Buying a home in Ohio

Property taxes, transfer taxes, home values and first-time buyer help in Ohio.

For home buyers in Ohio: the taxes and typical costs of buying, with official sources.

Effective property tax rate

1.31%

Median tax $2,822 ÷ median value $214,800 (ACS 2020–2024)

Typical home value

$245,982

Zillow ZHVI, 2026-09

State transfer tax

0.1%

Usually paid by: seller. Ohio Rev. Code § 319.54 (conveyance fee). Official source. Local taxes may add more.

Estimated buyer closing costs Estimate

$2,300–$4,100

On a $245,982 home: typical lender fees + title insurance + deed recording (TallyClose) + the buyer’s share of transfer/recording taxes. Excludes prepaids, escrow and local taxes.

At Ohio's effective rate of 1.31%, a typical $245,982 home would owe about $3,222/year ($269/month) in property taxes. Actual bills depend on your county, city and exemptions. Run your numbers.

First-time homebuyer programs

Ohio Housing Finance Agency

Your state housing finance agency offers down payment assistance and low-rate mortgages for eligible buyers. Visit Ohio Housing Finance Agency →

Next steps

Cheapest & priciest ZIPs in OhioZIP codes ranked by typical home value Ohio first-time buyer programsDown payment assistance from the state HFA Payment on a typical Ohio home$245,982 home at your state's tax rate Mortgage rates today30-year fixed at 7.24%

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-year (B25103, B25077); Zillow Home Value Index; TallyClose closing-cost dataset (CC BY 4.0), which cites each state statute; NCSHA HFA directory. Last updated 2026-11-01.

Common questions

What is the property tax rate in Ohio?

The effective property tax rate in Ohio is 1.31%: the median tax of $2,822 divided by the median home value of $214,800 (U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024).

What is a typical home value in Ohio?

$245,982 in September 2026, according to the Zillow Home Value Index.

Does Ohio have a real estate transfer tax?

Yes. The state transfer tax is 0.1% of the price, usually paid by the seller.

Who offers first-time homebuyer help in Ohio?

Ohio Housing Finance Agency, the state housing finance agency, offers down payment assistance and lower-rate loans for eligible buyers.

Updated November 3, 2026. Official sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, Zillow Research ZHVI.

Buying a home in Ohio

Ohio Housing Finance Agency

Next steps

Common questions

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