Updated 1/17/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.

Connect with a DPA team

How Down Payment Assistance Works

I need to give a quick overview of how down payment assistance works. After that, the programs are listed.

With down payment assistance, you'll run into two different types:

• A grant
• A loan

A Grant

If we meet the qualifications up front, then it's money that does not need to be repaid.

A Loan

If the down payment assistance comes in the form of a loan, then pay attention to the three different types:

• Repayable
• Deferred
• Forgivable

Repayable is just as most imagine. It charges interest over a certain amount of time, with monthly payments until it's paid off.

Deferred loans usually don't require a monthly payment, and typically don't charge interest. It's due in full when you refinance, sell the home, or when it ceases to be your primary residence.

Forgivable loans will disappear if you meet the criteria, which usually comes down to keeping the home as your primary residence for a specific amount of time.

Okay with that, here are the programs!

Georgia

Georgia Dream Homeownership Program

• Up to $10,000 ($12,500 for educators, protectors, healthcare workers)
• First-time buyers or buyers in targeted areas
• Income limits vary by county and household size
• 0% deferred loan, not forgivable
• https://georgia.gov/apply-georgia-dream-homeownership-program

Georgia Dream Peach Plus

• Up to $12,500 for higher income buyers
• No first-time buyer requirement
• For FHA/VA borrowers above standard limits
• 0% deferred loan, repayable
• https://dca.georgia.gov/affordable-housing/home-ownership/georgia-dream-mortgage-products/peach-plus-loan-program

Invest Atlanta Programs

• Up to $20,000 for down payment and closing costs
• For City of Atlanta buyers, 80 to 120 percent AMI
• 0% loan, forgivable after 5 years
• https://www.investatlanta.com/homebuyers/homebuyer-programs-downpayment-assistance

Atlanta Housing DPA

• Up to $20,000 ($25,000 for public service occupations)
• Must earn 80 percent AMI or less and live in Atlanta
• 0% second mortgage, forgivable after 10 years
• https://www.atlantahousing.org/programs/down-payment-assistance/

DeKalb County WE DeKalb Program

• 1 to 3 percent grant, no repayment
• No first-time requirement
• Must use FHA, VA, or HFA Advantage loan
• https://www.decidedekalb.com/wedekalb/

Fulton County HOP

• Up to $22,500 or 7.5 percent of purchase price
• First-time buyers, income at or below 80 percent AMI
• Forgivable 0% loan over 6 to 11 years
• https://www.fultoncountyga.gov/inside-fulton-county/fulton-county-departments/community-development/fulton-homeownership-program

Gwinnett County HOMESTRETCH

• $10,000 0% loan, forgivable after 5 years
• First-time buyers, income at or below 80 percent AMI
• Must live in Gwinnett, home price limits apply
• https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/departments/financialservices/grants/hudprograms/downpaymentassistance

Clayton County DPA

• Up to $10,000 ($15,000 for veterans, first responders, etc.)
• 0% deferred loan, forgivable after 5 or 10 years
• Temporarily paused pending 2026 funding
• https://hud.claytoncountyga.gov/down-payment-assistance-program/

Cobb County My Home Program

• Up to 5 percent of purchase price, plus $10,000 for Cobb employees
• No first-time buyer requirement
• Forgivable grant or 0% deferred loan
• https://georgiabuyerdpa.com/cobb

Savannah DreamMaker Program

• $7,500 to over $50,000 depending on tier and location
• First-time buyers within Savannah
• Deferred 0% loan, forgivable after long-term occupancy
• https://www.savannahga.gov/3401/DreamMaker-Home-Purchase-Assistance

Columbus Sweet Home Columbus

• Up to 5 percent of price, maximum $49,999
• First-time buyers, income at or below 80 percent AMI
• Forgivable after 5 years
• https://www.columbusga.gov/communityreinvestment/HOME-Program/Sweet-Home-Columbus

NeighborWorks Columbus

• $7,500 to $15,000 paired with city funds
• Buyers in Muscogee area, 80 percent AMI or less
• Forgivable 0% loan with homebuyer education
• https://nwcolumbus.org/down-payment-assistance/

Augusta Homeownership Assistance

• Up to $5,000
• First-time buyers in Augusta-Richmond County
• 0% deferred or low-interest loan, may be forgivable
• https://www.augustaga.gov/882/Home-Ownership

Updated 1/17/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.