer's approval odds. Use these figures as context, not a prediction.
Down Payment Assistance Programs in California
Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan
CalHFA
Up to 20% of purchase price (max $150,000) for first-generation homebuyers; repaid with share of appreciation at sale.
MyHome Assistance Program
CalHFA
Deferred-payment junior loan up to 3.5% of purchase price (FHA) or 3% (conventional) for down payment and closing costs.
ReCover CA Homebuyer Assistance
California HCD / GSFA
Forgivable loans up to $350,000 for low-to-moderate income households impacted by 2017-2024 fire and flood disasters.
GSFA Platinum Program
GSFA
Up to 5% of loan amount for down payment and closing costs; forgivable after 3 years for qualifying buyers.
CalHFA MCC Tax Credit
CalHFA
Mortgage Credit Certificate providing 20% of annual mortgage interest as federal tax credit for first-time buyers.
City of Los Angeles LIPA
City of LA
Up to $90,000 silent second mortgage for first-time buyers in LA city limits; forgivable after 10 years.
California County Calculators
These calculators use local tax and benefit data for each county.
Denial: 9.62% · Tax: 1.18% · 1 DPA programs
Tax: 1.07% · 1 DPA programs
Denial: 8.84% · Tax: 1.17% · 1 DPA programs
Denial: 6.13% · Tax: 1.17% · 1 DPA programs
Denial: 8.38% · Tax: 1.12% · 1 DPA programs
Denial: 7.28% · Tax: 1.19% · 1 DPA programs
California City Calculators
These calculators include local taxes, closing costs, and assistance programs for each city.
California Mortgage FAQ
What is the median home price in California?
The median home price in California is approximately $775,000 as of 2025, based on FHFA housing price index data.
Does California have down payment assistance programs?
Yes. California offers the Dream For All program (up to 20% or $150,000 for first-generation buyers), MyHome Assistance (deferred junior loan), and ReCover CA for disaster-affected households.
What is the mortgage denial rate in California?
The statewide mortgage denial rate for home purchases in California is 8.94% based on 2025 HMDA data.
How do California property taxes compare to other states?
California benefits from Proposition 13, which caps property tax increases at 2% per year. The effective rate averages around 0.75%, below the national average.