Ohio’s housing market offers a mix of affordability and opportunity, with home prices generally below the national average. For those looking to buy a home, it’s important to understand the resources that can make the process more affordable and accessible.
To make homeownership more achievable, Ohio provides a variety of down payment assistance (DPA) programs at the state, county, and city levels. These programs include grants, forgivable loans, and deferred-payment options designed to reduce upfront costs and support long-term financial stability.
This guide highlights some of the most accessible and impactful DPA programs across Ohio. While not a complete list, it focuses on programs that serve a wide range of buyers and income levels. We’ll continue to update this page as new opportunities become available or existing programs evolve.
What's Happening in the Ohio Housing Market?
Compared to many parts of the country, the housing market in Ohio is moving along as a relatively strong pace. While many states are seeing stagnant or declining home values. home prices in Ohio continue to increase.
Inventory is increasing, but not at a fast enough rate to keep up with buyer demand. This is especially true in many of the larger metro areas.
For homebuyers, first-timers in particular, these rising prices and still-strong competition can make purchasing difficult and increase the needs for many prospective homeowners to seek out down payment assistance options.
Statewide Down Payment Assistance Programs
Ohio offers several strong statewide programs that can help make your homeownership dreams a reality, regardless of which city or county you plan to buy in.
Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) Down Payment Assistance
The OHFA Down Payment Assistance Program offers 3% of the purchase price for conventional loans and 3.5% for FHA/VA/USDA loans in the form of a 0%-interest second mortgage with no monthly payments that is forgiven after seven years if the buyer remains as the owner occupier and doesn't refinance.
Eligibility: Buyers must meet OHFA income and purchase price limits, have a minimum credit score of 640, and use an OHFA 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage.
Communities First - Ohio (The Port of Greater Cincinnati)
The Communities First Program provides 3%, 4%, or 5% of the loan amount as a true grant for down payment or closing costs, meaning it never has to be repaid.
Eligibility: Buyers must have a minimum credit score of 620, meet lender-specific income guidelines, and use a participating lender; the program is open to both first-time and repeat buyers statewide.
OHFA Grants for Grads
The Grants for Grads Program offers recent college graduates 3% or 3.5% down payment assistance plus a discounted interest rate, with the assistance forgiven after 5 years of Ohio residency.
Eligibility: Buyers must be first-time homebuyers who graduated within the past 18 months with an associate degree or higher, meet OHFA income and purchase price limits, and use an OHFA mortgage.
OHFA Ohio Heroes
The Ohio Heroes Program provides an interest rate discount and can be combined with OHFA down payment assistance.
Eligibility: Buyers must work in eligible professions (teachers, nurses, police, veterans, etc.), meet OHFA income criteria, have a credit score of at least 640, and use an OHFA loan product.
Down Payment Assistance Programs by County
Some counties in Ohio have established their own programs to help local buyers with targeted support.
Franklin County Down Payment Assistance
The Franklin County Down Payment Assistance Program provides up to $6,000, as a 0% deferred loan, which is forgiven after 6 years, provided all rules are followed.
Eligibility: Buyers must be first-time homebuyers purchasing outside Columbus city limits, contribute at least $500, complete a homebuyer education course, and have household income below 80% AMI.
Cuyahoga County Down Payment Assistance
The Cuyahoga County DPA Program offers homebuyers down payment assistance in the amount of 17% of the total transaction value.
Eligibility: Buyers must be first-time buyers, earn no more than 80% AMI, occupy the home as their primary residence, and complete homebuyer education. DTI ratio may not exceed 43% (28% in housing costs).
Summit County “First Home First Loan” Program
The "First Home First Loan" Program offers a 3-to-1 matching loan up to $12,000 as a 0%-interest second mortgage with no monthly payments. This is repayable upon sale, refinancing or the borrower moving out.
Eligibility: Buyers must be first-time homeowners purchasing outside Akron, Barberton, or Cuyahoga Falls, contribute funds to the purchase, meet low-to-moderate income limits, and stay within a maximum home purchase price of $163,000 (2025).
Down Payment Assistance Programs by City
Many Ohio cities have implemented their own down payment assistance programs to encourage homeownership within city limits.
City of Columbus American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI)
The Columbus “ADDI” Program offers a deferred, forgivable loan of up to 6% of the purchase price (maximum $14,999) for down payment and closing costs on a single-family home or condo within Columbus city limits.
Eligibility: First-time homebuyers with household income at or below 120% AMI. Must complete HUD-approved homebuyer education, contribute at least $500 of personal funds, meet standard debt-to-income ratios, and occupy the home as a primary residence for 5 years.
City of Cincinnati American Dream Downpayment Initiative
The Cincinnati “ADDI” Program provides $10,000, $12,000, or $14,000 in down payment assistance based on income, forgivable over 5 years.
Eligibility: Buyers must be first-time homebuyers purchasing a home in Cincinnati, complete homebuyer education, and fall within income limits tied to AMI.
City of Toledo - Home at Last
The "Home at Last" Program offers up to $7,500 (or $9,500 in targeted areas) as a grant for down payment and closing costs. Grants need never be repaid.
Eligibility: Buyers must be first-time homebuyers purchasing within Toledo city limits, earn no more than 80% AMI, contribute at least $500, and complete a HUD-approved education course.
City of Dayton DPA Program
The Dayton Down Payment Assistance Program provides up to 10% of the purchase price as a conditional grant. You must be the owner-occupier for at least five years.
Eligibility: Buyers must purchase in Dayton, have incomes below 80% AMI, contribute at least $500, purchase a home below $105,000 (existing home in 2025) or $195,000 (new home in 2025), and complete education with the Home Ownership Center of Greater Dayton.
Additional Down Payment Assistance Programs in Ohio
Here are other programs across Ohio that were not mentioned above but may still offer valuable support.
Statewide Programs
Chenoa Fund (Nationwide program available in Ohio)
City Programs
Why AMI Matters
Many, but not all, down payment assistance programs in Ohio require to applicants to meet income limit standards. These limits are typically measured in terms of the area median income, AMI, and help ensure that assistance is going to the homebuyers who need it most.
For example, the Franklin County DPA program requires a household income below 80% of AMI. If area median income is $108,600, you would need to earn below $86,880 to qualify for down payment assistance.
Final Thoughts
Ohio’s housing market offers plenty of opportunities for buyers, from affordable small towns to vibrant urban centers. From statewide grants to targeted city programs, there are dozens of opportunities to reduce upfront costs and make homeownership more affordable. Stay informed about current mortgage rates, and experiment with our loan calculators to see what’s possible in your price range. With the right planning, homeownership in Ohio could be closer than you think.
