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City of Toledo
Home at Last: Toledo's down payment grant
First-time buyers in Toledo who earn at or under 80% of AMI can get a grant of up to $12,500, or up to $20,000 in Englewood, the Junction, the Old South End and East Toledo.
Fact box
Home at Last
Open
City of Toledo
For
First-time buyers (no ownership in past 3 years)
Amount
Up to $12,500; up to $20,000 in Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas (Englewood, Junction, Old South End, East Toledo)
Form
Grant, no repayment
Income cap
80% AMI (2026): $68,700 (3 people) / $76,300 (family of 4)
First-timers only
Yes
Fine print
Single-family or condo inside Toledo city limits; $500 minimum buyer contribution (includes inspection); HUD-approved counseling (NeighborWorks Toledo Region or NID); fixed-rate mortgage through a participating lender (30 listed); City lead/visual inspection
Page updated 10/15/2026; brochure dated 9/2026; closes in about 21 days. 2025 average award was $7,540 (City release, Jan 2026).
The City of Toledo Department of Housing and Community Development offers Home at Last as a grant, so there is no balance to repay. The base award is up to $12,500. In the City’s Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas (Englewood, the Junction, the Old South End and East Toledo) the ceiling rises to $20,000. Actual awards are often smaller: the City reported an average of $7,540 in 2025. The program page was updated October 15, 2026 with a brochure dated September 2026, and the window was described as closing in about 21 days, so move quickly.
Who qualifies for Home at Last?
You must not have owned a home in the past three years. Income is capped at 80% of AMI, which for 2026 is $68,700 for three people and $76,300 for a family of four. The home must be a single-family house or condo inside Toledo city limits. Other requirements:
A buyer contribution of at least $500, which can include your inspection cost.
HUD-approved counseling through NeighborWorks Toledo Region or NID.
A fixed-rate mortgage from one of about 30 participating lenders.
A City lead and visual inspection of the property.
Condos qualify as well as houses, which widens the search in a market where many starter homes are older and may need lead work.
Using it with Ohio Heroes and other help
The City page does not say whether Home at Last can be added to Ohio Heroes or OHFA down payment assistance, so a participating lender confirms whether they combine. Ohio Heroes income limits in Lucas County run much higher than 80% of AMI, so a Toledo teacher or firefighter may qualify for the state loan but not this grant. If you are under both limits, ask a lender on the City’s list who is also OHFA-approved. Our step-by-step buyer guide helps you line up counseling before the window shuts.
How do you apply?
Pick a lender from the City’s participating list, get pre-approved for a fixed-rate loan, and book counseling with NeighborWorks Toledo Region or NID. Choose a home inside city limits, schedule the City inspection, and have your lender submit the grant request while the window is open. Also check your eligibility.
Based on the program's official page as of November 2026. Money and rules shift, so confirm terms with the program or a participating lender. Ohio Down Payment Assistance has no affiliation with this program.
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