Buying a home for the first time can feel like climbing a steep hill—especially in places like Anaheim, where the housing market can be competitive and prices high. That’s where the Anaheim Attainable Homeownership Program (AAHP) comes in. This program is specifically designed to help first-time home buyers overcome financial hurdles and achieve their dream of homeownership in the city of Anaheim.

What Is It?

The Anaheim Attainable Homeownership Program is a locally funded initiative by the City of Anaheim to help moderate-income families and individuals purchase their first home. The program offers down payment assistance loans to eligible buyers, providing a much-needed boost for those struggling to meet the financial demands of buying a home in this Orange County city.

Program Highlights

• Source of Funding: The program is funded by the City of Anaheim’s Housing and Community Development Department using a mix of local funds and grants, such as the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.
• Type of Assistance:
  • Down Payment Assistance Loan: Provides up to $80,000 or 20% of the home’s purchase price, whichever is lower.
  • The loan is deferred with no monthly payments and 3% simple interest. Repayment is due when the home is sold, refinanced, or transferred.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • First-time homebuyer (not owning a home in the past 3 years).
  • Household income must fall within the moderate-income range for Orange County.
  • Must purchase within Anaheim and meet price limits (e.g., $875,000 for single-family homes in 2023).
  • Complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course.
  • Have at least 1% of the home’s purchase price saved.

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility: Review income limits and requirements on the City of Anaheim Housing and Community Development website.
2. Complete a Homebuyer Education Course: A required step to prepare for homeownership.
3. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage: Secure pre-approval from a participating lender.
4. Find a Home: Work with a real estate agent to find an eligible home.
5. Submit Application: Apply through the Housing Authority and provide all required documentation.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Provides significant financial support, covering up to 20% of the home’s purchase price.
• Deferred payments mean no immediate financial burden.
• Promotes long-term stability by helping people live in Anaheim.

Cons

• Shared appreciation requires sharing part of the home’s increased value with the city.
• Limited funding may result in long waits or unavailable assistance.
• Anaheim’s high prices and competitive market can pose challenges.

Where Is It Available?

The program is available exclusively in the City of Anaheim, located in Orange County, California.

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