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City of Cincinnati American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI)

City of Cincinnati Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) · Cincinnati, Ohio

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Assistance

$14,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Forgivable

Forgiven after 5 years

What is City of Cincinnati American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI)?

City of Cincinnati American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Cincinnati, Ohio, administered by City of Cincinnati Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

  • The City of Cincinnati's American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) provides down payment and closing cost assistance to lower- to middle-income first-time homebuyers purchasing a home within the City of Cincinnati limits. The assistance is structured as a five-year non-interest-bearing deferred forgivable loan.
  • Down payment / closing cost assistance up to approximately $14,000 as a 5-year deferred, non-interest-bearing forgivable loan.
  • This is a federal program, so it is available beyond a single state or city.
  • Funding comes from Federal HUD funds (American Dream Downpayment Initiative / HOME) administered by the City of Cincinnati.

How much assistance does it provide?

City of Cincinnati American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) offers up to $14,000 in assistance.

  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — City of Cincinnati Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

City of Cincinnati American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

  • Repayment is triggered by Moving, selling, or transferring ownership during the 5-year period triggers full or partial recapture.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

City of Cincinnati American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • 5-year deferred forgivable loan, forgiven after 5 years of residency; all or a portion is recaptured if the homeowner moves, sells, or transfers ownership during the 5-year period. Must be pre-approved for a mortgage before applying. Property must be a single-family home, condominium, cooperative unit, or manufactured housing within the City of Cincinnati limits. NOTE: assistance amount (~$14,000) and exact terms should be re-verified against the current official ADDI guidelines before borrower use; distinct from any generic statewide 'ADDI' entry as this is the Cincinnati city-administered program.

The program excludes

  • Households above 80% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

City of Cincinnati American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Household income must not exceed 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). First-time homebuyer required (must not have owned a home in the past 3 years).
  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

Where does it apply?

City of Cincinnati American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) is a federal program, so it is not limited to Ohio.

How do you apply?

Applications for City of Cincinnati American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) go through City of Cincinnati Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Contact City of Cincinnati Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

  2. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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City of Cincinnati American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI), explained

A short, free course on City of Cincinnati American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI): what it is, who it is for, how it is forgiven, where it applies and how to apply. Based on program data from July 2026. About ten minutes.

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