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Homebuyer Programs in Canton, OH (2026)

Last updated April 8, 2026 | Population: 69,755 | Median home price: $145,000 | Est. closing costs: $3,000 - $4,500

Skyline of Canton, OH

Canton is the county seat of Stark County in northeastern Ohio, known as the birthplace of professional football and home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. With a median home price around $145,000, Canton is one of the most affordable markets in the state. First-time homebuyers can access the City of Canton Down Payment Assistance Program, which provides up to $5,000 as a forgivable loan after 5 years. State programs add significant value: the OHFA Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance offers 3% to 3.5% of the purchase price as a forgivable loan, and the FHLB Cincinnati Welcome Home Program provides grants of $10,000 to $20,000. Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio also serves the Canton area with affordable homeownership opportunities for lower-income families.

Top Homebuyer Programs in Canton

City of Canton Down Payment Assistance Program
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to $5,000 toward down payment and closing costs
First-time only:
Yes
Stark County Regional Planning Homebuyer Assistance Program
Type:
Grant
Amount:
Up to 7% of the purchase price toward down payment and closing costs
First-time only:
Yes
FHA Loans
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
FHLBA Community Partners Product
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to $20,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
First-time only:
No
FHLBA First Time Homebuyer Product
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to $17,500 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
First-time only:
Yes
FHLBA Workforce Housing Plus+
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
First-time only:
No
Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD)
Type:
Government Property Sale Program
Amount:
50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
First-time only:
Yes
Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac)
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
HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae)
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
HUD $100 Down Program
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
USDA Rural Development Loans
Type:
Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
Amount:
100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
First-time only:
No
VA Loans
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
Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio Homeownership Program
Type:
Zero-Interest Loan
Amount:
Affordable mortgages with payments capped at no more than 30% of monthly income; homes sold at no profit
First-time only:
No
Communities First Ohio Down Payment Assistance (The Port)
Type:
Grant
Amount:
3%, 4%, or 5% of the purchase price as a grant toward down payment and closing costs
First-time only:
No
FHLB Cincinnati Welcome Home Program
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
OHFA Grants for Grads
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
OHFA Mortgage Tax Credit
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
OHFA Ohio Heroes
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
OHFA Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance
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

How to Apply

  1. Step 1:

    Check your eligibility. The City of Canton DPA requires first-time homebuyer status and low-to-moderate income (at or below 80% AMI). You must also contribute a minimum of $500 of your own funds.

  2. Step 2:

    Complete housing counseling. Community Building Partnership is the HUD-certified counseling agency for the Canton area. Contact them at 330-458-0962 or info@communitybuildingpartnership.org for required homebuyer education.

  3. Step 3:

    Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Work with an OHFA-approved lender to explore state programs like Your Choice! DPA or the Welcome Home Program grants. Find participating lenders at myohiohome.org.

  4. Step 4:

    Apply for city down payment assistance. Contact the City of Canton Department of Community Development or Community Building Partnership to apply for up to $5,000 in forgivable DPA.

  5. Step 5:

    Find a home within Canton city limits. The home must be within Canton corporate limits for the city DPA. Buyers purchasing outside Canton but in Stark County may qualify for the Stark County Regional Planning Homebuyer Assistance Program (up to 7% of purchase price).

  6. Step 6:

    Close on your home. Your DPA funds will be structured as a forgivable loan, forgiven after 5 years of continuous owner-occupancy.

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