Path to Homeownership

Owning a home in New York City has felt out of reach for generations of NYCHA families. It doesn’t have to be. Here is the path — and the programs that already exist to help you walk it.

Your path, step by step

1. Confirm your eligibility. Are you a current NYCHA tenant in good standing? Are you within income limits? Are you ready for the responsibility of ownership? Start here — the checklist below walks you through it.
2. Get homebuyer-ready. Homeownership is a skill. Free financial literacy, credit coaching, and counseling through our partners will put you in the strongest position possible — and are required for many programs.
3. Find your home. Explore HPD affordable-homeownership lotteries, FHA Homes inventory, Habitat NYC homes, or a market-rate home within your budget.
4. Apply your benefit. Under the $75,000 plan, funds cover the down payment, closing costs, and repairs — drawn down at closing.
5. Own, and stay accountable. Affordability covenants keep homes in resident hands, protect the neighborhood, and make sure the next family gets the same chance you did.

It has been done before

Hundreds of NYCHA residents already own their homes through programs like FHA Homes. Habitat NYC is building brand-new resident-owned homes on former NYCHA land. The tools exist — we are fighting to fund them at a scale that matches the need.

Need help figuring out where you fit? Contact our team or come to a town hall — we will walk the path with you.