FHA loans in Ohio

Homes in Ohio are relatively affordable, with the median sale price about 40% lower than the national average in December 2025, according to Redfin. Using an FHA loan, Ohio homes are within reach for many buyers, thanks to flexible credit requirements and a low minimum down payment. Knowing the loan limits and FHA loan requirements in Ohio can set you up for success when buying a home.

a successful application. Follow along with this guide to government-backed Ohio FHA loans so you can make an educated borrowing decision.

What are FHA loans?

FHA loans are government-backed mortgages for borrowers that offer low down payments, low closing costs, and easy credit qualification. FHA loans in Ohio are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, which means the agency reimburses lenders if the borrower defaults. This backing helps lenders offer FHA loans to borrowers who may not qualify for a conventional loan.

How do FHA loans work?

FHA loans have specific rules that help make them more accessible than many conventional options. FHA loan requirements in Ohio include steady income, a minimum credit score requirement, a minimum down payment, property requirements, and a maximum loan amount that varies by county. FHA loan rates are competitive and often lower than for other loan types.

FHA loan limits are set each year by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and vary by county within each state, including Ohio.

An Ohio FHA loan can be used to buy various property unit types from single-family homes to multifamily properties with up to 4 units, including houses, condominiums, townhouses, and manufactured or mobile homes.

Properties must meet FHA guidelines, and borrowers must pay an up-front and an annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP). This insurance protects the lender if the borrower defaults and is part of what allows lenders to approve buyers with lower credit scores or smaller down payments.

Anyone who meets the requirements and agrees to live in the home they're buying as their primary residence can qualify for an FHA loan.

FHA also offers 203(k) rehab loans to finance home renovations and repairs. Rocket Mortgage currently does not offer FHA 203(k) loans.

FHA loans can also be used to refinance.¹ Refinancing might help you lower your interest rate, reduce your monthly payment, or switch from an adjustable-rate to a fixed-rate mortgage.

FHA refinancing options include:

• FHA Streamline refinance.² Requires less documentation and may not need an appraisal.
• FHA rate-and-term or cash-out refinance. Provides flexibility to adjust loan terms or tap home equity.

For veterans and service members, additional refinance programs may be available through VA loan options.

How 2026 FHA loan limits work in Ohio

FHA loan limits change every year, and limits in Ohio vary by county based on local housing prices. Areas with higher home values qualify for higher limits, while lower-cost counties stay closer to the national floor.

The limits are based on median home prices in each county, up to 150% of the national conforming loan limit. Exceptions are made for homes in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to the higher construction costs.

For 2026, the FHA loan limits for a one-unit home range from $541,287 in low-cost areas to $1,249,125 in high-cost counties.

Here are the FHA loan limits by county in Ohio for buying 1- to 4-unit homes.

FHA loan requirements

FHA loan requirements in Ohio can vary by lender, so the guidelines below reflect what you can generally expect through Rocket Mortgage. It’s always best to check with your FHA lender to confirm the exact qualifications for your situation.

The chart below outlines what you’ll usually need to qualify for an FHA mortgage in Ohio, including the minimum down payment, credit score, debt-to-income ratio, income, appraisal, and inspection, and more.

FHA loan down payment assistance programs in Ohio

Borrowers in Ohio can explore these down payment assistance programs. Every city and county is unique, so it’s wise to look into local options beyond this list if you’re looking for down payment help in Ohio.

Ohio Finance Agency Down Payment Assistance

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency offers several options to help with down payments and other needs in certain situations.

OHFA’s down payment assistance program provides 3% of the purchase price on conventional loans or 3.5% on FHA, VA, or USDA loans as a 7-year forgivable second mortgage to qualifying applicants.

The OHFA also offers:

• Grants for Grads, which provides down payment loans to recent college grads who stay in the home for 5 years.
• Ohio Heroes, which offers public servants a discounted mortgage rate.
• Next Home, which provides 30-year, fixed-rate loans to people who meet income and purchase limits and are not first-time buyers.
• Mortgage tax credit, which provides eligible homeowners with up to $2,000 in federal tax credits.

The Port's Communities First Down Payment Assistance

The Port’s Communities First Down Payment Assistance program offers grants of 3%, 4%, or 5% of the loan amount for down payment and closing costs to home buyers across Ohio who apply through a participating lender and meet minimum criteria.

Summit County First Home First Loan Program

Summit County’s First Home First Loan Down Payment Assistance Program gives eligible low- to moderate-income first-time buyers matching funds as a zero-interest loan for down payment and closing costs. It’s offered to eligible properties in Summit County, excluding the Akron, Barberton, and Cuyahoga Falls areas.

City of Canton Department of Community Development

Canton’s down payment assistance program offers up to $5,000 as a zero-interest loan forgiven after 5 years to first-time low- to moderate-income buyers purchasing within the city limits. Requirements include a minimum buyer contribution and counseling through a HUD-certified housing agency.

Pros and cons of buying a home in Ohio with an FHA loan

Depending on your financial situation and ideal property, an FHA loan in Ohio may be the best choice for you. However, you also may want to explore other options, such as conventional mortgages.

Pros

• Low down payment requirements: FHA loans come with a low down payment requirement that can make them an affordable option.
• Lower credit score requirements: If a limited credit history or a few mistakes in the past are keeping you from getting a conventional mortgage, you may have better luck with an FHA loan.
• Widely available to new and previous borrowers: Any buyer, not just first-time buyers, can qualify for an FHA loan.

Cons

• Higher monthly payments: Lower down payments are beneficial when buying a home, but they also result in higher monthly mortgage payments. Additionally, you’ll be required to pay MIP.
• Underwriting requirements still apply: Minimum credit scores are lower for FHA loans than for some other types of mortgages, but you’ll still have to go through a detailed review of your credit, income, existing debts, and overall ability to repay the loan.
• It may not be the best deal: Even if you like the idea of a lower down payment or an FHA loan seems like the right option, you may qualify for a different type of loan that’s better for your long-term financial goals.

FAQ

Here are some of the most common questions when looking for FHA loans in Ohio:

What if I need more than the FHA loan limit?

For loans above FHA loan limits, you’ll have to look at alternative borrowing options. With qualifying credit and a larger down payment, a jumbo loan or 30-year mortgage could be the best fit. Military and veteran households may be eligible for a VA loan.

How much down payment is required for an FHA loan?

The down payment requirement for an FHA loan varies depending on your credit score. With a score of at least 580, you can buy a home with as little as 3.5% down. For credit scores of 500 to 579, you’ll need a minimum 10% down payment.

Why do sellers not like FHA loans?

Some sellers may be concerned that a buyer with an FHA loan is less likely to be approved than borrowers seeking a conventional mortgage, which may cause them to lean toward an offer they perceive as stronger in a competitive market. Learn more about the pros and cons of FHA loans to understand how that may factor into your home buying process.

Who pays closing costs on an FHA loan?

Buyers generally pay for a portion of the closing costs, while sellers typically cover the real estate agent fees. You can negotiate and shop around to lower your closing costs, including negotiating a better deal with your agent. FHA loan closing costs differ slightly from those for other types of loans.

What will disqualify you from an FHA loan?

If you have too low a credit score or can’t come up with the minimum down payment, you probably won’t be approved for an FHA loan. You can still buy a house with 'bad' credit if you have a strong application in other areas, though it may not be with an FHA loan.

The bottom line: Using an FHA loan to buy a home in Ohio

For many first-time and repeat home buyers in Ohio, an FHA loan can be an ideal mortgage option. A combination of lower down payment and credit score requirements makes an FHA perfect for people looking to get into a home in expensive markets or without a giant savings account.

If an FHA loan makes sense based on your finances, apply today for FHA loan preapproval with Rocket Mortgage.

¹Refinancing may increase finance charges over the life of the loan.

²The FHA Streamline program may have stricter requirements in some states. In order to qualify for the FHA Streamline program, an immediate .5% minimum reduction in interest and mortgage insurance premium is required. Some states may require an appraisal.

³To qualify for this offer, you must meet all standard FHA eligibility requirements. In addition, your total mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, cannot exceed 38% of your income, your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio cannot exceed 45%, and you must have 12 months of verifiable housing history immediately prior to your application, no late payments 30 days or greater in the last 12-months, and no derogatory marks on your credit report. Not available on jumbo loans. Asset statements may be needed, no more than 1 day of non-sufficient fund fees are allowed in the most recent 2 months prior to application. Additional restrictions/conditions may apply.

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