hey prescott.
See what you qualify for

City of Rochester Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP)

City of Rochester, Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (Homebuyer Services) · Rochester, New York

Last verified
See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Assistance

$6,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Income limit

120% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Grant

Not repaid

What is City of Rochester Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP)?

City of Rochester Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) is a grant for homebuyers in Rochester, New York, administered by City of Rochester, Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (Homebuyer Services).

  • The City of Rochester's Home Purchase Assistance Program Grant (HPAP) provides down payment and closing cost assistance to income-eligible first-time buyers purchasing a 1-4 family home located within the City of Rochester.
  • Grant of up to $6,000 for down payment / closing cost assistance to income-eligible first-time buyers.

How much assistance does it provide?

City of Rochester Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) offers up to $6,000 in assistance.

  • The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — City of Rochester, Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (Homebuyer Services) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

City of Rochester Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid.

  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

City of Rochester Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) 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
  • Buyer must contribute $1,500 of their own funds. Buyer must live in the property for 5 years after closing. Buyer must qualify for a conventional, FHA, VA or SONYMA mortgage of at least $25,000. Buyer must attend pre- and post-purchase homebuyer training (plus Operating Rental Property training for multi-family). Must submit a Homebuyer Services application and obtain eligibility paperwork via a virtual meeting with a counselor before executing a purchase offer. Compatible with most other grant programs, including Homebuyer Dream and SONYMA. NOTE: the official program article page states up to $6,000; another City page references up to $8,000 - verify current amount with the City before relying on it.

The program excludes

  • Households above 120% 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?

City of Rochester Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) limits household income to 120% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Median family income below 120% as outlined by HUD.
  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

Where does it apply?

City of Rochester Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) serves buyers purchasing in Rochester, New York.

How do you apply?

Applications for City of Rochester Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) go through City of Rochester, Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (Homebuyer Services), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program before funds are reserved.

  2. Contact City of Rochester, Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (Homebuyer Services) to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider 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.

Other programs in Rochester, New York

See every program in Rochester, New York →

90-second match

Not sure which you qualify for?

Answer 9 questions and we'll match you to every program you can actually use — in about 90 seconds. No SSN, no credit pull.

Find my programs