Down payment assistance, grants, forgivable loans, and tax credits available to Ohio buyers. Each program below is verified, with eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and a direct link to the official agency.
Last reviewed September 2026·5 programs·6 federal programs
3% (conventional) or 3.5% (government loans) of purchase price
3% (conventional) or 3.5% (FHA/VA/USDA) of purchase price as a seven-year forgivable second mortgage; fully repayable if the home is sold within seven years. Available with OHFA First-Time Homebuyer, Ohio Heroes or Next Home (repeat buyer) loans. Min credit 640 (650 for FHA).
Income limit
Income limits vary by county
Minimum credit score640
First-time buyer requiredNo
Special requirements: Must use OHFA first mortgage. Homebuyer education required.
3% (conventional) or 3.5% (FHA/VA/USDA) of purchase price in down payment assistance
OHFA first mortgage for buyers who are NOT first-time homebuyers, with optional OHFA Down Payment Assistance (seven-year forgivable second mortgage, repayable if sold within seven years). Can be combined with Ohio Heroes; may also be used unassisted.
Income limit
OHFA income and purchase price limits by county apply (same as First-Time Homebuyer Program)
Minimum credit score640
First-time buyer requiredNo
Special requirements: Min credit 640 (conventional/USDA/VA) or 650 (FHA); DTI limits by score; homebuyer education required; OHFA-approved lender.
View official program page
Apply through an OHFA-approved lender; call OHFA at 888-362-6432.Verified September 2026
OHFA Ohio Heroes
Administered by Ohio Housing Finance Agency
0.25% discount on mortgage interest rate; can be paired with OHFA 3%/3.5% down payment assistance
Discounted OHFA first-mortgage rate (0.25% off) for veterans/military, police, firefighters, EMTs/paramedics, physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, STNAs, and pre-K-12 teachers/administrators/counselors; may be combined with OHFA DPA. Available to first-time buyers and, via Next Home, repeat buyers.
Special requirements: Must be employed in qualifying profession (military/veterans, police, fire, EMTs/paramedics, physicians, nurses, STNAs, pre-K-12 educators).
MTC Plus: 40% of mortgage interest, up to $2,000 per year; MTC Basic: 15% (20% in target areas)
Federal mortgage credit certificate claimed annually for the life of the loan (up to 30 years). MTC Plus is issued with OHFA first-time homebuyer loans (including DPA, Heroes, Grants for Grads); MTC Basic is a stand-alone certificate for non-OHFA fixed-rate loans.
Income limit
OHFA MTC income and purchase price limits by county apply
Minimum credit score640
First-time buyer requiredYes
Special requirements: First-time buyer (no ownership in last three years), target-area purchase, or honorably discharged veteran; MTC Plus min credit 640 (650 FHA), MTC Basic has no credit minimum; $250 (Plus) or $500 (Basic) OHFA fee; subject to federal recapture tax.
View official program page
Apply through an OHFA-approved lender before closing; call 888-362-6432.Verified September 2026
Federal programs (also available to Ohio buyers)
Good Neighbor Next Door
HUD · Federal program
50% off list price
Law enforcement, teachers, firefighters, and EMTs can buy HUD homes at 50% discount in revitalization areas.
3% minimum down payment with no minimum borrower contribution; income at or below 80% AMI (2026 AMIs effective June 13, 2026); reduced, cancellable mortgage insurance; $2,500 credit for very low-income first-time buyers on loans purchased through February 28, 2027.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?
Most Ohio programs require first-time buyer status, but the definition is broader than most people think — the IRS considers you a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a primary residence in the last three years. Each program above lists its specific rules.
What credit score do I need?
Minimum credit scores vary by program. Most Ohio programs require 620 to 660, though some lower-tier products accept lower scores with manual underwriting. Check each program's eligibility section above.
How do I actually apply?
Most state programs aren't applied to directly — you go through a participating lender, who handles the program application as part of your mortgage. Each program above links to the official agency page with the current list of approved lenders.
Can I combine multiple programs?
Often yes — many states allow you to stack a state down-payment grant with a federal FHA or VA loan. Some programs explicitly forbid combining; check each program's "special requirements" above.
Do these programs cost anything?
The programs themselves are free to apply for. Some require completing a homebuyer education course (typically $50–$100, sometimes free). Forgivable second mortgages technically don't cost you unless you sell or refinance early — read the terms carefully.
