Compare different loan terms using your home price of $350,000 with $70,000 down at 6.8%.
15-Year Fixed
$2,401/mo
Total interest: $152,141
Total cost: $432,141
Save $221,646 vs 30-year
20-Year Fixed
$2,088/mo
Total interest: $221,025
Total cost: $501,025
Save $152,762 vs 30-year
30-Year Fixed (Current)
$1,816/mo
Total interest: $373,787
Total cost: $653,787
Lowest monthly payment
Pro
Professional Simulator
Complete financial model: closing costs breakdown, rent vs buy, inflation-adjusted returns, true cost of ownership
years
%
%
%
%
10-Year Net Gain/Loss
-$173,685
After selling in year 10 at $493,710
Total Paid Over Hold Period
$398,929
Down + closing + all payments
Home Value at Sale
$493,710
3.5%/ yr appreciation
Selling Costs
$29,623
6% of sale price
Net Sale Proceeds
$225,244
After mortgage payoff + selling costs
Real Interest Rate
4.25%
Nominal 6.8% - inflation 2.5%
Real Monthly Payment
$1,254
Today's dollars (mid-loan)
State Property Tax
$5,600
TX rate: 1.6%
True Monthly Cost
$2,499
PITI + HOA + maintenance
Buying a Home in New York
New York's housing market is one of the most diverse in the country — encompassing everything from Manhattan's ultra-luxury condos to affordable single-family homes in Buffalo and Syracuse. With an average statewide home price of $410,000, that number masks a huge range: New York City properties regularly exceed seven figures, while upstate markets offer homes well under $200,000.
New York has some unique closing costs to be aware of. The mortgage recording tax — which can add 2–2.8% to closing costs in New York City — is a major expense that buyers must budget for. Additionally, New York is an attorney-required state for real estate closings, meaning you'll need to hire a real estate attorney, typically costing $1,500–$3,000.
Key Housing Facts for New York
Average home price: $410,000
Average effective property tax rate: 1.40%
Average homeowners insurance: $1,400/year
Attorney-required state for real estate closings
Significant mortgage recording tax, especially in NYC
Most expensive markets: Manhattan, the Hamptons, Westchester
More affordable markets: Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, Albany
New York First-Time Homebuyer Programs
SONYMA Achieving the Dream: Up to 1% below market rate for very low to moderate income buyers; requires first-time buyer status.
SONYMA Low Interest Rate Program: Below-market rates for moderate-income first-time buyers with flexible credit requirements.
Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL): Up to $15,000 or 3% of purchase price, whichever is greater, at 0% interest, deferred until resale or refinance.
NYC HomeFirst: Up to $100,000 for qualifying NYC buyers with income under 80% AMI; home must be primary residence for 10–15 years.
STAR Exemption: School Tax Relief program for owner-occupied primary residences, reducing annual tax bill.
Property Tax Rates by Major New York County
County
Effective Tax Rate
Median Home Value
Annual Tax (Median)
New York (Manhattan)
0.79%
$1,100,000
$8,690
Kings (Brooklyn)
0.65%
$780,000
$5,070
Queens
0.82%
$600,000
$4,920
Westchester
1.62%
$680,000
$11,016
Nassau
1.89%
$640,000
$12,096
Suffolk
1.69%
$500,000
$8,450
Albany
2.15%
$230,000
$4,945
Erie (Buffalo)
2.64%
$175,000
$4,620
Average Home Prices by Major New York City/Region
Area
Median Home Price
Manhattan
$1,100,000
Brooklyn
$780,000
Westchester County
$680,000
Queens
$600,000
Long Island (Nassau/Suffolk)
$570,000
Albany
$230,000
Rochester
$190,000
Syracuse
$175,000
Buffalo
$175,000
Frequently Asked Questions
New York State has an average effective property tax rate of 1.40%, among the highest in the nation. However, rates vary enormously by location. New York City itself has a relatively low effective rate of around 0.80% due to various abatements, while suburban counties like Westchester, Nassau, and Rockland regularly rank among the highest property tax areas in the entire country, sometimes exceeding 2.5%.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) offers the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) programs: the Achieving the Dream mortgage offers rates as low as 1% below market, while the Low Interest Rate Program targets moderate-income buyers. Down payment assistance is available through the Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL), providing up to $15,000 or 3% of purchase price. NYC buyers may also access the NYC HomeFirst program offering up to $100,000 in down payment assistance.
New York imposes a mortgage recording tax that is a significant closing cost. The state charges 0.50% on mortgages under $500,000 and 1.00% on mortgages over $500,000. New York City adds an additional 1.80% (for mortgages under $500K) or 1.925% (for mortgages $500K and above). For a $410,000 NYC mortgage, the combined recording tax alone can be $9,430 — a major expense buyers should plan for.
The difference is dramatic. Manhattan median prices exceed $1.1 million, while Brooklyn sits around $800,000 and Queens around $600,000. Meanwhile, upstate cities like Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester, and Albany have median prices between $150,000 and $250,000 — some of the most affordable major markets in the northeastern US. Albany and Buffalo in particular offer strong rental income potential relative to purchase price.
The School Tax Relief (STAR) program reduces school property taxes for owner-occupied primary residences. The Basic STAR exemption saves most homeowners $300–$500 per year. The Enhanced STAR, for homeowners age 65+ with income under $98,700, provides larger savings. New applicants now receive STAR as a check from the state rather than a reduction on the tax bill.