Down Payment Assistance

 

AHP offers a variety of down-payment assistance programs of its own. In addition, we've compiled this list of programs offered by municipalities and other nonprofit organizations throughout the Capital Region. Many (though not all) of these programs use HUD income limits. Confirm details and availability with each provider. Click here for a PDF flier of available programs.

                                     AHP Down Payment Programs

Homebuyer Dream Program - Eligible first time homebuyers may receive up to $9,500 toward their home purchase. The program is available throughout the Capital Region through participating lenders.  Visit our Homebuyer Dream Program page for details and income limits. Get started by attending a Homebuyer 101 orientation workshop. 

SONYMA DPAL Program - In conjunction with a SONYMA loan, receive up to 3% of the purchase price of the home (up to $15,000).  In the Capital Region, SONYMA income limits are generous.  You may earn up to $97,000 for a 1-2 person household and up to $111,550 for a 3+ person household.  If you earn less than 60% of area income (less than $58,200 for a 1-2 person household and up to $66,930 for a 3+ household), you may qualify for DPAL PLUS and receive additional grant assistance.   Learn more at SONYMA's website. 

SONYMA Neighborhood Revitalization Program - If you plan to purchase a vacant home to own and occupy, SONYMA offers up to $20,000 toward renovations.  Eligible homes in the Capital Region to be located in Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Warren or Washington counties.  Generous income limits.   Visit the SONYMA website for details.

Incentives for New Homeowners!

 Homebuyer Grant Programs By Community

City of Albany

  • City of Albany Home Acquisition Program (HAP) - When funds are available, the Albany Community Development Agency provides 5% of the purchase price for down payment assistance (up to $10,000) and up to $5,000 for eligible closing costs.  Use the deferred loans to acquire 1-4 unit owner-occupied homes throughout the City of Albany. Often combined with the City’s home repair and lead paint abatement program. HUD income limits* apply. Contact the Albany Community Development Agency (518) 434-5265 or visit albanyny.gov  Check availability.

Programs available in Albany County

  • ACRHA Acquisition/Rehabilitation Grant - The Albany County Rural Housing Alliance provides first-time buyers with a grant for acquisition and repairs.  The award amount depends on amount of repair needed as 51% of the grant funds must be used toward rehabilitation costs.
    • Eligible areas are throughout Albany County.
    • For more information on this and other grants offered by the organization, contact ACRHA at (518) 765-2425. Application forms and details are available on ACRHA's website.

Programs Available in the City of Troy

  • City of Troy Homebuyer Incentive Program - Down payment and closing cost assistance of  $15,000 or $20,000 depending on income and household size.  Agree to own and occupy a one- or two-family home.  Grants require TRIP homeownership training and are available throughout the City of Troy. 

Town of Colonie

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  • Town of Colonie Down Payment Program - The Town of Colonie provides $14,000 for down payment and closing costs for the purchase of a single family home in the Town of Colonie, or villages of Colonie or Menands. This is a deferred loan that becomes a grant if you occupy the home for a period of 10 years.
    • Home must be in good condition at time of purchase and meet HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS).
    • HUD income limits apply.
    • To be placed on their waiting list, contact the Colonie Community Development office at (518) 783-2718.
    • Visit their Web site here.

City of  Schenectady

  • Schenectady Second Mortgage Program - The Schenectady Housing Development Fund Corporation provides up to 10% of the purchase price of a home in the city of Schenectady to be used for down payment or closing costs. 75% of the assistance is forgiven after 5 years of owner occupancy. Remainder is repaid with a five year amortization. The property must be in standard condition and pass a Certificate of Occupancy inspection. Some details are:
    • Income Guidelines HUD income limits apply.
    • Contact the Schenectady Department of Development, (518) 382-5147.

Programs Available in Rensselaer County

  • Rensselaer County Homebuyer Program - Small Cities - Subject to availability.  TRIP & RCHR offers first time homebuyers up to $35,000 towards a home purchase, anywhere in Rensselaer County except the City of Troy. 1 unit owner-occupied homes are eligible. Homes must be in good condition at the time of purchase and pass a HUD "Housing Quality Standards" (HQS) inspection. Income limits are 80% of HUD median income.
    • Contact the TRIP HomeOwnership Center at (518) 272-8289 or visit TRIP's website for details.

Programs Available in Schoharie County

  • Schoharie County Rural Preservation Company - Be sure to check availability. Schoharie RPC offers first-time homebuyer grants and/or repair grants through three home purchase assistance programs. Details are:
    • Applicants must meet income guidelines. Funds can be used for downpayment and closing, and rehabilitation monies to address health and safety hazards in the home.
    • Call for details, eligibility and availability:
      (518) 234-7604.

Available Regional Grants