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Athens-Clarke County Housing Authority DPA

Athens, Georgia

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Income limit

115% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Deferred

No payments until the home is sold or refinanced

What is Athens-Clarke County Housing Authority DPA?

Athens-Clarke County Housing Authority DPA is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Athens, Georgia.

  • The Athens Housing Authority Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program provides 0% interest deferred loans to eligible first-time homebuyers in Athens-Clarke County, GA. Designed for moderate-income households earning 80%–115% of the Area Median Income, the program helps bridge the gap between savings and what is needed for a home purchase. Borrowers must contribute a minimum of $1,000 toward the purchase.
  • Provides 0% interest deferred down payment assistance loans to first-time homebuyers in Athens-Clarke County with household incomes between 80%–115% of AMI. Borrowers must contribute a minimum of $1,000 toward the purchase. Funds are repaid upon sale, refinance, or when the home is no longer the primary residence. One-on-one housing counseling and a homeownership workshop are required. Administered by the Athens Housing Authority in partnership with Athens-Clarke County.
  • Funding comes from Local Government.

Do you have to pay it back?

Athens-Clarke County Housing Authority DPA is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off.

  • Repayment is triggered by Sale, Refinance, and No Longer Primary.
  • The assistance is recorded in 2nd Lien position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Athens-Clarke County Housing Authority DPA is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A minimum 600 credit score
  • A completed homebuyer education course
  • Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Must attend one-on-one housing counseling with an approved housing counselor and complete a homeownership workshop prior to closing. Borrower must not own any vacant land at time of application. Must be financially qualified to obtain a first mortgage from an approved lender.

The program excludes

  • Households above 115% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

Athens-Clarke County Housing Authority DPA limits household income to 115% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Household income must be between 80% and 115% of the Athens-Clarke County Area Median Income (AMI).
  • The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

Athens-Clarke County Housing Authority DPA can be used for Single Family, Condo, and Townhouse.

Where does it apply?

Athens-Clarke County Housing Authority DPA serves buyers purchasing in Athens, Georgia.

How do you apply?

Applications for Athens-Clarke County Housing Authority DPA go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program before funds are reserved.

  2. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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