Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the statewide expansion of MOVE-IN NY, an affordable homeownership program that began as a pilot with three new starter homes in Schenectady, Syracuse, and Newcomb. The initiative aims to build up to 200 additional starter homes across New York State.
“This groundbreaking initiative has the potential to revolutionize the way we create high-quality, beautifully designed starter homes in New York,” Governor Hochul said. “With the cooperation of our local partners in urban, rural, and suburban areas of the state, the MOVE-IN program will help address the rising cost of housing and enable more New Yorkers to afford a home of their own and achieve the dream of homeownership.”
The pilot phase involved collaboration between New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) and Champion Homes. The three-bedroom homes were manufactured offsite and then installed on vacant land owned by local land banks. Construction took six months at a cost of about $250,000 per home—faster and less expensive than traditional methods. These homes will be sold below construction cost to low- and moderate-income buyers.
To support this expansion, HCR is opening a Request for Applications for local governments, land banks, non-profit developers, and manufacturers interested in participating. More information is available at https://hcr.ny.gov/moveinny.
Across New York State, smaller affordable homes have become rare due to rising construction costs and interest rates; building a small single-family home now typically exceeds $450,000. The MOVE-IN NY program uses prefabricated CrossMod homes built according to federal standards that qualify buyers for conventional mortgages through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
The $50 million allocated for this program comes from the FY 2025-26 Enacted State Budget. MOVE-IN NY seeks communities with significant residentially zoned vacant land or where affordable homeownership remains out of reach for many residents. HCR plans to explore additional models like townhomes for denser areas.
This effort adds to existing HCR programs focused on expanding affordable homeownership opportunities throughout the state.
RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner/CEO of NYS Homes and Community Renewal said: “The MOVE-IN program represents an innovative pathway to creating affordable homeownership opportunities. This $50 million investment will enable the state to significantly spur the production of more housing at record speeds to address the issue of the lack of supply. Thanks to Governor Hochul for putting more tools in our toolbox so we could create new pathways to homeownership for New Yorkers. And special thanks to our partners in Syracuse, Schenectady, and Newcomb, as well as Champion Homes, for proving this program will be a success!”
Since taking office in 2021, Governor Hochul has introduced several initiatives supporting homeowners across New York State. These include launching a Homeowner Assistance Fund with $465 million aimed at helping those behind on payments during the pandemic remain in their homes; implementing a $25 billion Housing Plan intended to create or preserve 100,000 affordable units; providing over $1.8 billion in mortgages for first-time buyers; establishing down payment assistance totaling over $60 million; emergency repair grants; storm recovery funds; stronger foreclosure protections; legal services against deed theft crimes; and measures discouraging large institutional investors from buying up single-family homes.
Other officials expressed support for MOVE-IN NY:
State Senator Rachel May stated: “Syracuse is a city full of potential… With MOVE-IN NY, we’re proving that we can bring new life to our neighborhoods… This is exactly the kind of innovation we need.”
Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara said: “Every family deserves the opportunity to achieve the dream of homeownership… By using innovative building methods…we’re opening doors for first-time homebuyers.”
Schenectady Mayor Gary R. McCarthy commented: “The Move-In New York program is a smart and timely tool…and we are grateful…for leading the way on housing innovation across New York State.”
Capital Region Land Bank Chair Richard Ruzzo remarked: “Meeting the housing needs of our community remains central… We thank Governor Hochul and Commissioner Visnauskas…”
Essex County Land Bank President & CEO Nicole Justice Green added: “Launching this CrossMod home in Newcomb marks a transformational moment… This project demonstrates what’s possible when state and local partners work together…”
Greater Syracuse Land Bank Executive Director Katelyn Wright said: “We’re honored… CrossMods present a quick and affordable opportunity…”
Champion Homes Sales Manager James Davis noted: “The need for affordable housing is not going away… The MOVE-IN program addresses the housing crisis head-on with factory-built housing…”
