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CHI First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (NYS Affordable Housing Corporation)

Community Housing Innovations, Inc. (CHI) (via NYS Affordable Housing Corporation) · Westchester; Nassau; Suffolk; Dutchess County, New York

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See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Assistance

$32,500–$60,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Income limit

110% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Forgivable

Forgiven after 10 years

What is CHI First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (NYS Affordable Housing Corporation)?

CHI First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (NYS Affordable Housing Corporation) is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Westchester; Nassau; Suffolk; Dutchess County, New York, administered by Community Housing Innovations, Inc. (CHI) (via NYS Affordable Housing Corporation).

  • A NYS Affordable Housing Corporation first-time homebuyer grant administered by CHI covering down payment and/or closing costs plus rehabilitation expenses, available across Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, and Dutchess counties. Grant is tiered by income (up to $60,000 at 60% AMI, scaling down to $32,500 at 110% AMI; Dutchess caps at $50,000). Requires a minimum 3% borrower contribution, mortgage from a CHI participating lender, free Grant Orientation, and HUD-approved education.
  • Up to $60,000 forgivable down payment/closing/rehab grant.
  • Income limits up to 110% AMI.
  • Covers four counties.
  • Funding comes from New York State Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC) administered by CHI.

How much assistance does it provide?

CHI First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (NYS Affordable Housing Corporation) offers between $32,500 and $60,000 in assistance.

  • Award tiers: Tiered by income: up to $60,000 (60% AMI), $50,000 (80% AMI), $40,000 (90% AMI), $32,500 (110% AMI). Dutchess County max tier is $50,000 (80% AMI).
  • Buyer contribution: Minimum 3% of purchase price required from borrower (documented savings, 401K, or gifts).
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Community Housing Innovations, Inc. (CHI) (via NYS Affordable Housing Corporation) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

CHI First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (NYS Affordable Housing Corporation) is forgiven after 10 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

  • Repayment is triggered by Sale, transfer, refinance, or failure to occupy as primary residence during the affordability term.
  • 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?

CHI First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (NYS Affordable Housing Corporation) is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through CHI Grant Orientation plus HUD-approved homebuyer education course
  • Must use a CHI Participating Lender. Minimum 3% buyer contribution. Free Grant Orientation mandatory before applying. Income tiers and max grant differ by county. Distinct from CHI's Yonkers Smart Move SONYMA DPAL product and the catalog's Dutchess-County-specific CHI entry; review for overlap in Dutchess. Exact forgiveness term, credit/DTI minimums, and rehab split not fully published online.

The program excludes

  • Households above 110% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

CHI First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (NYS Affordable Housing Corporation) limits household income to 110% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Tiered gross household income limits up to 110% AMI by county and family size (2025-2026). Example (Westchester, 4-person): $186,320 at 110% AMI / $136,000 at 80% AMI. Nassau-Suffolk 4-person: $180,850 at 110% / $131,900 at 80%. Dutchess 4-person: $134,850 at 110% / $98,400 at 80%.
  • 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?

CHI First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (NYS Affordable Housing Corporation) can be used for Single Family, Condo, and Co-op.

Where does it apply?

CHI First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (NYS Affordable Housing Corporation) serves buyers purchasing in Westchester; Nassau; Suffolk; Dutchess County, New York.

How do you apply?

Applications for CHI First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program (NYS Affordable Housing Corporation) go through Community Housing Innovations, Inc. (CHI) (via NYS Affordable Housing Corporation), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through CHI Grant Orientation plus HUD-approved homebuyer education course.

  2. Contact Community Housing Innovations, Inc. (CHI) (via NYS Affordable Housing Corporation) to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Free Grant Orientation required; apply via CHI; subject to AHC funding availability, and are subject to availability.

  3. 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 buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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