West Haven’s housing inventory sits at just 1.9 months—half the statewide figure—so bidding wars are common under $300K. Median sale prices rose 6.2% year-over-year, driven by buyers priced out of Milford and Guilford. Condos along the shoreline start at $180K, while single-family homes in the West Haven Center historic district fetch $275–$325K after renovation. Because the city’s revaluation finished in 2023, assessed values now track market values closely; expect a tax bill near 1.72% of your purchase price unless you qualify for the state’s $300K homeowner exemption.

• Fastest-appreciating micro-markets: Bradley Point, Allingtown west of Route 122
• Steepest discounts: flood-zone Capes needing elevation certificates
• Average days on market: 18 for turnkey, 42 for fixer-uppers

Allingtown: Solid starter homes built in the 1950s, walkable to the University of New Haven campus. Expect 1,200-sq-ft Capes at $235–$250K and reasonable HOA-free living.

West Haven Center: Vintage colonials with period detail, priced $20K below comparable Milford homes. Parking can be tight, but the new commuter rail platform (opening 2025) should boost values.

Sandy Point: Quiet streets, beach access, and a community garden. Condos start at $190K with low HOA fees; perfect for teachers at nearby Bailey Middle School using CHFA’s Educator Mortgage Program.

West Haven buyers can stack multiple layers of assistance. Start with CHFA Down-Payment Assistance Program (DAP): $20,000 at 0% interest, forgiven after five years if you stay in the home. Add Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston’s Equity Builder—up to $15,000 more for households earning ≤80% area median income. Finally, the city’s Time-to-Own injects another $25,000 silent second. Combined, that’s up to $60K in free money on a $250K purchase, dropping your required cash to roughly $2,500 for inspection, appraisal, and earnest-money deposit.

NMHL participates in all three programs and will pre-approve you for the full stack in 48 hours.

West Haven’s mill rate is 33.98 for the 2024–25 fiscal year, but fire and sewer districts add separate levies. A $250K assessed home incurs roughly $4,300 in annual taxes before exemptions. Connecticut’s Homeowner Program knocks $300 off if you occupy the property and earn under $124K. Flood insurance applies to VE- and AE-zones along the shoreline; premiums range $600–$2,200 yearly depending on base-flood elevation and foundation type. NMHL’s insurance desk runs FEMA elevation certificates in-house so you know the true monthly payment before you offer.

• Fresh-Start FHA: 580 credit score, 3.5% down, accepts credit-repair letters and non-traditional trade lines like rent and utilities.
• Veteran FastTrack: VA loan with 660+ credit closes in 21 days; we cover the appraisal rush fee.
• Bank-Statement Pro: 12 months of statements, no tax returns, loan amounts to $650K, 10% down with no PMI.
• Portfolio Edge: For jumbo buyers along the Sound; 15% down to $1.2M with a 700 score.
• Fresh-Start Renovation: Combines FHA 203(k) with CHFA down-payment assistance—perfect for the flood of 1970s splits needing updates.

Every program offers a free float-down: if rates drop after you lock, we move you to the better pricing once during processing.

West Haven Public Schools serve roughly 5,500 students. The district recently opened a $85 million state-of-the-art high school, boosting neighborhood pride—and resale demand—around Carrigan Middle and Forest Elementary. Niche.com ranks West Haven High’s STEM program in Connecticut’s top 30%, attracting young families priced out of Guilford. Homes within the West Haven Center elementary zone trade at a 5–7% premium to identical houses zoned for Bailey Middle, even after adjusting for square footage. If resale potential matters, target streets feeding into the new high-school campus between Campbell Avenue and Route 162.