Legacy Home Improvement Loan Program

Offering a very 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 2% 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 coordinator

  • 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

 

Do I Qualify?

ELIGIBLE HOMEOWNERS:

  • Homeowners with household incomes up to 100% Median Family Income (MFI) - See income limits below
  • Clear title to your home.
  • Demonstrate ability to repay loan
  • Minimum of 5 years owning the home
  • Homeowner owns and occupies the home within the City of Cincinnati

ELIGIBLE LOCATIONS:

  • The program will initially be launched for Avondale residents, but all City of Cincinnati residents are welcome to complete the prequalification form to join the waiting list.
  • Please contact us if you live in Hamilton County outside the City of Cincinnati limits.

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: Complete the prequalification form, which adds you to the waiting list. Fill out the online version or download it and email it 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

2026 INCOME LIMITS

Income Limits 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

ELIGIBILITY

PROGRAM DETAILS

COSTS & FEES

REPAIRS & IMPROVEMENTS

APPLICATION & PROCESS

AFTER APPROVAL

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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