hey prescott.
See what you qualify for

Dutchess County First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program

Community Housing Innovations, Inc. (CHI) · Poughkeepsie, New York

Last verified
See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Assistance

$32,500–$50,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Income limit

$98,400

The household income limit the program publishes

Repayment

Grant

Not repaid

What is Dutchess County First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program?

Dutchess County First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program is a grant for homebuyers in Poughkeepsie, New York, administered by Community Housing Innovations, Inc. (CHI).

  • Dutchess County partners with Community Housing Innovations to offer up to $50,000 in AHC grant funding for income-eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing anywhere in Dutchess County. Award is tiered by AMI band. Funds cover down payment, closing costs, and required post-purchase rehabilitation expenses. Provided as a forgivable silent second lien.
  • Up to $50,000 grant.
  • Down payment and closing cost coverage.
  • Tiered awards by income (80%/90%/110% AMI).
  • Forgivable silent second lien.
  • Must-attend free orientation with CHI.
  • Funding comes from NYS Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC) via NYS Office of Homes and Community Renewal.

How much assistance does it provide?

Dutchess County First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program offers between $32,500 and $50,000 in assistance.

  • Award tiers: Up to $50,000 at 80% AMI; Up to $40,000 at 90% AMI; Up to $32,500 at 110% AMI.
  • Buyer contribution: Minimum 3% of purchase price from own funds (savings, 401K, or gift).
  • The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Community Housing Innovations, Inc. (CHI) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Dutchess County First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid.

  • Repayment is triggered by Sale, transfer, or failure to occupy as primary residence.
  • 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?

Dutchess County First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: Not owned in last 3 years
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through CHI free Grant Orientation; HUD-approved education course required
  • Residency: Purchase within Dutchess County
  • DRAFT (dpa-gap-finder 2026-06-12): pending review. 60% of grant proceeds may be used for acquisition costs (down payment/closing); 40% must be used for rehabilitation of property. Proof of rehab costs submitted electronically through SONYMA.

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Households above $98,400

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?

Dutchess County First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program limits household income to $98,400.

  • The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
  • The program lists a maximum household size of 6.
  • 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?

Dutchess County First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program can be used for Single Family, Condo, and Co-op.

  • Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Dutchess County First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program serves buyers purchasing in Poughkeepsie, New York.

How do you apply?

Applications for Dutchess County First-Time Homebuyer Grant Program go through Community Housing Innovations, Inc. (CHI), 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 free Grant Orientation; HUD-approved education course required.

  2. Contact Community Housing Innovations, Inc. (CHI) 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.

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