If you own a home in Sandusky, Ohio, the city has money to help you improve your property. The Housing Development and Beautification Program just opened for 2026.

This program offers grants to help with home repairs, improvements, and even buying a home.

Three Different Grant Programs

Sandusky offers three types of grants depending on what you need:

1. Major Home Improvements

If you are doing big renovations or building a new home, you can get:

\$5,000 for projects that cost \$20,000 or more
\$7,500 for projects that cost \$50,000 or more

This grant helps with major work like:

New construction
Major renovations
Environmental cleanup (asbestos or lead removal)
Demolition of old structures
Architectural drawings and surveys

The minimum project cost is \$20,000 to qualify.

2. Exterior Home Repairs

For smaller exterior repairs, you can get 50% of your project cost up to \$3,000.

This covers repairs you can see from the street, such as:

Painting
New siding
Porch repairs
Roof replacement
New windows or doors
Driveway installation
Removing dead trees or old fences

These repairs make your home look better and help the whole neighborhood.

3. Home Purchase Assistance

If you are buying a home in Sandusky, you can get up to \$5,000 to help with closing costs.

You do not need to be a first-time buyer. Anyone buying a home to live in can apply.

The money goes directly to the title company at closing to help pay for fees and costs.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify, you must:

Own a home in Sandusky, Ohio (or be buying one)
Live in the home as your main residence
Meet the program requirements

Properties with 3 units or less are eligible if you live in one unit.

Special Rules for Historic Homes

If your home was built before 1950, the city planning staff will review your project. They may suggest changes to keep the historic look of your home.

The city wants to preserve the character of older neighborhoods while still helping homeowners make improvements.

How to Apply

Applications opened on February 2, 2026. You can apply three ways:

Email: deversole@cityofsandusky.com
Mail: HDB Program - City of Sandusky, 240 Columbus Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870
In person: Drop your application in the secure drop box inside City Hall lobby

You need to include:

Project description
Cost estimates from a contractor
W-9 tax form (download from the city website)

For home purchase assistance, you also need a purchase agreement and loan estimate.

Download the Application

You can download the application and full guidelines from the city website:

cityofsandusky.com (search for Housing Development and Beautification)

Limited Funding

The city has set aside \$100,000 for the home purchase program. Other programs also have limited funds.

Apply early to make sure you get help. Once the money runs out, you may have to wait until next year.

Why This Matters

These grants help Sandusky residents:

Keep their homes in good condition
Make neighborhoods look better
Buy homes in the city
Increase property values

When one home improves, it helps the whole street. These programs make Sandusky a better place to live.

If you own a home in Sandusky or want to buy one, apply today for grant money to help with your project.

Sandusky Ohio Housing Grants Now Open for 2026