First-time home buyer programs in Columbus
City of Columbus Department of Development, Housing Division runs American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) for buyers in Columbus: up to $14,999, as a forgivable loan.
- Program available locally
- 1
- Highest amount
- $14,999
- Loan or grant
- Loan that can be forgiven
Columbus down payment help
| Program | Amount | Loan or grant | Income limit | First-time buyers only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI). It's operated by the Housing Division of City of Columbus's Department of Development. | Up to $14,999 | Loan that can be forgiven | Your household income can't be above 120% of area median income. | Yes |
American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI): who can qualify?
If you're a new buyer, you go on a waiting list for the next funding round.
- Within City of Columbus corporation limits, the property must be a single family home or condominium.
- Your household income can't be above 120% of area median income.
- Being a first-time buyer is required of you.
- Homebuyer education comes from a Housing Division HUD Certified Agency.
- The buyer must contribute $500 of own funds, and the money can't be gifted.
- Housing debt-to-income has a 35% limit, and total debt-to-income has a 45% limit.
- Permanent resident status in the United States is required, along with at least six months of residency in Ohio.
This is a deferred loan, and it's forgiven after five years of living in the home. If you sell, rent or transfer it before then, you must repay the funds from sale proceeds.
The program writes off the forgivable loan once you've kept the home for the years it sets.
The process goes through a City-certified participating lender, who sends the ADDI package once the mortgage is approved. For the full rules, see City of Columbus Department of Development, Housing Division's page for American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI).
In Columbus, you can also use Ohio's statewide programs
| Program | Amount | Loan or grant |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio OHFA Down Payment Assistance | Up to 3.5% of the price | Loan that can be forgiven |
Ohio Housing Finance Agency provides every Ohio first-time home buyer program. For Franklin County, our HUD income limits lookup provides the income figure.
Talk with a lender about a Columbus purchase
Tell us where you're buying and a lender that works with Ohio's programs can tell you which of these fit you, and which you can combine.
Would you rather not call? Give your details, and the lender will contact you.