Down payment assistance in New York
New York's primary statewide down payment assistance program, run by State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA). Numbers and eligibility reflect the program's published 2025 guidelines.
Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL)
Forgivable second- Maximum assistance
- Higher of $3,000 or 3% of loan amount (cap $15,000)
- Income limit
- Up to $172,560 (NYC); varies by county
- Home price limit
- Up to $1,089,300 in NYC and high-cost counties
- First-time buyer
- Required
- Eligible loan types
- FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
- •Forgiven over 10 years (10% per year).
- •Pairs with SONYMA Achieving the Dream or Low Interest Rate first mortgage.
How New York DPA fits into your purchase
Down payment assistance reduces the cash you need at the closing table. New York's Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL) pairs with the standard FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgage from a participating lender; the DPA flows through the same closing.
Two things to budget for: most state DPA requires a homebuyer-education course (typically online, 6-8 hours, ~$75) and you usually have to use a lender on the agency's approved list. The agency keeps the list public on its website.
Common questions
New York's primary statewide DPA is Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL) from State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA). Higher of $3,000 or 3% of loan amount (cap $15,000). Many New York cities and counties also run additional DPA layered on top.
Yes. The Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL) requires that you have not owned a primary residence in the past 3 years. Veterans and target-area buyers are sometimes exempt.
Yes. Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL) works with these loan types: FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional. The DPA is layered behind your first mortgage as a separate lien (or grant), and both close together.
Usually no. Deferred and forgivable loans typically have no monthly payment, so most lenders do not include them in your DTI calculation.
If you sell or refinance before the forgiveness period ends, you typically have to repay the unforgiven portion.