Legacy Home Improvement Loan Program

Offering a low-interest loan to support home repairs, improvements, and energy upgrades.

The Legacy Home Improvement Loan Program (Legacy Program) supports home repairs, improvements, and energy upgrades for resident homeowners. Offering loans up to $25,000 at a below-market interest rate, the Legacy Program is a great option for financing home improvements.

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A roofer using a nail gun to install shingles on a roof, showcas
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Benefits of the Legacy Home Improvement Loan Program

Improve your home's safety, longevity, and value

  • Opportunity to address critical repairs and reduce hazards
  • Helps protect your investment and long-term value of your home
  • Potential for lower utility bills through energy efficiency improvements
  • Can support the ability to age in place through accessibility improvements

Below-market rate financing

  • The Legacy Program offers up to $25,000 at a 2% interest rate
  • Significant savings on interest payments versus a conventional home equity line of credit

Dedicated program navigator

  • Available to assist at every stage of the process with application, paperwork, coordination, etc.

Free home energy audits

  • Identifies areas of potential savings for up to an additional $5,000-$10,000 in State rebates towards home energy improvements

 

Quick Links

Downloadable Prequalification Form (PDF)

Online Prequalification Form

Do I Qualify?

ELIGIBLE HOMEOWNERS:

  • Homeowners with household incomes up to 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
  • Clear title to your home.
  • Demonstrate ability to repay loan
  • Minimum 5 years of homeownership

ELIGIBLE LOCATIONS:

  • The program will initially be launched for Avondale residents, but all City of Cincinnati residents are welcome to join the waiting list

TIMING:

  • The waiting list is open now! The program officially opens in early 2026

How Does it Work?

PROGRAM DETAILS

  • Loans starting at $5,000 up to $25,000 at 2% interest, repayable over 10 years.
  • Estimated monthly payments:
  • $5,000 loan = $46.01/month
  • $15,000 loan = $138.02/month
  • $25,000 loan = $230.03/month

PROCESS

  • Step 1: Check Eligibility
  • Step 2: Reach out to LegacyProgram@CincinnatiPort.org
  • Step 3: A dedicated Port representative will follow up with you to assist with the process

ELIGIBLE REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS

Eligible Repairs

2025 INCOME LIMITS

Income Limits

Program administered by The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority with generous contributions from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the City of Cincinnati.