WORKFORCE HOMEBUYER PROGRAM

Row of houses in Santa Barbara county with front lawns

The Workforce Homebuyer Program provides low-to-middle income home buyers down payment loans, which enables them to secure conventional financing and removes financial barriers to the dream of home ownership by lowering home acquisition and carrying costs. Our loans help qualified working families and individuals to buy a home that provides a stable residence that strengthens the family and the neighborhood.

Program Purpose

Our innovative Workforce Homebuyer Program provides down payment loans up to $200,000 for households with income under 80% of AMI and up to $125,000 for households income from 80% to 230% AMI.

Program Benefits

Our workforce homebuyer loans enable employees to put down roots in a community and allows employers to attract and retain high quality employees that are vital for a thriving economy and vibrant communities.

Funding Availability

The Housing Trust Fund received $4.8 Million in CalHome Grant Funds and $2.5 Million in new funding for the Countywide Workforce Homebuyer Down Payment Program as of January 2026.

30-Year Program Information

In April 2022 the HTF reactivated its North County Workforce Homebuyer Program. This $4.4 million homebuyer assistance program provides 30-year deferred down payment loans up to $200,000 for first-time low-income homebuyers (Max of 80% AMI). The program focuses on the communities of Santa Maria, Lompoc, Guadalupe and the unincorporated areas of Northern Santa Barbara County, although eligible borrowers may purchase a home anywhere within Santa Barbara County.

Santa Barbara county housing market areas map

10-Year Program Information

In 2018 the HTF launched a South Coast Workforce Homebuyer Program. This $3.5 million homebuyer assistance program provides 10-year simple interest only down payment loans up to $125,000 to help low to middle income workforce homebuyers in South County purchase a home. Loans for market rate homes have a 10-year term and loans for affordable resale restricted homes have a 15-year term. In 2026 we are launching a new fund with $1.415 Million available to households earning 80%AMI - 230%AMI.