See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated March 29, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Union City, NJ (2026)
Union City is one of the most densely populated cities in the United States, located in Hudson County, New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. With a median home price around $575,000, affordability is a challenge, but several assistance programs can help buyers bridge the gap. The Hudson County HOME Homebuyer Assistance Program offers $5,000 to $8,000 toward down payment and closing costs, while the NJHMFA Down Payment Assistance Program provides up to $15,000 as a forgivable loan, with an additional $7,000 available through the NJHMFA First Generation Down Payment Assistance for first-generation buyers. The NJCC Statewide Down Payment Assistance Program can add up to $30,000 in grant funding, and the Housing Partnership of New Jersey CDFI offers up to $20,000 in affordable homebuyer loans. By combining these programs, eligible buyers in Union City could access over $75,000 in assistance.
County Programs in Hudson County
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hudson County HOME Homebuyer Assistance Program | Grant | $5,000 - $8,000 | No | View → |
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- $5,000 - $8,000
- First-time only:
- No
State Programs in New Jersey
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHLBNY Homebuyer Dream Program | Grant | Up to $30,000 | Yes | View → |
| NJCC Statewide Down Payment Assistance Program | Grant | Up to $30,000 | Yes | View → |
| NJHMFA Down Payment Assistance Program | Forgivable Loan | Up to $15,000: $15,000 in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset and Union counties; $10,000 in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem, Sussex and Warren counties | Yes | View → |
| NJHMFA First Generation Down Payment Assistance | Forgivable Loan | $7,000 | Yes | View → |
| NJHMFA First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Program | Government-Insured Mortgage | 30-year fixed-rate FHA, VA or USDA first mortgage through NJHMFA participating lenders (rate quoted by lender); eligible for up to $15,000 NJHMFA down payment assistance | Yes | View → |
| NJHMFA HFA Advantage Mortgage Program | Government-Insured Mortgage | Competitive 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage | No | View → |
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to $30,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to $30,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $15,000: $15,000 in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset and Union counties; $10,000 in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem, Sussex and Warren counties
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- $7,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- 30-year fixed-rate FHA, VA or USDA first mortgage through NJHMFA participating lenders (rate quoted by lender); eligible for up to $15,000 NJHMFA down payment assistance
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Competitive 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage
- First-time only:
- No
Federal Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA Loans | Government-Insured Mortgage | Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026) | No | View → |
| Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD) | Government Property Sale Program | 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes | Yes | View → |
| Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HUD $100 Down Program | FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase | Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs. | No | View → |
| USDA Rural Development Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value | No | View → |
| VA Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase
- Amount:
- Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs.
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
Nonprofit Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Below-market-price home purchase with income-based mortgage | Yes | View → |
| Housing Partnership of New Jersey CDFI Homebuyer Loan | Zero-Interest Loan | Up to $20,000 | No | View → |
| NACA Best in America Mortgage Program | Zero-Interest Loan | No down payment, no closing costs, no fees, no mortgage insurance, below-market interest rate | No | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Below-market-price home purchase with income-based mortgage
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $20,000
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- No down payment, no closing costs, no fees, no mortgage insurance, below-market interest rate
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Most programs require household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income for Hudson County. Review each program's specific income thresholds before applying.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. A HUD-approved homebuyer education course is required for most programs. North Hudson Community Action Corporation (NHCAC) in Union City offers housing counseling services in English and Spanish. Contact them at (201) 866-3140 or visit their office at 407 39th St, Floor 2, Union City.
Step 3: Apply for the Hudson County HOME Homebuyer Assistance Program. This program provides $5,000 to $8,000 toward down payment and closing costs for first-time buyers purchasing in Hudson County. Contact the Hudson County Division of Housing and Community Development for the application.
Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage through an NJHMFA-participating lender. This bundles a competitive 30-year fixed-rate loan with up to $15,000 in forgivable down payment assistance. Visit theroadhomenj.com for a list of approved lenders.
Step 5: Apply for additional assistance. If you are a first-generation homebuyer, you may qualify for an extra $7,000 through the NJHMFA First Generation Down Payment Assistance. Also explore the NJCC Statewide DPA Program for up to $30,000 in grant funding, and the Housing Partnership of New Jersey CDFI Homebuyer Loan for up to $20,000.
Step 6: Find a home in Union City. Work with your lender and a real estate agent to find a property that meets program requirements and purchase price limits.
Step 7: Submit your applications and close. Your lender will coordinate program applications alongside your mortgage. Allow several weeks for processing and stay in close contact with all parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Union City?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What is the maximum home price I can pay using these programs?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
Does Union City have its own city-funded down payment assistance?+−
Are there programs for lower-income buyers in Union City?+−
Free eligibility check
Buying a home in Union City? 17 programs could help.
How soon are you looking to buy?