---
title: "Georgia First-Time Buyer Assistance -LendingTree Guide"
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summary: "Georgia First-Time Homebuyer Programs Guide provides an overview of state and local programs designed to help first-time homebuyers reduce upfront costs through down payment assistance, closing cost help, and low-interest loans. The guide details major programs including Georgia Dream Loan, Georgia Dream down payment assistance, and local initiatives from Fulton County, Gwinnett County, and Atlanta with eligibility requirements and benefits."
tags: "georgia, first-time-homebuyer, down-payment-assistance, mortgage-programs, housing-finance, dpa"
key_entities: "Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) (organization), LendingTree (organization), Georgia Dream Loan Program (concept), Georgia Dream down payment assistance (concept), Fulton Homeownership Program (concept), Homestretch Down Payment Assistance Program (concept), Atlanta Housing Down Payment Assistance Program (concept), Georgia (location), Fulton County (location), Gwinnett County (location), Atlanta (location), Sammi Scharf (person), Anna-Louise Jackson (person)"
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# Georgia First-Time Buyer Assistance -LendingTree Guide

How Does LendingTree Get Paid? LendingTree is compensated by companies whose listings appear on this site. This compensation may impact how and where listings appear (such as the order or which listings are featured). This site does not include all companies or products available. How Does LendingTree Get Paid? LendingTree is compensated by companies whose listings appear on this site. This compensation may impact how and where listings appear (such as the order or which listings are featured). This site does not include all companies or products available. 2026 Georgia First-Time Homebuyer Programs and Loans Written by   Sammi Scharf Edited by   Anna-Louise Jackson + 1 More Updated Apr 07, 2026 Content was accurate at the time of publication. Why use LendingTree? We are committed to providing accurate content that helps you make informed money decisions. Our partners have not commissioned or endorsed this content. Read our editorial guidelines here . Georgia first-time homebuyer programs can help reduce the upfront cost of buying a home through down payment assistance (DPA), closing cost help and low-interest loans . This guide breaks down the main state and local programs, who qualifies and how to apply. First-time homebuyer programs in Georgia Georgia’s first-time homebuyer programs include statewide options through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) — like the Georgia Dream program — as well as local programs offered by cities and counties . Here’s a quick comparison of the main options and who they’re best for: Program Best for What it offers Georgia Dream Loan Moderate-income buyers Low-interest mortgage options (FHA, VA, USDA and conventional) Georgia Dream down payment assistance Buyers needing help with upfront costs Up to $10,000 (or $12,500 for select buyers) for down payment and closing costs Fulton Homeownership Program Fulton County buyers with income limits Up to $22,500 for down payment and closing costs Homestretch Down Payment Assistance Program Gwinnett County buyers with lower income Up to $10,000 in down payment assistance Atlanta Housing Down Payment Assistance Program Atlanta buyers with low to moderate income Up to $20,000 ($25,000 for select professions) Check out LendingTree’s full guide on first-time homebuyer programs . Georgia Dream Loan Program Georgia Dream is a statewide program that offers low-interest mortgages for first-time homebuyers , with options for FHA, VA, USDA and conventional loans. It’s a strong option for moderate-income buyers who need more affordable monthly payments. Requirements First-time homebuyer (or haven’t owned a home in the past three years, or buying in a targeted area) Minimum credit score of 640 Income and purchase price must fall within program limits Complete a homebuyer education course Pros Available across all Georgia counties Below-market mortgage rates Can be combined with down payment assistance Cons Income limits apply Purchase price caps Requires a minimum credit score of 640 If you aren’t sure of your credit score, you can check it for free with LendingTree Spring . Georgia Dream down payment assistance Eligible buyers can receive up to $10,000 or up to $12,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance through the Georgia Dream program . The aid is a 0% interest deferred second mortgage with no monthly payments, repaid when you sell, refinance or move out. Program options: Standard: 5% of the purchase price, up to $10,000 (whichever amount is lower) Protectors, Educators and Nurses (PEN): 6% of the purchase price, up to $12,500 (whichever amount is lower) for eligible public service employees Choice: 6% of the purchase price, up to $12,500 (whichever amount is lower) for households with a family member with a disability Requirements Must use a Georgia Dream first mortgage Minimum credit score of 640 Meet income and purchase price limits Contribute at least $1,000 Complete a homebuyer education course Pros 0% interest loan No monthly payments Can qualify with gifted funds Cons Only available with a Georgia Dream loan Must be repaid when the home is sold or refinanced Requires a 640+ credit score Check out LendingTree’s guide on down payment assistance . Fulton Homeownership Program (HOP) The Fulton County Homeownership Program offers forgivable down payment and closing cost assistance for buyers purchasing in Fulton County. This program is best for buyers with lower to moderate incomes who plan to stay in their home long term. Requirements First-time homebuyer (or haven’t owned a home in the past three years) Purchase in Fulton County Meet income and purchase price limits Use a participating lender Pros Up to 7.5% of purchase price (max $22,500) 0% interest Forgiven after six to 11 years Cons Limited to Fulton County Must stay in home to receive full forgiveness Income and price limits apply Homestretch Down Payment Assistance Program The Homestretch Down Payment Assistance Program is a Gwinnett County program that provides down payment assistance to low- and moderate-income buyers. It’s a good option for buyers who need upfront help and plan to stay in the home for at least five years. Requirements First-time homebuyer (or haven’t owned a home in the past three years) Purchase in Gwinnett County Meet income limits (below 80% of area median income) Minimum credit score of 580 Complete homebuyer education Pros Up to $10,000 in assistance 0% interest loan Forgiven after five years Cons Must stay in home for forgiveness for set period Income and price limits Limited to Gwinnett County Atlanta Housing Down Payment Assistance Program The Atlanta Housing Down Payment Assistance Program provides down payment assistance for buyers purchasing within Atlanta city limits. It’s ideal for buyers with low to moderate income who need significant upfront support. Requirements First-time homebuyer (or haven’t owned a home in the past three years) Purchase within Atlanta city limits Minimum credit score of 620 Meet income and asset limits Complete homebuyer education Pros Up to $20,000 to $25,000 in assistance 0% interest Can be combined with other programs Cons Must stay in home for 10 years for full forgiveness Limited to Atlanta Income and asset restrictions Check out LendingTree’s guide on first-time homebuyer questions you should ask . More Georgia homebuyer programs to consider If you don’t qualify for the main statewide programs or want to explore more options, Georgia also offers several additional local and specialized homebuyer programs: Program Location What it offers Georgia Dream Peach Plus Loan Program Statewide Home loans for buyers who don’t qualify for standard Georgia Dream programs Clayton County Down Payment Assistance Program Clayton County Up to $10,000 in forgivable down payment assistance DreamMaker Home Purchase Assistance City of Savannah Up to $50,000 as a deferred low-interest second mortgage My Home Down Payment Assistance Program Cobb County Grant up to 2% of the first mortgage amount WE DeKalb DeKalb County Grant up to 3% of the mortgage amount Welcome Home Program Gwinnett County Up to $80,000 as a deferred low-interest loan Homeownership Assistance Program Augusta-Richmond County Up to $5,000 in deferred down payment assistance These programs vary by location and eligibility, so check each program’s requirements to see which options you may qualify for. Loan Type Loan Type Purchase Refinance Home Equity Purchase Price Get Your Rates