Buying your first home in San Diego County has never been easy, and today’s prices and interest rates make it feel even more out of reach for many families. The County is taking steps to change that. A new round of state-funded support programs could provide meaningful financial relief for low and moderate-income first-time buyers who are eager to plant roots in communities across San Diego.

The County Board of Supervisors recently approved $2.5 million in grant funding designed to make homeownership more accessible. These dollars come through two major programs, CalHome and the Prohousing Incentive Program, both aimed at helping local buyers overcome the biggest barriers to homeownership such as down payments, closing costs, and high monthly mortgage expenses.

According to County Housing and Community Development Services Director David Estrella, affordability continues to be a major challenge. The average first-time buyer in the United States is now 40 years old, the highest on record, and San Diego’s market is even more difficult. Rising prices and limited inventory make it tough for many hardworking families to compete.

The CalHome program will directly support 20 low-income first-time homebuyers through 30-year, 3 percent interest loans with deferred payments. This structure keeps upfront costs manageable while allowing new buyers to build stability and long-term equity.

The Prohousing Incentive Program could soon expand this support even further. With the County now authorized to apply for additional funding, the program has the potential to offer deferred-payment, low-interest loans to approximately 14 more first-time homebuyers earning up to 120 percent of the area median income. That includes households of two making $125,550 or less, and households of four making $156,950 or less.

Both programs are part of San Diego County’s broader commitment to making homeownership achievable, promoting equity, and giving more families the opportunity to build generational wealth. As the local housing market continues to evolve, resources like these can provide a critical stepping-stone for first-time buyers who are ready to move forward but need financial support to make their goals a reality.

For details about eligibility, requirements, and how to apply, visit the County’s Housing and Community Development Services website. If you’re a first-time buyer in San Diego County and want guidance on navigating these programs — or understanding what you can realistically afford — we're always happy to help you explore the options.