Bill

Bill > A349


NJ A349

NJ A349
Establishes loan program for first-time homebuyers who move to areas with most abandoned properties; appropriates $5 million.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill would establish a loan program for first-time homebuyers who move to parts of the State with the highest numbers of abandoned properties. This bill would help encourage the revitalization of these areas. The loan program that would be created by the bill would provide interest-free, deferred second mortgage loans to eligible applicants to cover the cost of qualified repairs to residential properties in eligible areas. An eligible applicant is a first-time homebuyer who purchases and occupies a residential property in an eligible area, and who meets certain other criteria. An eligible area is any one of the 10 municipalities with the highest numbers of abandoned properties in the State, and all areas within five miles of the boundaries of the municipality. A qualified repair encompasses basic rehabilitation repairs to a residential property, including but not limited to improvements to the plumbing, heating system, electrical system, roof, windows, doors, insulation, or exterior, including painting. The maximum amount for a loan issued pursuant to a program under this bill would be $10,000. A loan may be deferred up until the time of sale or transfer of title of the residential property. The bill requires the Executive Director of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to adopt rules and regulations on or before the first day of the ninth month next following the effective date of the bill. Lastly, the bill appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to effectuate the purposes of the bill.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a new loan program administered by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to help revitalize areas with the most abandoned properties by offering interest-free, deferred second mortgage loans of up to $10,000 to eligible first-time homebuyers. An "eligible applicant" is a first-time homebuyer who purchases and lives in a property within an "eligible area," which includes the ten municipalities with the highest number of abandoned properties and a five-mile radius around them, and who meets at least four of seven specific criteria, such as being a tradesperson, committing to community service, or being employed in the area. These loans can be used for "qualified repairs," meaning basic rehabilitation like fixing plumbing, heating, electrical systems, roofs, windows, doors, insulation, or exterior painting, and the loan repayment is deferred until the property is sold or transferred. The bill also appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to fund this program and requires the agency to establish the necessary rules and regulations for its implementation.

Committee Categories

Housing and Urban Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Housing Committee (on 01/13/2026)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...