Down payment assistance in Ohio
Ohio's primary statewide down payment assistance program, run by Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA). Numbers and eligibility reflect the program's published 2025 guidelines.
Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance
Forgivable second- Maximum assistance
- 2.5% or 5% of purchase price as a forgivable second
- Income limit
- Up to $146,160 (varies by county and household)
- Home price limit
- Up to $501,365
- First-time buyer
- Preferred (some products)
- Eligible loan types
- FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
- •Fully forgiven after 7 years.
- •Grants for Grads adds extra DPA for recent college graduates.
How Ohio DPA fits into your purchase
Down payment assistance reduces the cash you need at the closing table. Ohio's Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance pairs with the standard FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgage from a participating lender; the DPA flows through the same closing.
Two things to budget for: most state DPA requires a homebuyer-education course (typically online, 6-8 hours, ~$75) and you usually have to use a lender on the agency's approved list. The agency keeps the list public on its website.
Common questions
Ohio's primary statewide DPA is Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance from Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA). 2.5% or 5% of purchase price as a forgivable second. Many Ohio cities and counties also run additional DPA layered on top.
Some product variants are first-time-buyer only; others are open to repeat buyers. Check the agency page for the current matrix.
Yes. Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance works with these loan types: FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional. The DPA is layered behind your first mortgage as a separate lien (or grant), and both close together.
Usually no. Deferred and forgivable loans typically have no monthly payment, so most lenders do not include them in your DTI calculation.
If you sell or refinance before the forgiveness period ends, you typically have to repay the unforgiven portion.