Long Beach First-Time Homebuyer Grant: $25K Free Down Payment Assistance (2026)

True Grant – No Repayment

Long Beach provides up to $25,000 in grant funds for first-time, first-generation homebuyers. Unlike most DPA programs that are loans, this is a true grant with no repayment required. Income limits reach 200% AMI ($213,200 for a family of 4). Must be a current Long Beach resident purchasing within city limits.

Long Beach's First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program stands out from nearly every other down payment assistance option in Southern California for one critical reason: it's free money. While LA County HOP, Pomona MAP, and CalHFA programs are all deferred loans you'll eventually repay, Long Beach's grant never needs to be paid back as long as you stay in the home for 5 years.

Funded through the Long Beach Recovery Act (COVID-19 economic recovery initiative), the program has expanded to serve approximately 100 households with citywide eligibility and increased assistance amounts.

This Is Free Money

$25,000 Grant

No monthly payments. No deferred balance. No repayment after 5 years of occupancy.

Program Overview

Long Beach First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (FTHAP)

Up to $25,000

Grant structure: Not a loan—no repayment required
Can be used for: Down payment, closing costs, or interest rate buy-down
Income limit: 200% of LA County Area Median Income
Occupancy requirement: 5 years as primary residence
Must be: First-time buyer AND first-generation buyer
Residency: Must currently live in Long Beach (citywide)
Purchase location: Within Long Beach city limits
Administered by: City of Long Beach Community Development Department

What the Grant Covers

The $25,000 can be applied toward down payment assistance, non-recurring closing costs (loan fees, title fees, escrow fees), or interest rate buy-downs (loan points). It provides flexibility based on your specific financial situation.

2025 Income Limits (200% AMI)

Long Beach's income limits are among the most generous in Southern California, allowing households earning up to 200% of Area Median Income to qualify:

Household Size	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Max Income	$149,200	$170,600	$191,900	$213,200	$230,300	$247,300	$264,400	$281,400

Income limits effective April 23, 2025. Based on gross annual household income of all adults 18+ before taxes.

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Eligibility Requirements

🏠 First-Time Homebuyer

You cannot have owned a principal residence in the past 3 years. If you owned previously but sold 3+ years ago, you re-qualify.

👨‍👩‍👧 First-Generation Homebuyer

Your parents/guardians never owned a home during your lifetime, OR lost their home to foreclosure/short sale and don't currently own. Foster care alumni also qualify.

📍 Long Beach Resident

You must currently live within Long Beach city limits at the time of application. Any neighborhood qualifies—no census tract restrictions.

💵 Income Qualified

Household income cannot exceed 200% AMI. For a family of 4, that's $213,200—far more generous than most DPA programs.

Additional Requirements

Must be 18 years or older
U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Pre-approved for a 30-year fixed mortgage (cash purchases not eligible)
Represented by a licensed California realtor
Complete 8-hour HUD-approved homebuyer education course
Cannot have opened escrow before applying
Agree to 5-year primary residence occupancy

Eligible Properties

What You Can Purchase

Single-family detached homes
Condominiums
Townhouses
Property must be within Long Beach city limits
Must be used as primary residence
30-year fixed mortgage required

NOT Eligible

✗ Mobile homes
✗ Multi-family properties (duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes)
✗ Investment properties
✗ Properties outside Long Beach city limits
✗ Second homes or vacation properties

Questions About Long Beach's Grant?

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Application Process

Verify you're a Long Beach resident – You must currently live within city limits. Utility bills, lease, or ID showing Long Beach address can serve as verification.
Complete homebuyer education – Finish an 8-hour HUD-approved course. Many are available online. Obtain your certificate of completion.
Get mortgage pre-approval – Must be approved for a 30-year fixed loan. Contact lenders before applying to the program.
Gather documentation – Proof of income/assets, residency verification, first-generation homebuyer documentation, homebuyer education certificate.
Submit application – Apply through longbeach.gov/lbhomegrant. Applications reviewed first-come, first-served.
Receive Program Qualification notice – If approved, you'll receive qualification status. Note: This does NOT guarantee funds.
Find an eligible property and open escrow – Work with your realtor to find a home in Long Beach. You must open escrow while funds remain available.
Receive grant at closing – City disburses funds directly to escrow upon successful closing.

Critical Timing Note

Being "qualified" for the program does not guarantee you'll receive funds. Grants are awarded when you open escrow, based on remaining fund availability. The program serves approximately 100 households total—act quickly once qualified.

Long Beach vs. Other LA County Programs

Why Long Beach Stands Out

Feature	Long Beach FTHAP	LA County HOP	Pomona MAP
Type	Grant (free)	Deferred loan	Deferred loan
Max Amount	$25,000	$100,000	$100,000
Repayment	None after 5 years	At sale + equity share	At sale + equity share
Income Limit	200% AMI ($213K)	120% AMI ($128K)	100% AMI ($121K)
First-Gen Required	Yes	No	No

Long Beach's program trades a higher maximum amount for zero repayment obligation. For buyers who qualify, $25,000 in free money is often more valuable than $100,000 that must eventually be repaid with shared appreciation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Long Beach homebuyer program a grant or a loan?

It's a true grant—not a loan. You do not need to repay the $25,000 as long as you meet the 5-year occupancy requirement. This makes Long Beach's program one of the most buyer-friendly DPA options in Los Angeles County. There's no deferred balance, no shared appreciation, and no interest.

What are the income limits for Long Beach's First-Time Homebuyer Grant?

Income limits are 200% of LA County Area Median Income (effective April 2025): 1 person – $149,200, 2 persons – $170,600, 3 persons – $191,900, 4 persons – $213,200, 5 persons – $230,300, 6 persons – $247,300. These are among the highest income limits for any Southern California DPA program.

What does "first-generation homebuyer" mean for Long Beach's program?

A first-generation homebuyer is someone whose parents or guardians never owned a home during the applicant's lifetime, OR whose parents lost their home to foreclosure or short sale and don't currently own a home. People who spent time in foster care also qualify as first-generation buyers regardless of their parents' ownership history.

Do I need to currently live in Long Beach to qualify?

Yes, you must be a current Long Beach resident at the time of application. However, since the program expansion, you can live anywhere within Long Beach city limits—the previous requirement restricting applicants to specific CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) census tracts has been removed.

What types of properties can I buy with the Long Beach grant?

Single-family homes, condominiums, and townhouses located within Long Beach city limits are eligible. Mobile homes and multi-family properties (duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes) are NOT eligible. The home must become your primary residence, and you must finance it with a 30-year fixed mortgage.

How long do I need to stay in the home after receiving the grant?

You must occupy the home as your primary residence for a minimum of 5 years. After 5 years, there are no restrictions—you can sell, rent, or refinance freely. If you move out, sell, or stop using it as your primary residence before 5 years, you may be required to repay some or all of the grant.

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Contact Information

City of Long Beach Community Development Department

Program Website: longbeach.gov/lbhomegrant
Phone: 562-570-3807
Address: 411 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802
Email: Check website for current contact form

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Justin Borges

DRE #01940318 | 13+ Years Experience | $200M+ Career Sales

Justin Borges leads The Borges Real Estate Team serving Los Angeles County. We specialize in connecting first-time buyers with down payment assistance programs and helping families achieve homeownership throughout Southern California.

Contact: (213) 262-5092 | lametrohomefinder.com

Disclaimer: Program details, income limits, application deadlines, and funding availability are subject to change. Information current as of January 2025 based on City of Long Beach published guidelines. Contact the City of Long Beach Community Development Department at 562-570-3807 to verify current program status, funding availability, and application periods. This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. The Borges Real Estate Team is not affiliated with the City of Long Beach or any government housing agency.