New York down payment assistance, deep-checked against current state program sources.
A current inventory of state-run and state-administered assistance in New York, plus national DPA options. Funding and rate sheets can still change after this review date.
Reviewed September 11, 2026 • Joshua Dobson, NMLS #190260
Quick comparison
| Program | Potential assistance | Published min. FICO | Repayment/Forgiveness | Biggest catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SONYMA Standard Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL) | Current standard DPAL amount per SONYMA term sheet | program specific | 0%/deferred-forgivable structure under SONYMA; remaining balance amortizes/forgives over program recapture period | First-mortgage rate is generally higher when standard DPAL is attached; current term sheet controls exact cap. |
| SONYMA DPAL PLUS 2026 | Up to $30,000 | program specific | Enhanced limited DPA; current term sheet/recapture rules apply | Limited funding and 60% AMI cap; first-mortgage rate with DPAL is generally 0.40% higher except specified SONYMA programs. |
SONYMA Standard Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL)
SONYMA Standard Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL) is a current state-administered homebuyer assistance option. Mortgage Navigator uses the administering agency as the controlling source and avoids filling changing details with stale third-party numbers.
Published minimum FICO: program specific
SONYMA DPAL PLUS 2026
SONYMA DPAL PLUS 2026 is a current state-administered homebuyer assistance option. Mortgage Navigator uses the administering agency as the controlling source and avoids filling changing details with stale third-party numbers.
Published minimum FICO: program specific
National programs New York buyers should also check
National Homebuyers Fund
NHF multi-state assistance may be available through participating lenders. Current lender/product terms control credit, pricing, assistance and repayment or forgiveness.
Published minimum FICO: product/lender specific
Chenoa Fund
Chenoa Fund provides FHA down-payment assistance through approved lender partners. Current matrices control credit, pricing and second-mortgage terms.
Published minimum FICO: product/lender specific
New York's biggest DPA lesson
New York currently has the standard SONYMA DPAL plus the limited enhanced DPAL PLUS 2026. V25 separates them and does not guess the standard cap where the live SONYMA term sheet should control.
Let Josh compare the available programs.
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