Non-QM GuideFebruary 8, 202612 min read

Non-QM Mortgage Guide: New York 2026

Complete guide to Non-QM mortgages in New York. Compare DSCR, bank statement, asset depletion, and 1099 loan programs from 95+ licensed lenders.

NonQM Lending Team

Expert Contributor

The Complete Non-QM Mortgage Guide for New York Borrowers: 2026

Non-QM (Non-Qualified Mortgage) loans have transformed how New York borrowers access homeownership and investment financing. If traditional lenders have turned you down because of self-employment income, credit history, or unconventional financial circumstances, Non-QM programs provide proven alternatives backed by 95+ licensed lenders across New York.

This guide covers every Non-QM loan type available in New York, who qualifies, current rates, and how to choose the right program for your situation.

What Are Non-QM Loans?

Non-QM loans are mortgage products that do not meet the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) Qualified Mortgage standards. This does not mean they are risky or subprime. It means they use alternative methods to verify a borrower's ability to repay, such as bank statements, asset documentation, or property cash flow instead of traditional W-2 income and tax returns.

Non-QM Loan Programs Available in New York

1. Bank Statement Loans **Best for**: Self-employed borrowers, business owners, freelancers

Use 12 or 24 months of bank statements to qualify instead of tax returns. Ideal for New York's large self-employed workforce in finance, media, and technology.

  • Credit score: 620+ minimum
  • Down payment: 10-25%
  • Loan amounts: Up to $3M+
  • [Learn more about bank statement loans](/programs/bank-statement)

2. DSCR Loans (Investor Cash Flow) **Best for**: Real estate investors, landlords, property portfolio builders

Qualify based on the rental property's income, not your personal income. No employment verification, no tax returns, no W-2s.

  • DSCR ratio: 1.0-1.25 minimum
  • Down payment: 20-30%
  • Property types: SFR, 2-4 units, condos
  • [Learn more about DSCR loans](/programs/dscr)

3. Asset Depletion Loans **Best for**: Retirees, high-net-worth individuals, those with significant savings

Qualify using liquid assets (stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, savings) divided over the loan term to create a qualifying income stream.

  • Minimum assets: Typically $500,000+
  • Down payment: 20-30%
  • Loan amounts: Up to $5M+
  • [Learn more about asset depletion loans](/programs/asset-depletion)

4. 1099 Income Loans **Best for**: Independent contractors, freelancers, gig economy workers

Use your 1099 tax forms to qualify instead of full tax returns. Simpler documentation for borrowers with consistent contract income.

  • 1-2 years of 1099s required
  • Credit score: 660+ minimum
  • Down payment: 10-20%

5. Foreign National Loans **Best for**: Non-US citizens investing in New York real estate

Available for foreign nationals and non-permanent residents purchasing investment or vacation properties in New York.

  • No US credit history required
  • Down payment: 25-30%
  • Loan amounts: $100K-$3M

6. Recent Credit Event Loans **Best for**: Borrowers recovering from bankruptcy, foreclosure, or short sale

Programs with shorter seasoning periods (as little as 1 day from discharge) for borrowers rebuilding their credit.

  • Credit score: 620+ minimum
  • Down payment: 20-30%
  • Compensating factors may be required

New York Non-QM Loan Comparison

ProgramMin CreditDown PaymentIncome ProofBest For
Bank Statement62010-25%Bank depositsSelf-employed
DSCR62020-30%Property rentInvestors
Asset Depletion68020-30%Liquid assetsRetirees/HNW
1099 Income66010-20%1099 formsContractors
Foreign NationalNone25-30%Foreign docsNon-US buyers
Recent Credit Event62020-30%VariesCredit recovery

New York Non-QM Market Overview

New York is the financial capital of the world with complex income structures, high property values, and a large self-employed professional base. Key market statistics:

  • Median home price: $435,000
  • Licensed Non-QM lenders: 95+
  • Most popular programs: bank statement loans and asset depletion
  • Average rental yield: Strong across Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx

Case Study: Long Island Non-QM Success Story

  • Borrower Profile:
  • Location: Long Island, NY
  • Loan Amount: $650,000
  • Program: Asset Depletion
  • Situation: $2.8 million in retirement and brokerage accounts
  • Result: Approved and closed within 30 days

Traditional lenders declined this borrower because their income documentation did not fit conventional underwriting guidelines. The Non-QM program recognized their true financial strength and provided the financing they needed.

How to Choose the Right Non-QM Program in New York

Follow these steps to find the best Non-QM loan for your situation:

  1. Identify your income type — W-2, self-employed, investment income, or assets
  2. Check your credit score — This determines which programs are available and at what rates
  3. Calculate your down payment — More down payment means better rates and more options
  4. Determine the property type — Primary residence, investment, or vacation home
  5. Compare at least 3 lenders — Rates and terms vary significantly between lenders
  6. Get pre-qualified — A pre-qualification letter strengthens your offer

New York Non-QM Rates: What to Expect in 2026

Non-QM rates in New York typically run 0.50-2.00% higher than conventional rates, depending on the program and borrower profile. Current ranges:

ProgramRate RangeFactors Affecting Rate
Bank Statement7.25-9.50%Credit score, LTV, statement period
DSCR7.25-9.50%DSCR ratio, credit score, LTV
Asset Depletion7.00-8.50%Asset amount, LTV, credit score
1099 Income7.50-9.00%Income stability, credit score
Foreign National8.00-10.00%Down payment, property type

Getting Started with Non-QM Loans in New York

Our network connects you with 95+ licensed Non-QM lenders across New York. Get matched with lenders who specialize in your specific situation.

[Get Pre-Qualified](/get-started) | [Find New York Lenders](/locations/new-york) | [Compare All Programs](/programs)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Non-QM loans safe in New York? Yes. Non-QM loans in New York are fully regulated mortgage products offered by licensed lenders. They follow all federal and state lending laws, including the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). The term "Non-QM" simply means they use alternative income verification methods rather than the standard W-2/tax return approach.

What is the minimum credit score for Non-QM loans in New York? Most Non-QM programs in New York require a minimum credit score of 620-660. Asset depletion loans may require 680+. The higher your credit score, the better your rate and terms. Borrowers with 740+ scores typically receive the best available Non-QM rates, often within 0.50-0.75% of conventional rates.

How long does it take to close a Non-QM loan in New York? Non-QM loans in New York typically close in 21-35 days, comparable to conventional loans. DSCR loans often close faster (21-25 days) because they require less documentation. Bank statement and asset depletion loans may take slightly longer (25-35 days) due to the income calculation process.

Can I get a Non-QM loan for a primary residence in New York? Yes. While DSCR loans are limited to investment properties, most other Non-QM programs (bank statement, asset depletion, 1099, recent credit event) are available for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties in New York.

Do Non-QM loans have prepayment penalties in New York? Some Non-QM loans in New York include prepayment penalties, typically for the first 1-3 years. Investment property DSCR loans commonly have a 3-year prepayment penalty. Primary residence Non-QM loans may or may not have prepayment penalties depending on the lender and program. Always confirm the prepayment terms before closing.

How do Non-QM rates compare to conventional rates in New York? Non-QM rates in New York are typically 0.50-2.00% higher than conventional mortgage rates. The exact premium depends on the program type, credit score, LTV, and property type. Borrowers with strong credit (740+) and significant down payments (25%+) can often secure Non-QM rates within 0.50-0.75% of conventional rates.

Can I refinance from a Non-QM loan to a conventional loan later? Yes. Many New York borrowers use Non-QM loans as a bridge to conventional financing. Once your income documentation, credit score, or financial situation improves, you can refinance into a conventional loan with potentially lower rates. There is no restriction on refinancing from Non-QM to conventional.

Explore New York Non-QM Resources

New York Location Hub

Visit our [New York Non-QM Lending page](/locations/new-york) for a comprehensive overview of Non-QM mortgage options across the state, including lender directories, market statistics, and program comparisons.

New York City Guides

Explore Non-QM lending options in specific New York markets:

  • [New York City Non-QM Lenders](/locations/new-york/new-york-city) — Local lender directory, market data, and neighborhood insights
  • [Buffalo Non-QM Lenders](/locations/new-york/buffalo) — Local lender directory, market data, and neighborhood insights
  • [Albany Non-QM Lenders](/locations/new-york/albany) — Local lender directory, market data, and neighborhood insights

Related New York Articles

  • [Best DSCR Lenders in New York 2026](/blog/best-dscr-lenders-new-york-2026)
  • [Bank Statement Loans in New York 2026](/blog/bank-statement-loans-new-york-2026)

Loan Program Details

  • [All Non-QM Loan Programs](/programs) — Browse all available programs
  • [Non-QM vs Conventional Loans](/blog/non-qm-vs-conventional-loans) — Side-by-side comparison
  • [Get Pre-Approved](/get-started) — Start your application today

Topics covered:

non-qm new-yorknew-york mortgage guidenon-qm loansalternative mortgagenew-york lendersmortgage guide 2026

Ready to Get Started?

Connect with lenders who specialize in the loan programs discussed in this article.

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