Buffalo First-Time Buyer Programs and Local Assistance

Buying your first home in Buffalo can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone. Buffalo and its surrounding communities offer several targeted programs to support first-time homebuyers. This guide breaks down what’s available, who qualifies, and what steps to take to get funded.

Buffalo’s First-Time Homebuyer Programs

1. City of Buffalo Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance

The City of Buffalo offers up to $10,000 in 0% interest, forgivable loans toward down payments and closing costs. Funds are forgiven after five years if you continue occupying the home.

Who qualifies?

• First-time homebuyers purchasing a 1–2 family property within city limits
  
• Income between 50–80% of HUD’s Area Median Income (AMI)
  
• Completion of a HUD-certified homebuyer education course (e.g., Belmont Housing, Buffalo Urban League)
  
• Purchase of a home in good condition (lead-safe/code-compliant)
  
• Plan to live in the home for at least five years
  

2. East Buffalo Down Payment Assistance Plus Program (DPAL+ ATD III)

Administered by NY’s HCR/AHC in response to neighborhood needs, this program offers up to $30,000 for down payment, closing costs, and PMI—for homes up to 4 units. It requires pairing with a SONYMA mortgage, with award forgiveness over a 10-year term.

Note: Funds for DPAL+ ATD II were exhausted on Jan 30, 2025, and applicants now seek eligibility under DPAL+ ATD III.

3. Town & County-Level Assistance (Erie County, Cheektowaga, Amherst, Tonawanda)

Homebuyers in these municipalities may access grants of $5,000–$50,000 toward down payment and closing costs. For example:

• Towns of Amherst, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda: up to $10,000
  
• Amherst specifically offers up to $50,000
  

4. Belmont Housing Resources & Partner Organizations

Belmont Housing Resources acts as a connection hub—offering up to $10,000 for Buffalo homebuyers and facilitating local counseling and education classes.

Counseling partners include:

• Buffalo Urban League, HomeFront, CCCS Buffalo, NACA Buffalo, NeighborWorks, plus HUD-certified workshops
  

5. Matt Urban Human Services (MUHS)

Through its City of Buffalo and Cheektowaga CHDO programs, MUHS connects first-time, low-income buyers with rehabilitated homes and provides down payment help. They also offer the HOMEGROWN Housing Opportunity Program.

6. Statewide Options – Home HeadQuarters

For those outside Buffalo city limits, Home HeadQuarters delivers:

• $5,000 loans (6–7% interest over 5 years) for closing costs
  
• Discounted interest rates (as low as 3%) for low-income buyers
  
• Mortgage plus closing cost financing statewide, excluding NYC

Eligibility & Funding Checklists

Steps to Apply

1. Get Educated – Attend a HUD-certified homebuyer education course via Belmont, Urban League, CCCS, etc.
   
2. Get Pre‑Approved – Meet income and credit requirements; especially crucial for SONYMA eligibility.
   
3. Research Properties – Focus on eligible neighborhoods and rehabs via MUHS.
   
4. Apply to Multiple Programs – You can layer city, state, and county grants/loans.
   
5. Close and Stay Compliant – Fulfill occupancy and program terms to retain forgivable benefits.
   

FAQ

Read Next

• How to Qualify for First-Time Home Buyer Grants and Programs
• First-Time Homebuyer Loan Programs in Georgia – 2025 Guide
  

With the right guidance, education, and local funding, home ownership in Buffalo is within reach. Start with workshops, get pre-approved, and apply to multiple programs to cover down payment and closing costs. Take the first step today—your dream home awaits!