Columbus & Ohio Housing Assistance Programs

Buying a home is a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. Columbus and Ohio offer a variety of programs to help with down payments, closing costs, and housing support. Here are some key resources available to first-time and repeat buyers.

Down Payment & Homebuyer Assistance

• OHFA Down Payment Assistance / OHFA Homebuyer Program
  Help with down payment & closing costs (3–3.5%). Income, purchase price, and credit limits apply.
  Learn more at myohiohome.org
• Columbus American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI)
  Deferred loan up to 6% of purchase price (max $5,000). For first-time buyers in Columbus City/School District.
  City of Columbus Housing Division
• Franklin County First Time Homebuyer Program
  Down payment & closing cost assistance for first-time buyers (outside Columbus city limits in Franklin County).
  Franklin County Economic Development
• OSU Faculty & Staff Homeownership Incentive
  $3,000 forgivable loan toward purchase in the University District (for OSU employees).
  Program details (PDF)
• Grants for Grads (OHFA)
  Down payment assistance for recent graduates (degree within last 4 years).
  Learn more at myohiohome.org
• YourChoice! Down Payment Assistance (OHFA)
  2.5% or 5% of purchase price toward down payment or closing costs.
  Learn more at myohiohome.org

Additional Local Housing Support

• City of Columbus Housing Programs
  Down payment aid, home repair, and senior/disabled support programs.
  Columbus Housing Programs
• CHORES Program (Columbus)
  Home maintenance/repair support for seniors and disabled residents.
  Learn more
• Homeport / Affordable Housing Alliance
  Nonprofit offering affordable housing and recent $25,000 grants for first-time buyers in Franklin County.
  Read announcement

Note: Program availability and requirements change. Please check the linked resources for the most up-to-date information.