SONYMA DPAL: what Westchester and Bronx buyers should compare
SONYMA’s standard Down Payment Assistance Loan can reduce eligible upfront costs when used with a SONYMA mortgage. It is an assistance loan, with conditions attached.
Understand the amount and the tradeoff
HCR describes assistance as 3% of the purchase price, up to $15,000, or $3,000, whichever is greater, limited by actual eligible costs. The loan has no monthly payment, with ten-year forgiveness conditions. Using DPAL generally increases the first-mortgage rate by 0.40 percentage points; exceptions apply.
Compare cash today with cost over time
Request two written loan comparisons: one with assistance and one without. Compare cash needed at closing, monthly payment, mortgage insurance, annual percentage rate and the cost if you refinance earlier than expected. A smaller upfront bill is only one part of the decision.
Keep your search tied to your approval
A Westchester house and a Bronx co-op can involve different lender reviews. Before committing to either, ask which property types the approval covers and what could require a fresh review. Have your attorney explain repayment provisions if ownership changes.
Can I add DPAL to any mortgage?
No. Ask a participating SONYMA lender about eligible first-mortgage products and the complete loan offer.
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.