CDLI NYS First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (Affordable Housing Corporation)
CDLI NYS First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (Affordable Housing Corporation) is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Nassau; Suffolk County, New York, administered by Community Development Long Island (CDLI) (via NYS Affordable Housing Corporation).
The program asks for
- First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
- The home is occupied as a primary residence
- A completed homebuyer education course, through CDLI NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center HUD-approved Home Buyer Education class and counseling
- At least 51% of award must fund post-closing repairs (rehab-tied DPA); Engineer's report required and CDLI manages contractor selection. Income of all household members counted. Awards over $50,000 carry a 20+ year occupancy/repayment schedule. Program runs only while AHC funding is available. Min credit score, DTI, max purchase price not published online.
- A home in Nassau; Suffolk County
It doesn’t cover
- Households above 120% of area median income
- Homes outside Nassau; Suffolk County
These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.
Income limit
120% of Nassau; Suffolk County’s area median income
HUD sets the area median income each year. The limit changes with household size, so a family of five has a higher limit than a single homebuyer.
How to apply
How to applyThree steps, in this order
Take a homebuyer education course
Required by the program, through CDLI NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center HUD-approved Home Buyer Education class and counseling.
Contact Community Development Long Island (CDLI) (via NYS Affordable Housing Corporation) to reserve funds
Funds are reserved through Application via Cognito Forms; in effect while funding is available, and are subject to availability.
Work with a lender who handles the program
Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Questions about this program
What is CDLI NYS First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (Affordable Housing Corporation)?
CDLI NYS First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (Affordable Housing Corporation) is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Nassau; Suffolk County, New York, administered by Community Development Long Island (CDLI) (via NYS Affordable Housing Corporation). A 0%-interest deferred loan (forgivable grant) for down payment plus post-closing home repairs for first-time homebuyers in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, funded through the NYS Affordable Housing Corporation and administered by CDLI. Award is tiered ($25,000-$60,000) by family size, income, and repair needs; at least 51% must be spent on rehabilitation. 10-year occupancy term (20+ years for awards over $50,000). Income must be below 120% AMI. Deferred 0% loan up to $60,000 covering down payment and required home repairs. Forgiven over occupancy term. Funding comes from New York State Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC) administered by CDLI.
How much assistance does it provide?
CDLI NYS First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (Affordable Housing Corporation) offers between $25,000 and $60,000 in assistance. Award tiers: Tiered grant: $25,000 / $32,500 / $40,000 / $50,000 / $60,000 based on family size, household income, and number of repairs needed. The program can be combined with Other grant funds (documentation required). Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Community Development Long Island (CDLI) (via NYS Affordable Housing Corporation) determines any individual award.
Do you have to pay it back?
CDLI NYS First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (Affordable Housing Corporation) is forgiven after 10 years, so a homebuyer who stays that long does not repay it. Repayment is triggered by Refinance, transfer of title, sale, or failure to occupy as primary residence during the affordability term (10 years; 20+ years for awards over $50,000). The assistance is recorded in second position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.
Who qualifies?
CDLI NYS First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (Affordable Housing Corporation) is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time homebuyer" usually means not having owned a home in the last three years, but the program sets its own definition. A homebuyer education course is required, through CDLI NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center HUD-approved Home Buyer Education class and counseling. At least 51% of award must fund post-closing repairs (rehab-tied DPA); Engineer's report required and CDLI manages contractor selection. Income of all household members counted. Awards over $50,000 carry a 20+ year occupancy/repayment schedule. Program runs only while AHC funding is available. Min credit score, DTI, max purchase price not published online.
What are the income limits?
CDLI NYS First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (Affordable Housing Corporation) limits household income to 120% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Household gross income below 120% of HUD area median income based on family size; income of all household members counted. The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s. Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.
What kind of home can it be used for?
CDLI NYS First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (Affordable Housing Corporation) can be used for Single Family, 2-4 Unit, Condo, and Co-op.
Where does it apply?
CDLI NYS First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (Affordable Housing Corporation) serves homebuyers purchasing in Nassau; Suffolk County, New York.
How do you apply?
Applications for CDLI NYS First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (Affordable Housing Corporation) go through Community Development Long Island (CDLI) (via NYS Affordable Housing Corporation), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through Application via Cognito Forms; in effect while funding is available. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Also for Nassau; Suffolk County homebuyersOther programs open to Nassau; Suffolk County homebuyers
- CDLI Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance LoanUp to $75,000
- SONYMA Achieving the Dream ProgramUp to $15,000
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) GrantUp to $126,526
Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.
All 65 programs for Nassau; Suffolk CountyProgram terms are set by Community Development Long Island (CDLI) (via NYS Affordable Housing Corporation) and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.