What is down payment assistance?
Down payment assistance (DPA) is help — usually a grant or a second loan — that covers part of your down payment and/or closing costs. In Ohio, most assistance comes through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), with additional programs from the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. You apply through an approved lender alongside your main mortgage.
OHFA programs
Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance
OHFA's flagship program provides 2.5% or 5% of the home's purchase price toward your down payment and closing costs, paired with a 30-year fixed mortgage.
Grants for Grads
Recent Ohio graduates (within the last 48 months) can get discounted rates and down payment help to stay and buy in Ohio.
Mortgage Tax Credit
A federal income tax credit on a portion of your mortgage interest each year you live in the home — real money back annually.
Ohio Heroes
Discounted mortgage rates for veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, teachers, and other public servants.
City of Cleveland & Cuyahoga County programs
Neighborhood & county grants
Beyond OHFA, local programs can add to your assistance — especially in target neighborhoods:
- City of Cleveland down payment & rehab assistance for owner-occupants in eligible areas.
- Cuyahoga County down payment assistance for moderate-income buyers.
- Nonprofit & employer programs — some Cleveland employers and CDCs offer matched savings or grants.
Who qualifies?
Each program sets its own rules, but most look at:
- Income limits — based on household size and county (Cuyahoga has its own limits).
- Purchase price limits — the home must fall under a program maximum.
- First-time buyer status — often required, though waived in some target areas.
- Homebuyer education — a short course is usually required before closing.
- Credit & loan type — typically pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional financing.
How to get down payment assistance
Check your eligibility
Confirm income, price, and first-time status against the program limits.
Choose your loan
Pair assistance with an FHA or conventional loan — see our first-time buyer guide.
Take the homebuyer course
Complete the required education (often online and free).
Apply through an approved lender
An OHFA-approved lender bundles the assistance with your mortgage at closing.
Compare OHFA-approved lenders
We earn a fee when you connect with a partner — it never changes what you pay.
Down payment assistance FAQ
It depends on the program. Some OHFA assistance is a second loan that's forgiven over time or repaid when you sell or refinance; others are grants. We'll explain the exact terms for the programs you qualify for.
Yes — that's one of the most common combinations in Cleveland. OHFA's Your Choice! assistance pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans.
OHFA sets income limits by county and household size, and they're updated periodically. Start a quote and we'll check the current Cuyahoga County limits against your situation.
Many programs require it (no primary-residence ownership in the last 3 years), but the requirement is waived in certain target areas and for some programs like Ohio Heroes.
Down Payment Assistance Programs
Discover Ohio and Cleveland programs that help with down payments and closing costs.