Georgia Down Payment Assistance
Georgia Down Payment Assistance Programs
A guide to current down payment assistance options in Georgia, including the state Housing Finance Agency, well-known city and county programs, and live DPA mortgage pricing for Georgia homebuyers.
Georgia Housing Finance Agency
Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
DCA administers the primary DPA programs for Georgia. Program details below are current as of October 17, 2026 - confirm current terms directly with DCA before applying.
Statewide DPA Programs in Georgia
Georgia Dream Standard
Georgia DCA
5% of the purchase price or $10,000, whichever is less, as a 0% interest second mortgage with no monthly payments. Balance is due at sale, refinance, or when the home ceases to be the primary residence.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- First-time homebuyer: Required
- Primary residence only
- Minimum FICO: 640
- Homebuyer education required
First-time homebuyer means no ownership and occupancy of a primary residence in the prior three years; waived in targeted areas and for US military veterans who have not used bond-financed assistance before. Sales price up to $625,000 depending on county. Borrower contributes at least $1,000. 660 minimum score for manufactured homes; DTI up to 45% for scores 640-699, per AUS at 700+.
Source: dca.georgia.gov
Georgia Dream PEN (Protectors, Educators & Nurses)
Georgia DCA
6% of the purchase price or $12,500, whichever is less, as a 0% interest deferred second mortgage.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- First-time homebuyer: Required
- Primary residence only
- Minimum FICO: 640
- Homebuyer education required
Available to eligible public protectors, educators, healthcare workers, and active military; occupational eligibility per DCA schedule.
Source: dca.georgia.gov
Georgia Dream CHOICE
Georgia DCA
6% of the purchase price or $12,500, whichever is less, as a 0% interest deferred second mortgage.
Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
- First-time homebuyer: Required
- Primary residence only
- Minimum FICO: 640
- Homebuyer education required
Available when anyone in the household has an eligible disability.
Source: dca.georgia.gov
Georgia Dream Peach Plus
Georgia DCA
3.5% of the purchase price or $10,000, whichever is less (4% or $12,500 for PEN and CHOICE borrowers), as a 0% interest deferred second mortgage with no monthly payments.
Paired with: FHA, VA
- Primary residence only
- Minimum FICO: 640
- Income: Higher income and sales price limits than standard Georgia Dream (sales price up to $725,000 depending on county).
- Homebuyer education required
Open to first-time and repeat buyers. Borrowers may not own other residential real estate at closing. Borrower contributes at least $1,000.
Source: dca.georgia.gov
Major City & County Programs in Georgia
Invest Atlanta Homebuyer Incentives
Invest Atlanta · City of Atlanta, GA
ATL HomeNOW offers up to $20,000 citywide, forgiven after 10 years. Area programs add up to $30,000 in Beltline areas and $20,000 in Vine City or Perry Bolton areas, with forgiveness after 5 to 15 years depending on the program.
Buyer must contribute at least $1,500 of their own funds, occupy the property as primary residence, not own other property, and complete homebuyer education with a participating educator. 30-year fixed FHA, VA, or conventional first mortgage; minimum 620 credit score for ATL HomeNOW and Beltline.
Source: www.investatlanta.com
Georgia Notes for Homebuyers
- Georgia is an attorney-closing state; closings must be conducted by a licensed Georgia attorney.
- Georgia imposes a state intangible recording tax on new mortgage loans.
2026 Loan Limits in Georgia
Conforming (Conventional)
$832,750 baseline
FHA
$541,287
Standard FHA limit, applies to most Georgia counties.
Live DPA Pricing for Georgia
Pricing below is sourced live from hundreds of wholesale lenders for a Georgia scenario. Edit the inputs to match your situation.
FHA Down Payment Assistance
Up to 5% assistance; repayable second at first rate + 2% over 10 years
▸Program details
- ✓Minimum credit score: 580
- ✓Non-traditional credit also possible
- ✓Assistance up to 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% of the lesser of purchase price or appraised value
- ✓Assistance can be used for down payment, closing costs, or both
- ✓Second lien: 10-year fixed, repayable
- ✓Second lien rate is 2% higher than the first mortgage rate
- ✓No first-time homebuyer requirement
- ✓No income cap
- ✓Purchase of primary residence only
- ✓Eligible properties: 1-unit residences, PUD, 2-4 units, FHA-approved condos, manufactured (single/double-wide)
- ✓DTI per AUS and FHA manual underwriting guidelines
- ✓First lien: FHA 30-year fixed
Assistance amount
Compare DPA options for Georgia with live pricing
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