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Buying a home

Data from November 2026

Buying a home in Ohio

A typical home in Ohio is worth $214,800 (Average 2020–2024). The FHA limit for one unit is $541,287–$591,100 depending on the county. Here is the minimum down payment each loan type asks at that price, every county’s limit, and the state’s assistance programs.

Minimum down payment Limits by county
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Typical home
$214,800
median value, Average 2020–2024
35% less than the U.S.
FHA limit
$541,287–$591,100
one unit, by county
In 10 of the 88 counties, the limit is above the national floor ($541,287).
Conforming limit
$832,750
one unit, 2026 data
Above this amount, the loan is a “jumbo” loan.
Minimum FHA down payment
$7,518
3.5% of a $214,800 home
VA and USDA ask for no down payment if you qualify.

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Source: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Data from 2026 data Conforming loan limits (FHFA)

Down payment

How much each loan asks up front

For a $214,800 home, the typical value in Ohio. The minimum down payment is each program’s rule. The monthly figure is an example of principal and interest over 30 years at the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026): no taxes, insurance or mortgage insurance.

Your price, rate and down payment will differ: run the calculator with your numbers. Closing costs are extra.

Minimum down payment and monthly payment for a $214,800 home in Ohio

  1. FHA Program rule

    Minimum down3.5%

    In dollars$7,518

    Per month$1,404

    With a credit score of 580 or more. Carries mortgage insurance (MIP) up front and every month.

    HUD Handbook 4000.1 (Update 18), II.A.2.a.iv — Minimum Required Investment · In effect since September 14, 2016

  2. Conventional Program rule

    Minimum down3%

    In dollars$6,444

    Per month$1,411

    3% is the lowest standard option. With less than 20% down you pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) until you have more equity.

    Fannie Mae Selling Guide B5-6-01 — HomeReady Mortgage Loan and Borrower Eligibility · In effect since January 1, 2024

  3. VA Program rule

    Minimum down0%

    In dollars$0

    Per month$1,455

    For veterans, service members and some spouses. No down payment as long as the price is not above the appraisal; charges a one-time funding fee.

    VA: Purchase loan — benefits · In effect since January 1, 2020

  4. USDA Program rule

    Minimum down0%

    In dollars$0

    Per month$1,455

    Only homes in eligible rural areas and households within USDA’s income limit. Finances the full price.

    7 CFR §3555.103 — Maximum loan amount (Guaranteed Rural Housing Program) · In effect since December 9, 2013

  5. ITIN or other Example, not a rule

    Minimum down15%

    In dollars$32,220

    Per month$1,237

    ITIN loans follow no federal rule: each lender sets its own down payment and rate, and usually asks for more. 15% is an example.

Loan limits

FHA and conforming limit in every county

FHA sets the limit by area: 10 of the 88 counties in Ohio are high-cost and sit above the national floor ($541,287). The conforming limit is the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy; above it, the loan is a “jumbo”.

One unit. For 2- to 4-unit homes, each county page has the full table. Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD)

Down payment help

Ohio programs for buyers

2 verified programs that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. With the source wording and the date we checked it.

Some help is a grant you never repay; other help is a second loan that is forgiven over the years or repaid when you sell. Each program’s tag says which kind it is.

See all programs

  • Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance

    Verified November 5, 2026

    Ohio state agency help of 2.5% or 5% of the price for the down payment, closing costs or other costs before closing, forgiven after seven years; if you sell sooner, you repay all of it

    • Forgivable
    See details

  • Mortgage Tax Credit

    Verified November 5, 2026

    Ohio state agency certificate that turns part of your mortgage interest into a credit on your federal tax return, up to $2,000 a year: 40% with an OHFA mortgage (MTC Plus) or 15% to 20% with another mortgage (MTC Basic)

    • Tax credit
    See details

What the state publishes

Ohio rules that change the math

Exemptions that lower property tax and taxes paid when the deed is recorded, summarized from the official page each one cites.

Property tax in Ohio

Exemptions and caps

  • Homestead exemption for seniors and people with disabilities

    Ohio's homestead exemption lowers the property tax of low-income seniors, certain permanently and totally disabled Ohioans, the surviving spouses of those people, and the surviving spouses of public service officers killed in the line of duty. It works as a credit on the property tax bill. For tax year 2026, a qualifying low-income senior or disabled Ohioan (other than a disabled veteran) gets a credit equal to the taxes on up to $29,700 of the home's value. The amount changes every year because it is adjusted for inflation. The exact credit depends on the home's tax rate: the higher the rate, the higher the credit.

    Ohio Rev. Code §323.152 · Ohio Department of Taxation · Verified October 24, 2026

When the sale is recorded

  • Optional county real property transfer tax

    Each county may levy its own real property transfer tax of up to 30 cents for each $100 of value (or fraction of $100). If the county levies it, the law places it on the grantor named in the deed (in a sale, the seller), who pays it to the county auditor before the deed is presented for recording.

    Ohio Rev. Code §322.02(A) · Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Revised Code) · Verified October 24, 2026

Your next steps

Where to go next in Ohio

What you can do today, free and without giving personal information. Go in order: your numbers first, then the help.

  1. Run the numbers with your figures

    The Ohio calculator already has the typical value, the average rate and the state’s property tax.

  2. Check whether you qualify for help

    Each program says what it gives, who qualifies and when we checked it.

  3. Talk to a counselor for free

    54 HUD-approved agencies help you prepare to buy; 14 say they serve in Spanish.

  4. Follow the steps to buy a home

    From the budget to the keys, in order.

Frequently asked questions

How much down payment do I need for a typical home in Ohio?

For a $214,800 home (typical value, Average 2020–2024), the FHA minimum (3.5%) is $7,518 and the conventional minimum (3%) is $6,444. VA and USDA ask no down payment if you qualify. State programs can cover part of it.

Are there high-cost counties in Ohio?

Yes. In 2026 data, 10 of the 88 counties in Ohio have an FHA limit above the national floor ($541,287); the highest is Delaware County ($591,100).

What is the conforming loan limit in Ohio?

In 2026 data, the conforming limit for one unit is $832,750 in every county in Ohio: the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy. Above it, the loan is a “jumbo” and each lender sets its own terms.

What would the monthly payment be on a typical home in Ohio?

With $214,800, the FHA minimum down payment ($7,518) and the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026), principal and interest over 30 years comes to about $1,404 a month. Tax, insurance and mortgage insurance are missing: the calculator adds them.

What down payment help is there in Ohio?

We have verified 2 state programs in Ohio that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. Each shows the source wording, who qualifies and the date we checked it.