Greater Circle Living Home Purchasing Program (HPP)
Greater Circle Living Home Purchasing Program (HPP) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Cleveland, Ohio, administered by Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation (Greater Circle Living).
The program asks for
- The home is occupied as a primary residence
- A completed homebuyer education course, through 8-hour HUD-approved homebuyer education by/approved by Fairfax Renaissance; alternatives via ESOP/Benjamin Rose
- Residency: Must purchase within Greater University Circle target area (9 neighborhoods)
- Cleveland Foundation paused its contribution while assessing the program; Fairfax Renaissance continues administration and program remains operational on employer funds. Confirm current benefit amounts by employer. Benefit treated as taxable income.
- A home inside Cleveland city limits
It doesn’t cover
- Manufactured homes
- Households above $150,000
- Homes outside Cleveland
These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.
Income limit
$150,000 household income limit, as the program publishes it
The program states this limit itself. Its official site says how household size changes it.
Where it applies
Cleveland’s homesCleveland’s homes, and the ones this program accepts
- 45.9% single-familysingle-family
- 7.7% townhousetownhouse
- 19.8% 2–4 units2–4 units
- 26.1% 5+ unitscondo & apartment buildings (5+ units)
- 0.5% mobile & othermobile home & other
A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.
$102,000
Cleveland median home value
85.1%
built before 1980
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Cleveland
How to apply
How to applyThree steps, in this order
Take a homebuyer education course
Required by the program, through 8-hour HUD-approved homebuyer education by/approved by Fairfax Renaissance; alternatives via ESOP/Benjamin Rose.
Contact Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation (Greater Circle Living) to reserve funds
Funds are reserved through First-come, first-served upon approval and funding availability, and are subject to availability.
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 homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Questions about this program
What is Greater Circle Living Home Purchasing Program (HPP)?
Greater Circle Living Home Purchasing Program (HPP) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Cleveland, Ohio, administered by Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation (Greater Circle Living). Greater Circle Living is a multi-anchor Employer-Assisted Housing program providing eligible employees of Greater University Circle institutions up to $20,000 (up to $30,000 with certain employers) in 0%, forgivable down-payment assistance to buy in one of nine designated neighborhoods. Forgiven 20%/yr over five years while the employee remains employed and occupies the home. Up to $20,000 (up to $30,000 with match). 0% interest. Forgiven over 5 years. Live near work. Combinable with city/county/lender DPA. Funding comes from Greater University Circle anchor institutions (CWRU, Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Judson) and The Cleveland Foundation.
How much assistance does it provide?
Greater Circle Living Home Purchasing Program (HPP) offers up to $30,000 in assistance. Homebuyer contribution: Employee must provide at least 3% of total purchase price from own funds. The program can be combined with Can combine with CHN/Housing Partners, city, county, lender programs. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation (Greater Circle Living) determines any individual award.
Do you have to pay it back?
Greater Circle Living Home Purchasing Program (HPP) is forgiven after 5 years, so a homebuyer who stays that long does not repay it. Repayment is triggered by Selling, refinancing, or vacating before end of 5-year term; ceasing primary occupancy; or ceasing eligible employment. Forgiven 20%/yr over 5 years. The assistance is recorded in Second position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.
Who qualifies?
Greater Circle Living Home Purchasing Program (HPP) is open to homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. A homebuyer education course is required, through 8-hour HUD-approved homebuyer education by/approved by Fairfax Renaissance; alternatives via ESOP/Benjamin Rose. Residency requirement: Must purchase within Greater University Circle target area (9 neighborhoods). Cleveland Foundation paused its contribution while assessing the program; Fairfax Renaissance continues administration and program remains operational on employer funds. Confirm current benefit amounts by employer. Benefit treated as taxable income.
What are the income limits?
Greater Circle Living Home Purchasing Program (HPP) limits household income to $150,000. The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s. Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.
What kind of home can it be used for?
Greater Circle Living Home Purchasing Program (HPP) can be used for Single Family, 2-4 Unit, Condo, and Townhouse. New construction is eligible. Manufactured homes are not eligible.
Is there eligibility for specific groups?
Greater Circle Living Home Purchasing Program (HPP) is limited to employees of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Judson at University Circle, Cleveland VA Hospital. Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.
Where does it apply?
Greater Circle Living Home Purchasing Program (HPP) serves homebuyers purchasing in Cleveland, Ohio. The program targets specific areas: Greater University Circle target area (9 east-side neighborhoods).
How do you apply?
Applications for Greater Circle Living Home Purchasing Program (HPP) go through Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation (Greater Circle Living), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through First-come, first-served upon approval and funding availability. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Also for Cleveland homebuyersOther programs open to Cleveland homebuyers
- City of Cleveland Mayor's Neighborhood Transformation Initiative (NTI) Down Payment Assistance ProgramUp to $20,000
- CHN Housing Partners Lease Purchase ProgramAssistance available
- Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity Homeownership ProgramAssistance available
Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.
All 74 programs for ClevelandProgram terms are set by Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation (Greater Circle Living) and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.