First-Time Homebuyer Assistance

What is First-Time Homebuyer Assistance?

First-Time Homebuyer Assistance is a grant for homebuyers in Buffalo, New York.

• The City of Buffalo's First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program, administered by the Office of Strategic Planning, provides a grant of up to $5,000 toward down payment and closing costs for income-qualified first-time buyers purchasing a 1-2 family primary residence within the City of Buffalo. Funded with HUD CDBG and HOME funds, the grant is forgiven over a 5-year affordability period subject to continued owner-occupancy. Buyers must complete HUD-approved pre-purchase counseling and the property must pass City code/HQS inspection.
• Grant of up to $5,000 toward down payment and closing costs for income-qualified first-time buyers purchasing a primary residence in the City of Buffalo. Funded by HUD CDBG/HOME via the City's Office of Strategic Planning. Forgivable over a 5-year affordability period with pro-rata recapture if owner-occupancy lapses.
• Funding comes from HOME, CDBG, Federal, and Local Government.

Do you have to pay it back?

First-Time Homebuyer Assistance is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid.

• Repayment is triggered by Pro-rata recapture of unforgiven balance if borrower sells, transfers, refinances with cash-out, rents, or vacates within 5 years.
• The assistance is recorded in 2 position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

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

What are the income limits?

First-Time Homebuyer Assistance limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Household income at or below 80% HUD AMI for Buffalo-Cheektowaga MSA: 1-person ~$52,000 to 4-person ~$98,050 (HUD FY2025).
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
• The program lists a maximum household size of 8.
• 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?

First-Time Homebuyer Assistance caps the purchase price at $286,000.

• Eligible property types include Single-family detached and 2-family owner-occupied.
• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

First-Time Homebuyer Assistance serves buyers purchasing in Buffalo, New York.

How do you apply?

Applications for First-Time Homebuyer Assistance go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through Belmont Housing Resources for WNY; West Side Neighborhood Housing Services; NeighborWorks Community Partners of Buffalo - all HUD-approved.

2. 2

   Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Apply via City of Buffalo Office of Strategic Planning after executing purchase contract; first-come, first-served subject to fund availability., and are subject to availability.

3. 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.