See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent
Homebuyer Programs in Akron, OH (2026)
Akron offers first-time homebuyers several pathways to affordable homeownership. With a median home price around $131,000 — well below state and national averages — the city is one of Ohio's most accessible housing markets. Buyers can layer city-funded down payment assistance of up to $10,000 with Ohio Housing Finance Agency programs that add another 3% to 5% of the purchase price in grants or forgivable loans. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati's Welcome Home program provides up to $20,000 in additional grant funds. Combined, these resources can cover most or all of a buyer's upfront costs on a typical Akron purchase. Habitat for Humanity of Summit County also builds and sells affordable homes for qualifying families. The programs below are organized from broadest eligibility to most targeted so you can quickly identify which ones fit your situation.
County Programs in Summit County
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summit County First Home First Loan Down Payment Assistance | Deferred Loan | Up to $12,000 as a 3-to-1 down payment match | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $12,000 as a 3-to-1 down payment match
- First-time only:
- Yes
State Programs in Ohio
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communities First Ohio Down Payment Assistance (The Port) | Grant | 3%, 4%, or 5% of the purchase price as a grant toward down payment and closing costs | No | View → |
| FHLB Cincinnati Welcome Home Program | Grant | Grants of $10,000 to $20,000; up to $25,000 for veterans, active-duty military, and surviving spouses | Yes | View → |
| OHFA Grants for Grads | Forgivable Loan | 3% for Conventional loans or 3.5% for Government loans (FHA, VA, USDA) of the purchase price, plus a discounted mortgage interest rate | Yes | View → |
| OHFA Mortgage Tax Credit | Tax Credit | Federal tax credit of 40% of annual mortgage interest paid, up to $2,000 per year (with OHFA loan). 15-20% with other lenders. | Yes | View → |
| OHFA Ohio Heroes | Forgivable Loan | 3% for Conventional loans or 3.5% for Government loans (FHA, VA, USDA) of the purchase price, plus a discounted mortgage interest rate | Yes | View → |
| OHFA Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance | Forgivable Loan | 3% for Conventional loans or 3.5% for Government loans (FHA, VA, USDA) of the purchase price | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- 3%, 4%, or 5% of the purchase price as a grant toward down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Grants of $10,000 to $20,000; up to $25,000 for veterans, active-duty military, and surviving spouses
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- 3% for Conventional loans or 3.5% for Government loans (FHA, VA, USDA) of the purchase price, plus a discounted mortgage interest rate
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Tax Credit
- Amount:
- Federal tax credit of 40% of annual mortgage interest paid, up to $2,000 per year (with OHFA loan). 15-20% with other lenders.
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- 3% for Conventional loans or 3.5% for Government loans (FHA, VA, USDA) of the purchase price, plus a discounted mortgage interest rate
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- 3% for Conventional loans or 3.5% for Government loans (FHA, VA, USDA) of the purchase price
- First-time only:
- Yes
Federal Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA Loans | Government-Insured Mortgage | Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026) | No | View → |
| Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD) | Government Property Sale Program | 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes | Yes | View → |
| Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HUD $100 Down Program | FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase | Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs. | No | View → |
| USDA Rural Development Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value | No | View → |
| VA Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase
- Amount:
- Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs.
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
Nonprofit Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Habitat for Humanity of Summit County Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Homes sold with 0% interest mortgages. Affordable monthly payments based on household income. | No | View → |
| Nazareth Housing Development Corporation Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable new construction homes for low and moderate income families | No | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Homes sold with 0% interest mortgages. Affordable monthly payments based on household income.
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable new construction homes for low and moderate income families
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Review income limits, credit score requirements, and first-time buyer definitions for each program below. Most Ohio programs define first-time as not having owned a home in the past three years. Akron's city DPA requires household income at or below 80% of the area median income.
Step 2: Complete Homebuyer Education
All state and most local programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Fair Housing Contact Service in Akron offers free classes and one-on-one counseling. Call (330) 376-6191 or visit fairhousingakron.org to register.
Step 3: Get Pre-Approved with a Participating Lender
OHFA programs require an OHFA-approved lender. Ask your lender which programs you qualify for and whether benefits can be combined. Pre-approval also strengthens your offer when you find the right home.
Step 4: Apply for Down Payment Assistance
Your lender will package OHFA assistance into your loan application. For the Akron DPA, contact the City of Akron Department of Planning and Urban Development at (330) 375-2090 to begin a separate application before closing.
Step 5: Find a Home and Close
Work with a real estate agent familiar with DPA timelines. Once your offer is accepted, your lender and the assistance programs coordinate to deliver funds at closing. Be prepared for additional paperwork and allow extra time for processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a first-time homebuyer in Akron?+−
Can I combine Akron city DPA with state programs?+−
What are the income limits for Akron homebuyer programs?+−
How much does it cost to close on a home in Akron?+−
Where can I get free homebuyer counseling in Akron?+−
Do I have to repay the Akron down payment assistance?+−
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