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Down Payment Assistance Programs in Ohio

One of the biggest barriers to homeownership is the down payment. Ohio offers several programs that can help first-time buyers close that gap — including grants and low-interest loans you may not know about.

One of the most common questions first-time buyers ask is: "How do I save enough for a down payment?" The answer might surprise you. Ohio has some of the most accessible down payment assistance programs in the country — and many first-time buyers qualify without even realizing it.

Down payment assistance comes in several forms: grants that never need to be repaid, low-interest forgivable loans, and deferred-payment loans that are due only when you sell or refinance. Some programs also cover closing costs, making homeownership even more accessible.

Welcome Home Ohio

Up to $30,000 assistance

Welcome Home Ohio is a state-funded program that provides up to $30,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for qualified first-time home buyers. The assistance comes as a 0% interest, deferred-payment loan that is forgiven after seven years in the home. To qualify, you must meet income limits (typically 80% of area median income, which varies by county) and complete a homebuyer education course approved by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA).

Income limits (example): In Montgomery County (Dayton area), the limit for a 1-2 person household is approximately $65,000. In Greene County (Beavercreek area), it's similar. Check current OHFA limits for your specific county.

OHFA First-Time Homebuyer Program

Up to 5% of purchase price

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) offers a combined first mortgage and down payment assistance program for first-time buyers (or those who haven't owned a home in the past three years). The down payment assistance is a second mortgage of up to 5% of the purchase price, and it can be used for both the down payment and closing costs. The interest rate on the first mortgage is typically below market rate. The second mortgage has no interest and requires no monthly payment — it's due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.

Ohio Heroes Program

For teachers, first responders, healthcare workers & veterans

Ohio Heroes provides below-market mortgage interest rates and down payment assistance to Ohio's public service professionals — including teachers, police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, healthcare workers, and veterans. Eligible buyers can receive a reduced interest rate (typically 1% below market) and 2% to 5% down payment assistance. This program is especially relevant in communities like Dayton, where Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, multiple hospitals, and school districts drive demand for public service professionals.

Grants for Grads

Recent Ohio college graduates

Grants for Grads helps recent college graduates in Ohio (graduated within the last four years from an accredited Ohio institution) with down payment assistance and reduced mortgage rates. You must have a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. The program provides a reduced interest rate through participating lenders plus down payment assistance of 2% to 5% of the purchase price. It's designed to keep Ohio's educated workforce rooted in the state — and it works.

Local Down Payment Assistance

Many Ohio cities and counties offer their own down payment assistance programs. Ask your Glasshouse agent about programs in your target area:

Dayton/Montgomery County: The Montgomery County HOME Consortium offers up to $15,000 in down payment assistance for income-eligible first-time buyers.
Cincinnati/Hamilton County: The Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority and local community development corporations offer forgivable loans and grants.
Cleveland/Cuyahoga County: The CHN Housing Partners and Cleveland Housing Network offer programs including down payment assistance and homebuyer education.

Eligibility

How to qualify for Ohio down payment assistance

Most Ohio DPA programs follow similar guidelines. Here's what you typically need:

First-time buyer status: You haven't owned a home in the past three years (some programs have exceptions)

Income limits: Your household income must fall below program-specific thresholds (typically 80%–120% of area median income)

Credit score: Most programs require a minimum credit score of 640 (some go lower)

Homebuyer education: Most programs require an approved homebuyer education course (typically 6–8 hours, online or in person)

Purchase price limits: The home's purchase price must fall below program-specific caps (varies by county)

Occupancy: You must live in the home as your primary residence

Action Plan

Your next steps for down payment assistance

1 Check income limits for the county where you want to buy. Your Glasshouse agent can help you find current numbers.
2 Complete an OHFA-approved homebuyer education course. These are typically 6–8 hours and cost $50–$100.
3 Connect with a lender who participates in Ohio DPA programs. Not all lenders offer OHFA and other assistance loans.
4 Get pre-approved through a DPA-participating lender. Your agent can recommend local lenders with DPA experience.
5 Start house hunting with your agent — knowing exactly how much assistance you qualify for and what your budget looks like.

Want to know how much assistance you qualify for?

A Glasshouse agent can connect you with a lender who specializes in Ohio's down payment assistance programs — and help you navigate every step of the application process.

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