We’re building a more equitable New York. We believe that homeownership is equity, with benefits that span generations and increase the wealth, health, and education of our communities.
Be a first-time homebuyer as established by HUD (US Department of Housing and Urban Development)
Provide 1% cash down payment
Have sufficient credit history, with no accounts in collection, no charge-offs, no unsatisfied public records, and no bankruptcies within the last three years.
Fulfill the “sweat equity” component of the program (see below in the FAQ section)
In general, an applicant must earn 50%-80% of area median income (AMI) as established by HUD. Always check the specific income guidelines on the project application as these may be different.
Establish a monthly savings account
Participate in financial/homeownership education
Show a stable employment history
In accordance with New York City mandates, Habitat NYC and Westchester selects applicants for our Home Purchase Program through the New York City Housing Lottery.
When applications are available, apply through the New York City Housing Lottery.
Applications are selected randomly through a lottery. Depending on the volume of applications received, it may not be possible for all applications to be processed.
If your application is selected for further processing, additional information will be requested at that time.
Selected and approved applicants will complete a partnership agreement and begin earning their sweat equity hours.
We provide our homebuyers with the tools they will need to become successful homeowners. Even once their home purchase is complete, Habitat NYC and Westchester is there for our homeowners, helping them with legal issues, training co-op boards, creating support and assistance around foreclosure prevention and more.
But we don’t help just our homebuyers. Prospective homebuyers have the chance to improve their financial standing by working with our financial literacy partners, eventually helping them to become homeowners.
For more information about services for existing HDFCs and other co-ops, please see our Housing Preservation page.
• Community, faith, and corporate sponsorships
• Individual donations
• Volunteer labor
• Government grants
• “Sweat equity” hours contributed by future homebuyers
• An affordable mortgage product
We do not always have housing available. When housing becomes available, applications will be posted on the Application tab.
In general, an applicant must earn 50%-80% of the Area Median Income. Area Median Income guidelines are set by HUD and based on household size (the number of people you plan to have living with you). Guidelines are subject to change; Always check the specific income guidelines on the project application as these may be different.
The term of your SONYMA mortgage product will be 30 years, with a 2% fixed interest rate. Your total monthly mortgage payment, any initial maintenance costs, homeowners insurance and property taxes combined will not exceed 33% of your household’s gross monthly income.
“Sweat equity” is integral to Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build decent affordable housing. Each homebuyer is required to complete 200 Sweat Equity Credit Hours (total per household, not per person) before they move into their Habitat home. The completion of Sweat Equity begins after selection into the Habitat Homebuyer program and consists of various educational courses and hands-on activities.
In accordance with New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development mandates, Habitat NYC and Westchester selects candidates to become homebuyers through the New York City Housing Lottery.
No; however, applications do require a hard pull of your credit report. Credit history and monthly debt obligations of the applicant (not the whole household) will be reviewed. Further details about credit eligibility will be discussed at the appointment after lottery selection.
Household size – Total Gross Household Income Ranges
1: $46,700 – $74,800
2: $53,400 – $85,450
3: $60,050 – $96,150
4: $66,700 – $106,800
5: $72,050 – $115,350
6: $77,400 – $123,900
*Income guidelines are set by Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are subject to change. Always check the specific income guidelines on the project application as these may be different.
Email or call us for more information.
It’s Our 40th Anniversary!
Join us October 22 to honor our 40-year history of building homes and hope for New York families.