Down Payment Assistance in Ohio: Grants, Loans & Buyer Programs

What Is Down Payment Assistance?

Down payment assistance (DPA) is funding that helps eligible homebuyers cover the upfront costs of purchasing a home, including the down payment and sometimes closing costs. Assistance may be offered as grants, forgivable loans, deferred loans, or low-interest repayable loans, depending on the program.

Buying a home is a major milestone—and for many buyers, the biggest barrier is the down payment. Rising home prices and everyday expenses can make saving feel overwhelming, but down payment assistance programs are designed to help reduce those upfront costs and make homeownership more attainable.

What Is a Down Payment?

A down payment is the upfront cash you put toward a home’s purchase price before financing the rest with a mortgage. It’s typically expressed as a percentage of the total price, and most buyers put down between 3% and 20%, depending on the loan type and qualifications.

The amount required can vary based on factors such as the type of mortgage loan, the purchase price of the home, and available assistance programs. For many buyers, assistance programs help bridge the gap between savings and affordability.

Types of Down Payment Assistance

Down payment assistance programs can take several forms:

• Grants – Funds that do not need to be repaid

• Forgivable loans – Loans forgiven after a set period if program conditions are met

• Deferred loans – Loans with no payments due until the home is sold or refinanced

• Low-interest loans – Repayable over time, often with favorable terms

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Who Qualifies for Down Payment Assistance Programs?

Many down payment assistance programs are designed for first-time homebuyers, but the definition is broader than it sounds. In many cases, buyers who have not owned a home in the past three years may still qualify.

Common eligibility requirements often include:

• Income and purchase price limits based on area median income (AMI)

• Minimum credit score thresholds (often around 620 or higher)

• Completion of a homebuyer education course

• Purchasing a home within specific price or location guidelines

What Down Payment Assistance Programs Are Available in Ohio?

Down payment assistance programs vary by state, county, and city. In Ohio, eligible buyers may have access to a range of statewide, regional, and local programs.

Statewide & Regional Programs

• OHFA Your Choice! DPA – Offers 2.5% or 5% of the home’s purchase price toward your down payment, closing costs, or other pre-closing expenses. Assistance is forgiven after seven years; if you sell your home within seven years, you must repay the assistance provided.
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• Welcome Home Program (WHP) – Provides grants of up to $20,000 for down payment and closing costs for low- and moderate-income homebuyers. Available through participating lenders on a first-come, first-served basis.
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• Miami Valley Community Action Partnership (MVCAP) – Offers up to $5,000 in down payment assistance and homebuyer counseling for prospective homeowners at or below 65% of the Area Median Income (AMI) in Montgomery, Greene, Darke, and Preble counties.
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• HomeOwnership Center of Greater Dayton – Provides a down payment assistance program offering up to 10% of the home’s purchase price (not to exceed $8,000) for first-time homebuyers in Montgomery County (excluding Dayton and Kettering). This is a 0% deferred second mortgage.
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• Miami Valley Fair Housing Center – ICF Program – In partnership with the HomeOwnership Center of Greater Dayton, offers up to a 20% equity contribution in the form of down payment assistance for eligible buyers in ZIP codes 45417 (Dayton) and 45426 (Trotwood).
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City-Specific Programs

• City of Kettering First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program – Provides up to 10% of the home’s purchase price (up to $20,000) in down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers purchasing within Kettering city limits. The program is administered in partnership with Day Air Credit Union.
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• City of Middletown HOME Program – Offers non-repayable loans of up to $5,000 (6% of the purchase price) for down payment and closing costs for homebuyers purchasing within Middletown city limits. Additional incentives are available for purchases in target neighborhoods.
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• Butler County Down Payment Assistance Program – Provides assistance to eligible low-income first-time homebuyers purchasing single-family homes in Butler County, including the cities of Hamilton and Middletown.
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• Clark County CHIP Homeownership Assistance Program – Offers down payment assistance and property rehabilitation assistance for eligible homebuyers in Clark County, including Springfield. Funding is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
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• City of Dayton Down Payment Assistance Program – Provides qualifying individuals and families with up to 10% of the purchase price of a home purchased in the city of Dayton.
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• City of Troy’s Homebuyer Incentive Program (HIP) – Offers down payment and/or closing cost assistance in the amounts of $15,000 & $20,000 to income-eligible first-time homebuyers in Troy.
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• City of Troy Residential Exterior Housing Improvement Loan Program – Provides loans up to $40,000 for exterior home improvements to eligible homeowners in Troy.
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• City of Cincinnati American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) – Provides down payment assistance of up to $14,000 to lower- to middle-income first-time homebuyers buying a single-family property in Cincinnati.
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• The Port – Communities First Down Payment Assistance Program – Offers 3%, 4%, or 5% down payment assistance grants to eligible homebuyers in Cincinnati.
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• HomeBase Cincinnati Down Payment Assistance Program – Provides down payment assistance funds to support the efforts of member Community Development Corporations (CDCs) to increase sales of property renovated or constructed by local CDCs in Cincinnati.
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• NEST Egg Homebuyers Assistance – Offers grants equal to 10% of the home purchase price up to $15,000 to eligible recipients purchasing a home offered for sale by NEST in Cincinnati.
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How Much Down Payment Assistance Can You Get?

The amount of assistance available depends on the specific program, household income, and the purchase price of the home. Some programs offer a percentage of the purchase price, while others cap assistance at a fixed dollar amount. For many eligible buyers, assistance can total several thousand dollars or more.

Why Down Payment Assistance Matters

With rising home prices and inflation, saving for a down payment can feel out of reach. Down payment assistance programs help reduce upfront costs and make homeownership more accessible, particularly for:

• First time homebuyers
• Single parents
• Veterans
• Educators and first responders
• Buyers in rural or underserved areas

Homeownership Might Be Closer Than You Think

Down payment assistance can be the difference between continuing to rent and becoming a homeowner. With the right information and support, many buyers find that homeownership is achievable sooner than expected.

If you have questions, a Coldwell Banker Heritage agent can help guide you through the process and connect you with trusted lenders who understand local assistance programs.

Let’s make your dream home a reality—with the right guidance and support.