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Fulton Homeownership Program

Fulton County, Georgia

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Assistance

7.5%

Of the purchase price, as the program sets it

Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Price cap

$367,000

Highest purchase price the program allows

Repayment

Forgivable

Forgiven after 11 years

What is Fulton Homeownership Program?

Fulton Homeownership Program is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Fulton County, Georgia.

  • The Fulton Homeownership Program (HOP) provides up to 7.5% of the sales price (not to exceed $22,500) in down payment, closing-cost, and interest-rate buydown assistance for first-time homebuyers purchasing a primary residence in Fulton County (excluding Atlanta city limits, which Invest Atlanta serves). The assistance is a 0% interest, deferred-payment second mortgage funded with HUD HOME Investment Partnerships funds. 20% of the principal is forgiven annually beginning on the 2nd anniversary of closing; the loan is fully forgiven if the homebuyer continues to occupy the home as their primary residence through the 6- or 11-year affordability period (period set by assistance amount).
  • Up to 7.5% of the sales price (capped at $22,500) in down payment, closing-cost and interest-rate buydown assistance. 0% interest, deferred-payment second mortgage. 20% of the loan balance forgiven annually starting on the 2nd anniversary of closing.
  • loan fully forgiven if buyer remains owner-occupant through the 6- or 11-year affordability period (varies by amount).
  • Funding comes from HUD HOME Investment Partnerships Program.

How much assistance does it provide?

Fulton Homeownership Program provides assistance worth 7.5% of the purchase price, as set by the program.

  • Buyer contribution: Borrower contribution per first-mortgage product guidelines.
  • The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — the administering agency determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Fulton Homeownership Program is forgiven after 11 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

  • Repayment is triggered by Sale, transfer, refinance (cash-out), or loss of owner-occupancy before the 6- or 11-year affordability period ends.
  • The assistance is recorded in Subordinate (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?

Fulton Homeownership Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: First-time homebuyer requirement waived for displaced homemakers and single parents per HOME rules
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: 600 minimum FICO
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through HUD-approved homebuyer education provider (8-hour course)
  • Residency: Property must be in Fulton County (outside the City of Atlanta) and used as primary residence
  • Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizen or qualified alien
  • First-time homebuyer required (no ownership in past 3 years). Household income at or below 80% of HUD HOME Income Limits for the Atlanta MSA (varies by household size; approximately $63,650 for a 1-person to $120,600 for an 8-person household). 600 minimum FICO. Buyer must qualify on own credit (no co-signers). 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage required. Property must be located in unincorporated Fulton County or a participating Fulton municipality (excluding Atlanta city limits, which has its own programs). Maximum purchase price $347,000 (existing) / $367,000 (new construction) per HUD HOME 95% median rule. Liquid-asset cap applies. 6- or 11-year affordability period depending on assistance amount.

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Purchases above the $367,000 price cap
  • Households above 80% 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?

Fulton Homeownership Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Household income must be at or below 80% of HUD HOME Income Limits for Fulton County / Atlanta MSA. Approximate by household size: 1p $63,650; 4p $90,900; 8p $120,600. Updated annually by HUD.
  • 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?

Fulton Homeownership Program caps the purchase price at $367,000.

  • Eligible property types include Single-Family, Townhome, and Condo.
  • New construction is eligible.
  • Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Fulton Homeownership Program serves buyers purchasing in Fulton County, Georgia.

  • The program targets specific areas: All of Fulton County outside the City of Atlanta city limits (City of Atlanta is served by Invest Atlanta).

How do you apply?

Applications for Fulton Homeownership Program 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, through HUD-approved homebuyer education provider (8-hour course).

  2. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Borrower applies through approved HOP lender; documents emailed to DownPayment.Assistance@fultoncountyga.gov, 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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Fulton Homeownership Program, explained

A short, free course on Fulton Homeownership Program: what it is, who it is for, when it is repaid, where it applies and how to apply. Based on program data from June 2026. About ten minutes.

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