Ohio First-Time Home Buyer Programs 2026 — OHFA Up to 5% (Forgivable)

Top Ohio first-time buyer programs 2026: (1) OHFA Your Choice! — 2.5% or 5% down payment assistance, forgivable after 7 years. (2) OHFA Grants for Grads — 2.5-5% assistance for college graduates who stay in Ohio. (3) OHFA Ohio Heroes — discounted rate for teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, veterans. (4) Ohio Mortgage Tax Credit (MCC) — federal tax credit up to $2,000/year. Most require 640+ credit score and income under $132,000.

OHFA income limits 2026 vary by county and household size. General limits: 1-2 person household: $88,000-$112,000. 3+ person household: $101,200-$128,800. Target areas have 20% higher limits. Ohio's 88 counties each have different limits. Franklin County (Columbus): up to $117,600 for a family of 3+. Cuyahoga County (Cleveland): up to $120,000. Hamilton County (Cincinnati): up to $115,200.

Yes — OHFA Your Choice! DPA is forgivable after 7 years of living in the home as your primary residence. If you sell or refinance before 7 years, you repay a prorated portion. After 7 years: the assistance is completely forgiven (free money). The assistance is 2.5% or 5% of the purchase price and can be used for down payment AND closing costs.

Minimum credit scores for Ohio programs: OHFA Your Choice!: 640 minimum. OHFA Grants for Grads: 640. OHFA Ohio Heroes: 640. FHA loans with OHFA: technically 580, but most OHFA-approved lenders require 640. VA loans with OHFA: no minimum, most lenders 620+. Higher credit score gets you a lower interest rate. With 680+ credit, you qualify for OHFA's best rates.

Yes — OHFA programs are available statewide: Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Dayton, Canton, and all 88 counties. Additionally, many Ohio cities have their own local programs: Columbus Homebuyer Assistance ($10K-$30K), Cleveland Down Payment Assistance ($17K), Cincinnati HBAR program ($5K). Use OHFA's lender locator to find approved lenders near you.