City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency

Provides funds available as full conditional grants, partial conditional grants, and no interest loans, based on applicant household income. The Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners in the City of Buffalo to support critical home repairs and improvements. This funding is designed to help preserve housing, improve living conditions, and promote neighborhood stability. Assistance is offered in the form of:

• Full Conditional Grants – No repayment required if program terms are met.
• Partial Conditional Grants – A portion may be forgiven, with the rest repaid under specific terms.
• Zero-Interest Loans – Affordable loans with no interest and flexible repayment options.

The type and amount of assistance available is based on several factors, including household income, property eligibility, and the specific requirements of the funding source. Priority is often given to low- to moderate-income residents and repairs that address health and safety concerns. Interested homeowners are encouraged to apply or contact BURA to learn more about current funding availability, eligibility criteria, and application procedures. 1.) Down Payment/Closing Cost Assistance Program Funding is available to assist first-time home-buyers with meeting closing costs and down payment expenses attributable to the purchase of a single-family home. Loan funds are provided at no interest as a conditional grant. No monthly or annual payments are required, but the amount provided must be repaid if the property is sold within the five-year regulatory period. 2.) Emergency Loan Assistance Program Funds repairs of a verified emergency condition such as an inoperable furnace, faulty electrical service, broken hot water tank, or break in the main water or sewer line. Loan funds are provided at no interest and partial conditional grants are available for all eligible applicants. The amount to be repaid will be based on household income. 3.) Owner-occupied Home Repair Program Funding from the City of Buffalo, NYS Housing and Community Renewal, and Affordable Housing Corporation is providing low-income homeowners with dollars to help with home repairs and make them more energy efficient. 4.) Target Focus Area Program Funds for code-related repairs are available to owner-occupant households who reside on Target streets. Loan funds are provided at no interest and partial conditional grants are available for all eligible applicants. The amount to be repaid will be based on household income. 5.) Roof Program Funds are available for repair of a severely deteriorated roof where water infiltration into the habitable area has been verified. 6.) 50/50 Program 50/50 Rehab Program offers income-eligible homeowners grants to fund up to 50% of their project cost in order to make needed home repairs. 7.) Vacant Rental Program (VRP) This program is designed to help rental property owners transform vacant, uninhabitable units into safe, high-quality, and affordable long-term rental homes within the City of Buffalo. 8.) Accessory Dwelling Unit Program (ADU) This program offers construction costs to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit. ADUs are small, self-contained living spaces usually made by converting an attic or basement, providing a flexible and affordable housing solution for family members or renters. This funding is available to property owners within the City of Buffalo who’s income falls below 120% AMI.

08/13/2025