Grants, forgivable loans, and subsidized mortgages — many Ohio buyers qualify for thousands+ in assistance and don't even know it.
Find your programs →Click any program for full details, eligibility, and how to apply.
3% for conventional or 3.5% for FHA/VA/USDA loans. Forgiven completely after 7 years.
Forgivable loanHouse-hack eligibleChoose 2.5% or 5% of purchase price for down payment and closing costs. Forgiven after 7 years.
Forgivable loanHouse-hack eligibleDiscounted mortgage rate for teachers, nurses, police, firefighters, EMTs, veterans, and military. Pairs with DPA.
Rate discountHouse-hack eligible30-year fixed-rate loan for repeat buyers. Can pair with 2.5% YourChoice DPA.
Subsidized loanHouse-hack eligibleDiscounted mortgage rate for graduates within 18 months of earning a degree. Stackable with DPA.
Rate discountHouse-hack eligibleTax credit of up to 40% of annual mortgage interest paid, up to $2,000 per year for the life of the loan.
Annual tax credit3-5% of purchase price as a TRUE GRANT — no repayment ever. Through Port of Greater Cincinnati.
GrantHouse-hack eligibleDeferred loan to help first-time buyers in Columbus cover down payment and closing costs.
Deferred loan3.5% down payment with 580+ credit. The most popular first-time buyer loan in America.
Subsidized loanHouse-hack eligibleZero down payment, no PMI for eligible veterans and active-duty service members.
Federal benefitHouse-hack eligibleZero down payment for rural and suburban areas. 97% of US land qualifies.
Subsidized loan3% down with reduced mortgage insurance for low-to-moderate income buyers.
Subsidized loanHouse-hack eligible3% down with flexible funding sources including gifts and employer assistance.
Subsidized loanHouse-hack eligibleNo down payment, no closing costs, no PMI, below-market rate. Character-based lending.
Nonprofit programHouse-hack eligible50% off purchase price for teachers, law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTs.
GrantThere are 8 state-specific programs and 7 federal programs available in Ohio, totaling 15 programs.
Not all programs require first-time buyer status. Several Ohio programs are available to repeat buyers. 'First-time buyer' means you haven't owned a home in the past 3 years.
Yes. Many DPA programs allow 1-4 unit properties. Live in one unit and rent the others — this is called house-hacking.