NYC Union Member Home Buying Grants: UFT, DC 37, 1199SEIU

HomeFirst's $100,000 can sit alongside SONYMA DPAL's $15,000 and union-linked lender or pension benefits on one NYC purchase, when each program's rules are met.

In my 25+ years selling co-ops and condos, the order that works is housing counselor first, lender second, offer last, all before a co-op board package or condo contract starts the clock. For the purchase process, see the NYC buyer guide, the closing costs guide and the co-op vs. condo guide.

The Program Stack for Union Members

Start With HomeFirst

NYC HPD lists up to $100,000 for qualified first-time buyers of a co-op, condo, or 1-4 family home in the five boroughs, usable for the down payment or closing costs. In January 2025 the city added $82 million in funding over five years and raised the income ceiling from 80% to 120% of area median income.

Purchase Price Caps for Existing Homes

HomeFirst applies a price ceiling: an existing home must cost no more than 95% of the HUD HOME purchase price limit for its county. HPD's table, effective December 1, 2025, shows these limits for one-unit homes.

How a HomeFirst Purchase Moves

The counseling agency certifies income and course completion, and you receive a certificate of eligibility. That certificate goes to a participating lender for mortgage pre-approval. Only after pre-approval does HPD's sequence put you in front of a real estate professional, then a real estate lawyer, then a signed contract. The program servicers, Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City and the Center for New York City Neighborhoods, review the contract, the pre-approval and the property type, then reserve and release the funds at closing.

Add SONYMA DPAL If the Loan Fits

The DPAL add-on can cover part of the down payment or closing costs, but only with a SONYMA mortgage approved through a participating lender. Not every SONYMA lender offers it, so ask before you apply.

Active NYC Listings

Currently available properties across NYC

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Active

$1,750,000

264 WATER Street #5B

South Street Seaport

2 bd 2 ba 1,552 sf

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Condo · 1900 RLS #RLS20123597

Active

$1,645,000

21-11 31st Street #PH-2D

Ditmars Steinway

2 bd 2 ba 974 sf

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Condo · 2026 RLS #RLS20103045

Listing information provided courtesy of the Real Estate Board of New York's Residential Listing Service (RLS). Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Sale listings verified. ©2026 REBNY. RLS data displayed by Keller Williams NYC.

Union Benefits to Confirm

UFT and NYSUT

The UFT lists the Educators First mortgage program for UFT and NYSUT members, covering purchases, refinances and HELOCs. NYSUT also lists a Union Direct Mortgage Discount Program through Mid-Island Mortgage: no application, processing, underwriting or broker fees and reduced legal and title costs, with savings of up to $2,700 measured against standard New York conventional mortgage fees. NYSUT notes that student members are not eligible.

1199SEIU

The 1199SEIU Funds run a Home Mortgage Program that lets eligible members borrow against a defined benefit pension for the down payment or closing costs. The borrower must be employed by a participating employer, vested in the Health Care Employees Pension Fund or the Greater New York Pension Fund, and an active member whose employer is contributing. Eligibility is reviewed first by the Financial Wellness and Homebuyer Education Program. A loan application then needs three documents: a fully executed contract of sale, a signed mortgage commitment letter, and written proof of a closing date, such as a letter from your attorney. The pension loan is a loan, not a grant, and must be repaid on time and in full.

DC 37

DC 37 members should check their credit union or member benefit pages for mortgage discounts, rate offers, or closing cost support. I have not confirmed a current DC 37 mortgage benefit, so treat any figure you see as something to verify with the union before you write an offer.

Four Calls, in Order