New York’s real estate market is as diverse as the state itself, from the dense neighborhoods of New York City to the suburban communities of Long Island and the more affordable markets upstate. For many prospective buyers, especially first-time homeowners, understanding both the housing landscape and the programs available to reduce upfront costs is essential.
A key resource for many is New York’s wide range of down payment assistance (DPA) programs offered at the state, county, and city levels. These include grants, forgivable loans, and deferred-payment options that can make the path to homeownership more attainable.
While we’ve done our best to feature the most widely available and active programs, new opportunities are always emerging and existing ones can pause from time to time. We’ll continue updating this page to keep it accurate and useful.
Down Payment Assistance Programs by County
Several counties across New York operate their own programs, often funded through HUD’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program.
Nassau County HOME Down Payment Assistance Program
Nassau County’s HOME Down Payment Assistance Program helps first-time buyers in Nassau County with up to $50,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. The aid is a 0% interest deferred loan forgiven after 10 years of owner-occupancy.
Eligibility: Applicants must be first-time homebuyers, have household income at or below 80% of area median income, contribute the lender-required down payment, and occupy the home as their primary residence for at least 10 years.
When we visited the website no funding was available for this program except in the town of Brookhaven. Click the link to see if new funding has become available.
Suffolk County HOME Consortium Down Payment Assistance Program
Suffolk County's DPA offers up to $30,000 toward a down payment on a single-family home in participating areas. The assistance is forgivable after 10 years if the buyer remains in the home.
Eligibility: Applicants must be first-time buyers, contribute $3,000 of their own funds, and have income under 80% of area median income. The home must be in the Suffolk County HOME Consortium area (excluding Islip, Brookhaven, and Babylon).
When we visited the website this program was closed for new applications, but new funds should be available soon. Click the link to see if the next funding round has become available.
Down Payment Assistance Programs by City
City-level programs can offer larger awards and more flexible criteria, especially in high-cost areas like NYC.
NYC HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance Program
New York City’s HomeFirst Program provides up to $100,000 in forgivable assistance toward down payment or closing costs on a 1–4 family home, condo, or co-op in any of the five boroughs. Provided you meet its conditions, the loan is forgiven after 10–15 years, depending on the amount received.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time buyer with income below 120% of AMI, complete an HPD-approved homebuyer education course, and contribute 3% of the purchase price from personal funds.
City of Buffalo Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program
Buffalo's Program offers first-time buyers up to $10,000 in 0% interest, forgivable loans to help with down payment and closing costs. The loan is forgiven after 5 years of owner-occupancy.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time buyer with income under 80% of AMI, purchasing an eligible one- or two-family home within the city that meets code and lead safety standards.
City of Rochester Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP)
Rochester’s HPAP offers grants up to $8,000 for down payment and closing costs on a home within city limits.
Eligibility: Must be a first-time buyer with income under 120% of AMI, contribute at least $1,500 of personal funds, and live in the home for at least 5 years after closing.
City of New Rochelle Down Payment Assistance Program
New Rochelle’s Program offers a 0% interest deferred loan covering up to 19% of the purchase price, forgivable after 5 years. You must occupy the home as your principal residence throughout those five years, and annual inspections enforce that rule.
Eligibility: Must be a current New Rochelle resident, first-time homebuyer, contribute 1% of the purchase price, earn at least $40,000, and have income below 80% of AMI.
Statewide Down Payment Assistance Programs
New York’s statewide programs often provide the most consistent funding and broadest eligibility across the state. Here are some of the top options available today.
SONYMA Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL)
The State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) Down Payment Assistance Loan is a forgivable second mortgage available to buyers using a SONYMA primary mortgage. It features 0% interest, no monthly payments, and forgiveness after 10 years of continuous ownership. Borrowers can receive between $1,000 and 3% of the home’s purchase price (up to $15,000). Funds can be used for the down payment, closing costs, or mortgage insurance.
Eligibility: Borrowers must be first-time homebuyers (with exceptions for veterans and purchases in targeted areas), and meet SONYMA income and purchase price limits.
SONYMA DPAL Plus “Achieving the Dream” Program
The DPAL described above can be paired with the SONYMA “Achieving the Dream” Program to provide forgivable down payment assistance for borrowers. It carries the same 0% interest and 10-year forgiveness period.
Eligibility: Must qualify for the Achieving the Dream first mortgage (low-income borrowers typically under 80% AMI) and meet SONYMA’s property and credit standards.
Additional Down Payment Assistance Programs in New York
Here are other active programs that weren’t covered above but may still offer valuable opportunities.
County Programs
City Programs
City of Syracuse Down Payment Assistance (via HomeHeadquarters)
AMI and DPA Eligibility
Many down payment assistance programs limit eligibility to applicants who earn within a certain range of the local area median income (AMI). In New York, this commonly ranges between 80% and 120%, depending on the program. However, specific programs may have other AMI limits, while some programs may allow all homebuyers, regardless of their income level.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home in New York can be challenging, but a range of down payment assistance programs can help make it more achievable. From statewide options to local grants and forgivable loans, eligible buyers have access to meaningful support that can lower upfront costs. Be sure to review current program requirements and funding availability, explore our loan calculators to estimate payments, and stay informed on current mortgage rates as you plan your path to homeownership.
