Down Payment Assistance Programs Available in Atlanta, Georgia

For many aspiring homeowners in Atlanta, saving for a down payment is one of the greatest barriers to purchasing a home. In response, a wide range of federal, state, city, and county down payment assistance (DPA) programs have been developed to make homeownership more accessible —particularly for first-time and low- to moderate-income buyers. 

Atlanta stands out nationally for the depth and “layering” potential of its assistance programs, allowing qualified buyers to combine multiple sources of funding and significantly reduce out‑of‑pocket costs.

Below is a list of some programs available in Georgia and the Atlanta Metro area, aimed at assisting first-time homebuyers, and some general information about each of the programs. The information is high-level; may change; based on income, need, employment, property location, occupancy, or fund availability; and additional terms and conditions may apply. 

Georgia Dream Homeownership Program

The Georgia Dream Homeownership Program, administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), is the foundation of most Atlanta area down payment assistance strategies. Georgia Dream offers affordable, 30‑year fixed-rate mortgages paired with a zero‑interest, deferred second loan that can be used for down payment and closing costs. 

Eligible buyers can receive up to $10,000 in assistance, while professionals such as educators, healthcare workers, first responders, and military members may qualify for enhanced assistance of up to $12,500 through the Protectors, Educators, and Nurses (PEN) option. The assistance requires no monthly payments and is repaid only if the borrower sells, refinances, or no longer occupies the home as a primary residence. 

Georgia Dream is available statewide and can be combined with local Atlanta and Fulton County programs, making it a powerful entry point for buyers in the metro area. Georgia Dream is also available for homebuyers who have not had an interest or ownership in a primary residence in the last three years, and those who purchase a home in certain areas. 

Invest Atlanta Homebuyer Programs

Invest Atlanta, the City of Atlanta’s economic development authority, offers one of the most impactful local down payment assistance programs in Georgia. Qualified buyers purchasing a primary residence within Atlanta city limits may receive up to $20,000 toward down payment and/or closing costs. 

This assistance is structured as a forgivable loan, fully forgiven after five years of owner occupancy. Participants must complete a mandatory Q&A session, homebuyer education, contribute at least $1,500 of their own funds, and work with approved lenders and closing attorneys. Invest Atlanta assistance can be layered with Georgia Dream, dramatically reducing the buyer’s cash requirement at closing. 

Certain neighborhoods receive even greater support. For example, buyers in Vine City and English Avenue may qualify for up to $50,000 in total assistance as part of targeted revitalization efforts. 

Atlanta Housing Down Payment Assistance Program

Atlanta Housing (AH) administers another significant DPA program for homes located within the City of Atlanta. Eligible first-time buyers earning no more than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) can receive up to $20,000, with public servants and essential workers eligible for up to $25,000. 

The assistance is provided as a forgivable, zero‑interest loan and is fully forgiven after ten years of continuous owner occupancy. Like other programs, Atlanta Housing requires homebuyer education and lender participation. AH assistance can also be combined with Georgia Dream and Invest Atlanta programs, maximizing affordability. 

Fulton County Homeownership Program (HOP)

For buyers purchasing homes in eligible areas of Fulton County (outside certain city limits such as Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and Johns Creek), the Fulton County Homeownership Program (HOP) offers substantial support. HOP provides up to 7.5% of the home’s purchase price, capped at $22,500, in the form of a deferred, zero‑interest loan. 

The loan is gradually forgiven over a six- to eleven-year affordability period, provided the home remains the buyer’s primary residence. Income limits and purchase price caps apply, and housing counseling is required prior to closing. 

Nonprofit and Specialized Assistance Programs

Several nonprofit organizations further expand Atlanta’s DPA landscape. The Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership (ANDP) offers assistance ranging from $7,500 to $20,000, with special programs for veterans and moderate-income buyers. In many cases, ANDP assistance can be layered with city and state funds, especially when purchasing ANDP-developed homes. 

Additionally, Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) grants and employer‑based “workforce housing” programs are available through participating lenders, offering another source of forgivable assistance for qualifying buyers.

Making Homeownership Possible in Atlanta

Atlanta’s extensive down payment assistance ecosystem allows many buyers to purchase homes with little to no cash out of pocket. By combining state, city, county, and nonprofit programs, eligible homebuyers can overcome affordability barriers and achieve sustainable homeownership. Because funding availability and guidelines change frequently, buyers should work closely with approved lenders, housing counselors, and local housing agencies to identify the best combination of programs for their situation.

If you are ready to take the next step toward homeownership, a United Bankshares mortgage loan officer can help you explore your options, understand program requirements, and take a more confident first step. Connect with us at BankWithUnited.com.

United Bank is not endorsed by, sponsored by, or affiliated with any government agency or program. 

United Bank DBA United Bankshares | NMLS ID 522399 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | BankWithUnited.com

United Bank NMLS ID 522399 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) Member FDIC. ADVERTISING NOTICE – NOT A COMMITMENT TO LEND – SUBJECT TO PROGRAM VAILABILITY. This is not a commitment lend. All loan applications are subject to credit and property approval. Annual Percentage Rate (APR), programs, rates, fees, closing costs, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice and may vary depending upon credit history and transaction specifics. Other closing costs may be necessary. Flood and/or property hazard insurance may be required. To be eligible, buyer must meet minimum down payment, underwriting, and program guidelines.

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