Updated 1/26/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.

Connect with a DPA team

How Down Payment Assistance Works

I need to give a quick overview of how down payment assistance works. After that, the programs are listed.

With down payment assistance, you'll run into two different types:

  • A grant

  • A loan

A Grant

If we meet the qualifications up front, then it's money that does not need to be repaid.

A Loan

If the down payment assistance comes in the form of a loan, then pay attention to the three different types:

  • Repayable

  • Deferred

  • Forgivable

Repayable is just as most imagine. It charges interest over a certain amount of time, with monthly payments until it's paid off.

Deferred loans usually don't require a monthly payment, and typically don't charge interest. It's due in full when you refinance, sell the home, or when it ceases to be your primary residence.

Forgivable loans will disappear if you meet the criteria, which usually comes down to keeping the home as your primary residence for a specific amount of time.

Okay with that, here are the programs!

Ohio 

OHFA Down Payment Assistance

  • Assistance: Provides 3% (for Conventional loans) or 3.5% (for FHA, VA, USDA loans) of the purchase price.

  • Terms: Forgivable second mortgage with a 7-year term. It is forgiven after 7 years if you remain in the home. If you sell or refinance before then, the full amount must be repaid.

  • Eligibility: Homebuyers meeting OHFA income and purchase price limits. Credit score requirements apply (typically 640–650).

  • More Information: OHFA Down Payment Assistance

Grants for Grads Program

  • Assistance: Provides 3% or 3.5% down payment assistance (depending on loan type) plus a potentially discounted interest rate.

  • Terms: Forgivable after 5 years. You must reside in the home and remain in Ohio. 20% is forgiven each year.

  • Eligibility: Recent graduates who have earned an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree within the past 18 months.

  • More Information: https://myohiohome.org/grantsforgrads.aspx

Ohio Heroes Program

  • Assistance: Offers a 0.25% interest rate reduction on the first mortgage. This can often be combined with the standard Down Payment Assistance program.

  • Eligibility: Veterans, active-duty military, police, fire, EMTs, paramedics, physicians, nurses, teachers, and administrators.

  • More Information: https://myohiohome.org/ohioheroes.aspx

Communities First Ohio Down Payment Assistance

  • Assistance: Provides a grant of 3% to 5% of the purchase price.

  • Terms: True Grant (Gift). There is no repayment required, and no second mortgage lien is placed on the property. (Note: This option usually comes with a slightly higher interest rate on the first mortgage).

  • Eligibility: Available statewide; income limits are generally generous (often 115% AMI).

  • https://www.cincinnatiport.org/communities-first/

Cuyahoga County Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Administered by: CHN Housing Partners

  • Assistance: Provides up to 10% of the purchase price (max assistance approx. $20,900) toward down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: Deferred second mortgage. Repayment is due upon sale, transfer, or refinance.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers (not owned in 3 years) purchasing a single-family home in Cuyahoga County (excluding some cities with their own programs). Income limits apply (80% AMI).

  • More Information: Cuyahoga County Assistance

Cincinnati Area Welcome Home Program (FHLB)

  • Assistance: Grants of up to $20,000 (or $25,000 for veterans) for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: Forgivable after 5 years. Funds are distributed by member banks (e.g., local credit unions) on a first-come, first-served basis. The application window opens in the spring and the date changes each year — check with FHLB Cincinnati or a member bank for the current opening date.

  • Eligibility: Low-to-moderate income homebuyers purchasing a primary residence.

  • More Information: FHLB Cincinnati Welcome Home

City of Toledo Home At Last Program

City of Columbus American Dream Down Payment Initiative (ADDI)

  • Assistance: Provides up to 6% of the purchase price, with a maximum loan of $14,999, for down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms: Deferred, forgivable loan. You must live in the home for 5 years after closing — during which it cannot be sold, rented, or transferred — after which the mortgage and restrictive covenant are released and the loan is forgiven. Selling within those 5 years means repaying the City from the sale proceeds.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers (no ownership in the past 3 years) purchasing a single-family home or condo within Columbus city limits. Household income must be at or below 120% AMI. Buyers must contribute $500 of their own funds (cannot be gifted), complete homebuyer education through a HUD-certified agency, use a City-certified lender, and fall within 35% housing and 45% total debt-to-income ratios. Minimum 6 months of Ohio residency required.

  • More Information: Columbus Homebuyer Assistance

Summit County First Home First Loan

  • Assistance: Provides a 3-to-1 matching loan up to $12,000.

  • Terms: Deferred 0% interest loan. Repayable only when the home is sold, transferred, or no longer owner-occupied.

  • Eligibility: First-time buyers in Summit County (excluding Akron, Barberton, and Cuyahoga Falls, which have their own funds).

  • More Information: Summit County First Home

Updated 1/26/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.