Save $2,000–$7,500 over 10–36 months → bank matches 3:1 → you get $6,000–$22,500 total (most buyers receive $15,000).
Income limit: 80% AMI ($65,200 single / $93,150 family of 4)
2026 funding: Fully funded through Q4
100% grant (no repayment) for homes in targeted neighborhoods (19th Ward, Beechwood, Southwest, etc.).
Income limit: 120% AMI ($97,800 single / $139,800 family of 4)
2025–2026 allocation: $1.8 million
Purchase a fully renovated Land Bank home for as low as $50k–$99k with $10,000–$25,000 renovation grant bundled.
Income limit: No income limit for purchase; grants up to 80% AMI
Current inventory Dec 2025: 38 homes
30-year fixed as low as 5.25% + up to $30,000 deferred, 0% interest, forgivable after 10 years.
Income limit: $114,400–$141,960 depending on county and household size
Brand-new pilot launched October 2025: $30,000 non-repayable grant for first-time buyers statewide.
Income limit: 100% AMI
Rochester allocation: 412 awards
City employees and first responders: $10k–$15k forgivable over 5 years.
University of Rochester: up to $20,000 forgivable. RIT: $12,000 forgivable. Must buy within designated zones.
Same program as #1 but offered through ESL, Canandaigua National Bank, etc.
Section 8 tenants can use voucher toward mortgage. Average Rochester subsidy: $1,100/month.
$7,500 grant for any home in Rochester census tracts with >50% minority population. No income limit.
| Program | Max Benefit | Repayment? | Income Limit (1 person) | Stackable? | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
City First Home Club |
$15,000 |
No |
$65,200 |
Yes |
||||||||||
|
NeighborWorks |
$20,000 |
No |
$97,800 |
Yes |
||||||||||
|
SONYMA DPA |
$30,000 |
10-yr forgivable |
$114k–$141k |
Yes |
||||||||||
|
NYS $30k Pilot |
$30,000 |
No |
$81,500 |
Limited |
||||||||||
|
UR/RIT Employer |
$12k–$20k |
5-yr forgivable |
No limit |
Yes |
||||||||||
|
Land Bank + Rehab Grant
|
$25,000+ |
No |
Varies |
Yes |
||||||||||
Real example (Dec 2025 closing): Buyer combined City First Home Club $15k + NeighborWorks $20k + SONYMA $15k = $50,000 total assistance on a $260k South Wedge duplex.
