NYC HomeFirst: a Bronx buyer’s guide to the first steps
HomeFirst can help qualified first-time buyers purchasing in the Bronx or another NYC borough. HPD lists up to $100,000 toward down payment or closing costs, subject to approval.
Start with counseling, before a home shortlist
HPD requires an approved counseling agency, qualifying income, at least 3% of the purchase price from the buyer’s own funds and a qualifying owner-occupied property that passes inspection. Homes may include eligible one-to-four-family properties, condos or co-ops.
Plan for the years after closing
Occupancy can be ten or fifteen years depending on the loan; city-funded assistance requires fifteen years regardless of amount. Ask the counselor to explain the actual note and what happens after a sale, move or refinance.
Make the Bronx property review specific
For a co-op, ask your attorney and lender how the building’s approval process fits the assistance timeline. For a house with rental units, ask what documents are needed for existing tenancies and projected rent. Keep inspection, financing and program dates in one written checklist.
Does a Bronx address automatically qualify?
No. Location is only one part of the review; borrower, mortgage, property and funding requirements still apply.
Your next step
Ask the official program or participating lender for a current eligibility and funding review. RxP can help organize your property search and coordinate the timeline; assistance approval is separate. Browse our local community guides, get the RxP buyer’s guide or choose a consultation with Felix or Aneury.
Compare other options in our homebuyer grants and assistance directory.
Official sources
Program facts checked October 31, 2026. Terms, funding and availability may change; confirm current requirements with the program administrator or lender. General education, not financial, tax or legal advice, a lending commitment or an eligibility decision. RxP is independent of the program and lender; working with RxP is not required. Real Broker NY, LLC | Real Broker, LLC (NJ) | Real Broker CT, LLC. Equal Housing Opportunity. Brokerage disclosures. Prepared with AI assistance.
Find out which questions to bring to a lender.
Talk with RxP about your location, timing and property questions. Program administrators and lenders determine eligibility and available funding.