Down payment assistance
Los Angeles LIPA — Low Income Purchase Assistance
The Low Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA) program from the Los Angeles Housing Department helps income-eligible first-time buyers purchase within the City of Los Angeles. It provides a deferred-payment second loan — up to approximately $161,000 — toward down payment, closing costs, and, in some cases, buying down the first mortgage.
How it works
LIPA is a silent second with deferred payments, repaid when you sell, transfer, or refinance. The maximum amount is tiered by income (lower incomes qualify for more). The home must be within LA city limits and meet program price/condition standards.
Who qualifies
- First-time homebuyer purchasing within the City of Los Angeles
- Household income at or below LAHD limits (very-low to moderate tiers)
- Complete HUD-approved homebuyer education
- Contribute a minimum of your own funds (per program)
- Owner-occupied primary residence
Frequently asked questions
- Does LIPA only apply within Los Angeles city limits?
- Yes — the property must be within the City of Los Angeles (not just LA County). We can confirm whether a specific address qualifies.
- How is the LIPA amount determined?
- It's tiered by household income — lower-income households can qualify for a larger deferred loan, up to the program maximum. Amounts and caps are set by LAHD and change periodically.
Other assistance programs
Program terms, dollar amounts, income limits, and funding availability change frequently and are set by the administering agency — not by USA Mortgage Solutions. This page is general information only, not a commitment to lend or a guarantee of eligibility. Confirm current details with a loan officer. Equal Housing Lender.