Yonkers First-Time Homebuyer ProgramOwn in YonkersFirst-Time Homebuyer Program

Your first home.Your future
in Yonkers.

Help with your down payment. A place to call your own.

The City of Yonkers is helping eligible first-time homebuyers purchase a primary residence through its Down Payment Assistance Program.

In partnership with Westchester Residential Opportunities (WRO)

Explore information sessions
Illustrative image of two young adults smiling as they move into a home with boxes and a houseplantMake your home in Yonkers.
Up to 19%of the purchase price toward your down payment*
0% interestDeferred loan with no monthly payments
5 yearsLoan forgiveness with continued program compliance

*Assistance is determined through underwriting and is subject to funding availability. Closing costs are not covered.

Mayor Mike Spano

A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

A home in the City
we call our own.

Dear Neighbors,

For many families, saving for a down payment is one of the biggest challenges to buying a first home. We want to help more people who have a connection to Yonkers make that purchase here in our City.

Our First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program is designed to help eligible buyers take that step. Along with financial assistance toward a down payment, the program requires homebuyer counseling so applicants can better understand the responsibilities that come with owning a home.

I encourage you to read through the information on this page and join one of our upcoming information sessions. It’s an opportunity to ask questions, learn about the requirements and see whether the program may be right for you.

We want our families to have a future here in Yonkers. Helping them become homeowners is one way we can support that future.

Sincerely,Mike SpanoMayor, City of Yonkers

OUR PROGRAM PARTNER

The City of Yonkers
+ WRO

Westchester Residential Opportunities, Inc.

The City is partnering with Westchester Residential Opportunities (WRO), a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, to help applicants through the homebuying process.

WRO provides homebuyer counseling, helps applicants complete their applications, and coordinates the process through closing. The City reviews eligibility and approves assistance.

WHO CAN APPLY

A path to
homeownership.

You must qualify as a first-time homebuyer, meet the program’s income and mortgage requirements, and purchase a home in Yonkers.

Income eligibility

To qualify for the program, your gross household income must be at or below 120% area median income, as follows:

Maximum gross annual household income at 120% AMI
Household sizeIncome limit
1 person$142,450
2 people$162,800
3 people$183,150
4 people$203,550
5 people$219,800
6 people$236,100

Your connection to Yonkers

You must meet one of these criteria:

  • You live in Yonkers.You have been a permanent resident for at least 12 months.
  • Your parent lives in Yonkers.You are the child of a current resident who meets the 12-month residency requirement.
  • You own and operate a Yonkers business.Your business is principally managed and operated in the city.

You will also need to

  • Qualify for a mortgage.
  • Complete HUD-approved first-time homebuyer education and counseling.
  • Contribute at least 1% of the purchase price from your own funds toward the down payment.
  • Use the purchased home as your primary residence.
  • Receive program participation approval before signing a contract of sale.

START WITH INFORMATION

Let’s talk about
your first home.

Join an information session to learn about the program and the steps toward homeownership. See the dates and times below.

NOV92026

IN PERSON

Grinton I. Will Library

At capacity. Registration closed.

1500 Central Park Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10710
Monday, November 9.

English
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Español
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
NOV122026

ONLINE

Virtual information session

Thursday, November 12.

English session at capacity. English registration closed.

English
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Español
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
NOV162026

IN PERSON

Grinton I. Will Library

At capacity. Registration closed.

1500 Central Park Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10710
Monday, November 16.

Time
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
NOV192026

ONLINE • ADDED DATE

Virtual information session

Thursday, November 19.

English
1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Español
2:15 to 3:15 p.m.

Save your spot.

The November 9 and November 16 in-person sessions and the November 12 English virtual session are at capacity. Register for the November 19 virtual information session.

Register for an information session ↗

Registration form available in English and Spanish. All times Eastern. Session registration is separate from the program application.

QR code to register for an information sessionScan to register

HOW IT WORKS

From the first question
to the front door.

  1. 01

    Get informed

    Explore the program and attend an information session. Complete the required first-time homebuyer education and one-on-one counseling.

  2. 02

    Apply and qualify

    Work with WRO to complete your application and gather the required documents. The City reviews eligibility and approves assistance, subject to available funding.

  3. 03

    Find your home

    Upon qualifying, receive program participation approval valid for 90 days and look for an eligible home in Yonkers.

  4. 04

    Close and move in

    Following property approval and final underwriting, continue to work with WRO through closing. Maintain the home as your primary residence during the five-year compliance period.

Before you sign: You must receive program participation approval before entering into a contract of sale.

APPLICATION

Apply for the program.

1. Download and complete the application. Save the PDF to your device and open it in a PDF reader that supports fillable forms. You may complete the fields electronically before printing. Print and sign the required signature lines.

Download the fillable application ↗

Download the program guidelines (PDF) ↗

2. Gather your supporting documents. Follow the checklist in the application. WRO cannot review incomplete applications.

3. Print and submit your application. Applications must be submitted in person or by mail. Do not email your application or supporting documents.

Mail or hand deliver to:
Westchester Residential Opportunities
470 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 410
White Plains, NY 10605

Downloading or completing the PDF does not submit your application. You must print your completed application and submit it by mail or in person.

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

Your questions,
answered.

What types of homes are eligible?

Existing or newly constructed single-family homes, condominiums and cooperative apartments in Yonkers may qualify. The property must meet program standards and be your primary residence. The purchase cannot displace an existing tenant.

Does the program pay closing costs?

No. Program assistance is for the down payment. You will need to plan separately for closing costs.

Will I have to repay the assistance?

The assistance is a zero-interest, deferred-payment loan secured by a subordinate mortgage. It is forgiven after five years if you comply with all program requirements. Selling, transferring the property or failing to meet program requirements during that period may require repayment.

Does attending a session count as counseling?

No. The information sessions introduce the program. Applicants must also complete the required HUD-approved first-time homebuyer education and counseling program and provide a completion certificate.

How do I apply?

Download the fillable application, complete it and print it. Submit your printed application and required supporting documents to WRO by mail or in person at 470 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 410, White Plains, NY 10605. See the application section for instructions.