Sweet Home Columbus

What is Sweet Home Columbus?

Sweet Home Columbus is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Columbus, Georgia.

• Sweet Home Columbus is the HUD HOME-funded down-payment assistance program of the Community Reinvestment Department of the Columbus Consolidated Government. It provides zero-interest deferred-payment second-mortgage loans up to $49,999 to income-eligible homebuyers (at or below 80% AMI for the Columbus, GA-AL HUD Metro FMR Area) for the purchase of a primary residence in Muscogee County. The principal-residence/affordability period extends up to 15 years depending on the assistance amount. Buyers must complete an 8-hour HUD-approved housing counseling seminar with NeighborWorks Columbus, Urban League of Greater Columbus, or Habitat for Humanity within 12 months prior to purchase, and use a certified lending institution.
• Zero-percent-interest deferred-payment second-mortgage loan up to $49,999 for down payment on a primary residence in Muscogee County, Georgia. Entire amount must go toward the down payment - no cash back to buyer at closing. Loan is deferred (no monthly payments) and the property must remain the owner's principal residence for up to 15 years depending on the amount of assistance received. Closing costs are the responsibility of the seller or purchaser.
• Funding comes from HUD HOME Investment Partnerships Program; Federal (administered by Community Reinvestment Department, Columbus Consolidated Government).

How much assistance does it provide?

Sweet Home Columbus offers up to $49,999 in assistance.

• Buyer contribution: No published buyer contribution requirement; lender may impose its own minimum.
• 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?

Sweet Home Columbus 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, transfer of title, or failure to occupy as principal residence during the affordability period (up to 15 years depending on amount of assistance) triggers repayment of the deferred loan balance per the recorded promissory note. After expiration of the principal-residence period, the lien is released.
• The assistance is recorded in 2 position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Sweet Home Columbus is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Sweet Home Columbus limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Household income cannot exceed 80% AMI for Columbus, GA-AL HUD Metro FMR Area (effective April 1, 2025): 1p $43,150; 2p $49,300; 3p $55,450; 4p $61,600; 5p $66,550; 6p $71,500; 7p $76,400; 8p $81,350.
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
• The program lists a maximum household size of 8.
• 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?

Sweet Home Columbus caps the purchase price as follows: Limited by HUD HOME Homeownership Value Limits for Columbus, GA-AL MSA (95% of median sales price); not separately published on program page.

• Eligible property types include Single-family residential property used as the buyer's principal residence.
• New construction is eligible.

Where does it apply?

Sweet Home Columbus serves buyers purchasing in Columbus, Georgia.

How do you apply?

Applications for Sweet Home Columbus go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through 8-hour HUD-approved Housing Counseling Seminar with NeighborWorks Columbus (706-324-4663), Urban League of Greater Columbus (706-322-6840), or Habitat for Humanity (706-653-6003). Certificate of completion must be obtained within 12 months prior to purchase..

2. 2

   Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Buyer completes 8-hour housing counseling seminar, then contacts a certified lending institution for first-mortgage pre-approval. Lender begins DPA approval process; CRD reviews and reserves funds., and are subject to availability.

3. 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.