hey prescott.
See what you qualify for

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati Affordable Homeownership Program

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati · Cincinnati, Ohio

Last verified
See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Income limit

60% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

What is Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati Affordable Homeownership Program?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati Affordable Homeownership Program is down payment assistance for homebuyers in Cincinnati, Ohio, administered by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati.

  • Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati's Affordable Homeownership Program partners with applicants who demonstrate housing need, ability to repay an affordable 0% interest Habitat mortgage (payment up to 30% of income), and willingness to invest 200 hours of sweat equity (single applicant) or 300 hours (two-applicant household) plus completion of homeownership and Financial Peace University classes. There is no down payment, though buyers pay up to $1,000 toward the first year's homeowner's insurance premium.
  • 0% interest mortgage with payment capped at 30% of income.
  • No down payment (only up to $1,000 first-year insurance premium).
  • Homebuyer & financial education.
  • Sweat-equity homeownership.
  • Funding comes from Habitat affordable-mortgage revolving fund, donations, corporate/foundation sponsors.

Do you have to pay it back?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati Affordable Homeownership Program is down payment assistance and is repaid under the terms set by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati.

  • Repayment is triggered by Due on sale or transfer.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati Affordable Homeownership Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years (some exclusions)
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: No credit score used; credit report reviewed. No bankruptcy within past 3 years; no foreclosure within 3 years; no evictions within 12 months; no open judgments or liens; no more than $2,000 in uncollected past-due bad debt
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati (homeownership classes and Financial Peace University)
  • Residency: Serves Greater Cincinnati region; must be willing to build/buy at available HFHGC build sites
  • Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident; two forms of ID required per applicant
  • Requires 200 hrs (1 applicant) or 300 hrs (2 applicants) sweat equity. No felony convictions for any household member over 18 within past 5 years. Buyer pays up to $1,000 toward first-year insurance in lieu of down payment. Applications currently CLOSED; reopen when build sites available (check the 10th of each month). Lien position, forgiveness years, max purchase price not published online (gaps).

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Households above 60% 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?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati Affordable Homeownership Program limits household income to 60% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Household income must fall between minimum and maximum monthly gross income by household size (approx. 30-60% AMI). Monthly max: 1 $5,129; 2 $5,863; 3 $6,596; 4 $7,325; 5 $7,913; 6 $8,500; 7 $9,083; 8 $9,671.
  • The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
  • The program lists a maximum household size of 8.
  • 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?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati Affordable Homeownership Program can be used for Single Family.

  • New construction is eligible.
  • Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati Affordable Homeownership Program serves buyers purchasing in Cincinnati, Ohio.

  • The program targets specific areas: Current build sites in the Greater Cincinnati area (e.g., Pope Leo Village).

How do you apply?

Applications for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati Affordable Homeownership Program go through Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati (homeownership classes and Financial Peace University).

  2. Contact Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Applications accepted only when build sites are available; check website on the 10th of each month; no waiting list, and are subject to availability.

  3. 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.

Other programs in Cincinnati, Ohio

See every program in Cincinnati, Ohio →

90-second match

Not sure which you qualify for?

Answer 9 questions and we'll match you to every program you can actually use — in about 90 seconds. No SSN, no credit pull.

Find my programs