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USDA Rural Housing Site Loans

Georgia

Last verified
See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Assistance

3%

Of the purchase price, as the program sets it

Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

What is USDA Rural Housing Site Loans?

USDA Rural Housing Site Loans is down payment assistance for homebuyers in Georgia.

  • USDA Rural Housing Site Loans (Sections 523 and 524) provide financing to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to purchase and develop housing sites for low- and moderate-income families in rural areas. Section 523 loans are limited to Self-Help construction sites; Section 524 loans support any construction method. Developed lots are then sold to eligible families who finance home construction through USDA Section 502 Direct or Guaranteed loans.
  • Section 523: 3% fixed interest rate for Self-Help housing site development.
  • Section 524: Below-market fixed rate for any construction method.
  • 2-year loan term repaid as sites are sold.
  • Enables nonprofits to create affordable housing communities in rural areas.
  • Infrastructure costs (water, sewer, utilities) included.
  • Eligible families purchase developed lots using USDA Section 502 or other approved mortgage financing.
  • Funding comes from Federal.

How much assistance does it provide?

USDA Rural Housing Site Loans provides assistance worth 3% of the purchase price, as set by the program.

  • 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?

USDA Rural Housing Site Loans is down payment assistance and is repaid under the terms set by the administering agency.

  • The assistance is recorded in 1st 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?

USDA Rural Housing Site Loans is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: Must meet USDA Rural Development underwriting standards; credit evaluated on case-by-case basis
  • Applicants must be nonprofit organizations or public agencies; Section 523: 100% of families served must be at or below 80% AMI with minimum 40% at or below 50% AMI; Section 524: serves low- and moderate-income families up to 115% AMI; Properties must be in eligible rural areas; 2-year loan term repaid as sites are sold to eligible families; Sites must be developed for residential use

The program excludes

  • 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?

USDA Rural Housing Site Loans limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Section 523: 100% of families served must be at or below 80% AMI; minimum 40% must be at or below 50% AMI. Section 524: Low- and moderate-income families (up to 115% AMI). Income limits vary by county and household size; contact local USDA Rural Development office for current limits.
  • 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?

USDA Rural Housing Site Loans can be used for Single Family and New Construction.

  • New construction is eligible.

Where does it apply?

USDA Rural Housing Site Loans serves buyers purchasing anywhere in Georgia.

How do you apply?

Applications for USDA Rural Housing Site Loans go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through N/A, and are subject to availability.

  2. 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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