Down payment assistance

Down payment assistance in Ohio

1 program can help buyers in Ohio with a down payment and closing costs. Most are for first-time buyers with moderate incomes and are used with a participating lender.

Check which programs fit your situationDown payment assistance finder

OHFA Down Payment Assistance

Open · Forgivable loan

3% of the home's purchase price for conventional loans or 3.5% for government loans (FHA, VA, USDA), rounded down to the nearest dollar

A forgivable second mortgage paired with an OHFA 30-year fixed first mortgage, usable for down payment, closing costs and pre-closing expenses. It is forgiven after seven years; if you sell within seven years you repay all of it, and a refinance outside OHFA's own refinance program also makes it due in full. OHFA's Ohio Heroes rate discount can be combined with it.

Who qualifies: Income and purchase price limits by county. Minimum credit score 640 for conventional, USDA and VA loans; 650 for FHA. Must meet debt-to-income limits for the loan type. Homebuyer education required (completed after the loan application is submitted). Must use an OHFA-approved lender.

Ohio Housing Finance Agency · Agency website → · Checked 2026-09-30

How assistance usually works

Most programs are a second loan with no monthly payment that is forgiven over time or repaid when you sell or refinance, and some are grants. You usually need a program first mortgage from a participating lender, a homebuyer education course and income under the program’s limit. Apply before you make offers, so your pre-approval reflects the help.

More for Ohio

Ohio closing costs Ohio property taxes Where can I afford to buy in Ohio?Down payment timeline

Programs change often; confirm the details with the agency.