A New Path to Homeownership for California’s Middle Class.
The California Middle-Class Homeownership Act helps Californians purchase newly built homes with just 3% down — at no cost to taxpayers.
ABOUT
What is the California Middle-Class Homeownership Act?
The California Middle-Class Homeownership Act is a statewide ballot measure focused on expanding access to homeownership for the middle class and increasing the supply of new homes to make housing more affordable.
BY THE NUMBERS
A plan that delivers
The California Middle-Class Homeownership Act is designed to address both sides of the housing crisis — access and supply.
It expands homeownership opportunities for working families while driving the construction of new housing across the state, all without relying on taxpayer funding.
Homeownership Access Funding
Minimum Down Payment for Buyers
New Homes Expected to Be Built
Cost to Taxpayers
The Problem is Simple
For many Californians, the biggest barrier to homeownership isn’t the monthly payment — it’s the upfront cost.
A traditional 20% down payment on a typical California home can exceed $160,000, putting ownership out of reach for most working families.
This measure lowers that barrier while helping build the new homes California needs.
Problem
The Down Payment Barrier
For many Californians, the biggest barrier to buying a home isn’t the monthly payment. It’s the down payment. This measure is designed for the “missing middle” — working families who earn too much for downpayment assistance programs but still cannot save enough to buy a home.
The initiative provides fixed-rate financing for up to 17% of a new home’s purchase price, reducing the required down payment to just 3%.
Based on the median price California home: $800,000
Without the measure
Typical Down Payment (20%)
Too much for many working families to save
With the measure
Down Payment with the initiative (3%)
A realistic amount working families can save
$136,000 less Upfront for the same home
Solution
What This Means for California
For too many Californians, the path to homeownership is out of reach, not because they cannot afford a home, but because they cannot afford to get in the door. This approach creates a better starting point.
A Fair Shot at Homeownership
Helps people to affordably live, work, raise a family, and stay in California
Makes Housing More Affordable
Increasing housing supply helps improve housing affordability.
No Costs to Taxpayers
Funded entirely by private bond investors & home borrowers.
Strict Accountability
Every loan must be repaid in full. Annual audits ensure transparency.
Only for Californians
Qualified borrowers must be California residents & live in the home.
The State’s Independent Legislative Analyst Says:
“No Direct State or Local Costs”
JOIN
Help Expand Middle-Class Homeownership in California
Join a growing coalition working to create more housing, expand opportunity, and support working families across the state.
Supporters
See what supporters say
“Voters now have the chance to unleash a wave of new home construction across our state and make the dream of homeownership a reality for more middle-class Californians.”
Bob Hertzberg
Former California Assembly Speaker
and former Senate Majority Leader
“Our state and our economy are stronger when we have more middle-class homeowners. Best of all, this measure won’t cost taxpayers a dime.”
Malia M. Cohen
California State Controller
“We need big, innovative solutions to make housing more affordable for more people, this measure will help do that by generating more capital for housing and assisting the middle class without adding to the state’s general fund obligations.”
Fiona Ma
California State Treasurer
“I grew up in a California where working families could afford to buy a home. It’s time to build our way out of this homeless and housing affordability crisis, Affordable homes for working families builds their future and builds California’s future – let’s get to work.”
Doug McCarron
Carpenters and Joiners of America General President
“I’ve seen a lot of good ideas passed through the Legislature and City Hall to tackle our affordability crisis, but the Middle-Class Homeownership Act is the most comprehensive approach I’ve seen to actually get more housing built for the middle class, that’s why this measure has my full backing.”
Darrell Steinberg
Former Senate President pro Tempore
and former Mayor of Sacramento
“Every day, we hear from middle-class Californians who simply want a fair shot at homeownership for themselves and their families – but affordability continues to stand in the way, by providing down payment assistance loans – at no cost to taxpayers – this measure tackles one of the biggest barriers and brings the dream of homeownership closer to reality.”
Tamara Suminski
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® President
“My first job was in construction and my dad was a union construction worker, so I know the value of building. When we build more housing, we also help Californians build more wealth and build a better life. That’s what this measure is all about.”
Xavier Becerra
Gubernatorial Candidate
“I’m fighting to make California an affordable place to live, work, and raise a family, and that starts with housing. As Mayor of San Jose, I’ve worked day-in and day-out to get more housing built quickly and affordably, and we need the same push at the state level. The first rung on the housing ladder is often the most difficult to climb, and this measure gives middle-class families a real boost.”
Matt Mahan
Gubernatorial Candidate
“One of the biggest worries I hear from people across California, including my own kids, is that they’ll never be able to afford to buy their own home. The Middle Class Homeownership Act will put homeownership within reach for many more Californians by reducing one of the biggest barriers required to buy a home — the downpayment. Helping working families build generational wealth, driving down housing costs, and growing our economy is at the heart of why I’m running for Governor. I urge Californians to join me in voting YES on this ballot measure.”
Katie Porter
Gubernatorial Candidate
“As Governor, one of my top priorities is to build more housing, and that’s exactly what this measure does. It’s time we start opening doors for the people who don’t come from money, power, and influence.”
Tony Thurmond
Gubernatorial Candidate
“The Middle-Class Homeownership Act is a key part of my plan for an affordable California and I’m proud to support this measure. Together, we can restore the path to the middle class for a generation of California families and build nearly 200,000 new homes without any cost to taxpayers. Vote yes in November.”
ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA
Gubernatorial Candidate
NEWS
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