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Call (916) 436-3776First-Time Buyer San Diego County
How Do I Buy My First Home in San Diego County in 2026?
With a county median around $1,000,000, San Diego is one of California's priciest markets, but it also has some of the most generous local assistance. The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) offers deferred loans up to 22% of the purchase price plus a $10,000 closing grant, and military buyers can pair a VA loan for a true zero-down purchase.
San Diego County first-time buyer snapshot (2026)
~$1,000,000
County median, single-family (2026)
Up to 22%
SDHC city deferred down payment loan
$40K + $10K
SDHC Middle-Income (80 to 150% AMI) loan + grant
$0 down
VA loan option for military & veterans
Figures reflect 2026 market and program data and change over time; your lender confirms current limits and eligibility. Serve First Realty is a licensed California brokerage, not a lender, we help you find and buy the home.
Down payment assistance programs for San Diego County buyers
San Diego's median crossing $1M makes the down payment the central challenge, but the county has an unusually deep bench of assistance, split between the City of San Diego and the surrounding jurisdictions, plus the VA-loan advantage for the region's large military community. One local wrinkle to watch: many newer San Diego communities carry Mello-Roos special taxes that affect your monthly payment.
SDHC First-Time Homebuyer (City of San Diego)
For buyers at or below 80% AMI: a deferred second-trust-deed loan up to 22% of the purchase price at 3% interest, plus a closing-cost grant up to $10,000. Requires 3% of your own funds, homebuyer education, and no ownership in the last three years.
County of San Diego FTHB (SDHC-administered)
Serves unincorporated areas plus Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Poway, San Marcos, Santee and more: up to 17% of price for down payment and 4% (max $10,000) for closing costs.
SDHC Middle-Income Program
One of the few programs for moderate-income households (80% to 150% AMI): a $40,000 deferred down payment loan plus a $10,000 closing cost grant.
VA Loan (military & veterans)
Zero down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates for eligible service members, a major advantage near Naval Base San Diego, MCAS Miramar, and Camp Pendleton. Pairs with closing-cost assistance for near-zero out-of-pocket.
CalHFA MyHome + ZIP (stackable)
State down payment and zero-interest closing-cost assistance that can layer with the local programs above.
GSFA Platinum
Up to about 5.5% as a grant on the loan amount, roughly $48,000 on a median-priced San Diego home, with no strict first-time requirement.
Important for 2026: the statewide California Dream For All loan is closed. San Diego's own SDHC city and county programs are the stronger local play, and if you're military or a veteran, the VA loan often beats every DPA option outright.
One family. Two ways we help.
The loan and the home, handled together
Buying your first home usually means two jobs at once: getting the financing right and finding the home. Serve First Realty handles the real estate side, and our affiliated company Ashlar Lending Inc. (NMLS #2699657) is a mortgage brokerage that can help you get pre-approved, compare loan options, and structure down payment assistance so your programs actually stack. It’s one coordinated team from pre-approval to keys, the financing and the search moving together. (Serve First Realty is a real estate brokerage, not a lender; loan terms and eligibility are determined by the lender.)
Your first-time buyer path in San Diego County
Get pre-approved, and check VA eligibility first
If you're a service member or veteran, a VA loan may be your best path (zero down, no PMI). Otherwise, a DPA-approved lender pre-approval sets your budget.
Identify your jurisdiction
City of San Diego and the surrounding cities use different programs. We confirm which one applies to a target home before you write.
Watch for Mello-Roos
Many newer San Diego communities carry Mello-Roos special taxes that raise your monthly cost. We flag them so there are no surprises.
Move decisively
San Diego is supply-starved and homes move in roughly 18 days. A clean pre-approval and local expertise keep your offer strong.
Free calculator
Home Affordability Calculator
Estimate your price range, including down-payment assistance.
See what you can affordFrequently asked questions
How much do I need to buy a first home in San Diego County?
On a ~$1,000,000 home, FHA's 3.5% is about $35,000, plus $18K to $25K closing costs. But SDHC programs (up to 22% of price) or a VA loan (zero down) can dramatically cut, or eliminate, that upfront cash for eligible buyers.
What down payment help does San Diego offer?
The San Diego Housing Commission administers city and county programs: the City program offers up to 22% of price plus a $10,000 grant; the County program (for North County and East County cities) offers up to 17% plus 4%.
Is a VA loan better than down payment assistance in San Diego?
For eligible military buyers, often yes, a VA loan requires zero down and no PMI, and can pair with closing-cost assistance for a near-zero out-of-pocket purchase. Given San Diego's military presence, it's a defining advantage.
What is Mello-Roos and why does it matter?
Mello-Roos is a special tax on many newer San Diego communities that funds local infrastructure. It raises your monthly payment beyond the base property tax, so it's essential to factor in before you buy.
What's the SDHC Middle-Income Program?
It serves moderate-income households (80% to 150% AMI) who earn too much for most assistance, offering a $40,000 deferred down payment loan plus a $10,000 closing cost grant.
Buying your first home in San Diego County? Let's talk.
Serve First Realty Inc. is a licensed California real estate brokerage serving first-time buyers across San Diego County, including its military community.
California DRE# 02133513
First-time buyer guides for nearby areas
Or start with the statewide overview: California First-Time Buyer Guide.
More guides for this area: all San Diego County real estate guides.