Skip to content
Purchase Mortgage Loan

Ohio down payment assistance programs

Quick answer

Ohio buyers can get down payment help from City of Columbus Department of Development - Housing Division. We verified 5 statewide programs, including American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) (Up to 6% of the purchase price with a maximum of $14,999). Most programs require using the agency's first mortgage, meeting income limits and completing homebuyer education. Details below come from the official agency site.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsPrograms last verified

What down payment assistance does Ohio offer?

ProgramAmountTypeMin. creditFirst-time only?
American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI)Up to 6% of the purchase price with a maximum of $14,999Forgivable loanNot statedYes
American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI)Up to $14,999Deferred-payment loanNot statedYes
Cuyahoga County Down Payment Assistance ProgramUp to 10% of purchase price or up to $20,900Deferred-payment loanNot statedSee program
Home at LastUp to $12,500; up to $20,000 in target neighborhoodsGrant (no repayment)Not statedYes
OHFA Down Payment Assistance3% (conventional) or 3.5% (FHA, VA, USDA) of the purchase priceForgivable loan640See program

How do I apply for Ohio down payment assistance?

  1. Find a participating lender approved by City of Columbus Department of Development - Housing Division.
  2. Get pre-approved for the agency's first mortgage and confirm you meet income and price limits.
  3. Complete the required homebuyer education course.
  4. Your lender reserves the assistance when you go under contract.

Cities in Ohio

Other states with verified programs

Frequently asked questions

American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI): Up to 6% of the purchase price with a maximum of $14,999; American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI): Up to $14,999; Cuyahoga County Down Payment Assistance Program: Up to 10% of purchase price or up to $20,900; Home at Last: Up to $12,500; up to $20,000 in target neighborhoods; OHFA Down Payment Assistance: 3% (conventional) or 3.5% (FHA, VA, USDA) of the purchase price.

Most verified programs here target first-time buyers or have eligibility exceptions; check each program's official page.

Published minimums range from 640 to 640 among the programs we verified.

Sources

Data last updated October 25, 2026.

Find a lender for Ohio assistance

Answer a few quick questions and get matched with purchase mortgage lenders in your area. Free, and it won't affect your credit score.

Get My Matches

Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.