City of Atlanta
- For
- Buyers of a home inside the incorporated City of Atlanta limits
- Amount
- Up to $20,000 for down payment, closing costs and/or permanent rate reduction
- Kind
- Forgivable loan
- Income cap
- 120% AMI: $99,000 (1) / $113,160 (2) / $127,320 (3) / $141,360 (4) / $152,760 (5)
- Price cap
- No maximum purchase price; maximum loan amount $325,000
- First-time buyers only?
- No
- Also required
- 30-year fixed FHA/VA/conventional first mortgage from an Invest Atlanta participating lender; min FICO 620; liquid assets max $35,000; $1,500 buyer contribution; cannot own interest in any other property; mandatory 90-minute Q&A session plus homebuyer education; owner-occupied, not manufactured; existing homes must pass inspection; forgiven after 10 years as primary residence
Invest Atlanta FAQ says its incentives cannot be used with Georgia Dream, NACA, DeKalb County or Fulton County DPA, but can combine with each other under specific circumstances. City of Atlanta extends into DeKalb County.
Last checked November 2026 · our sources
Check whether I fitHow ATL HomeNOW works
The help is a forgivable loan of up to $20,000. You can put it toward the down payment, closing costs, a permanent interest rate reduction, or a mix. Live in the home as your main residence for 10 years and the balance is forgiven. It sits behind a 30-year fixed FHA, VA or conventional first mortgage from an Invest Atlanta participating lender. There is no maximum purchase price, but the first loan can't exceed $325,000, which in practice limits how much house it fits.
Who qualifies
The home has to be inside the incorporated City of Atlanta, which covers parts of both Fulton and DeKalb counties, so check the address rather than the ZIP code. Household income can be up to 120% of area median: $99,000 for one person, $113,160 for two, $127,320 for three, $141,360 for four and $152,760 for five. Other rules:
- Credit score of at least 620
- Liquid assets of no more than $35,000
- A $1,500 contribution of your own
- No ownership interest in any other property
- An owner-occupied home that isn't manufactured housing; existing homes must pass inspection
- A mandatory 90-minute Q&A session plus homebuyer education
Using it with Georgia Dream and other help
This is the big catch for Atlanta teachers and first responders. Invest Atlanta's FAQ says its incentives cannot be combined with Georgia Dream (including PEN), NACA, or DeKalb or Fulton County assistance. Some Invest Atlanta programs can be paired with each other in specific cases. So inside city limits you are usually choosing between up to $20,000 forgivable from ATL HomeNOW and up to $12,500 repayable from PEN. Forgivable help you never repay is usually the better deal if you plan to stay 10 years; our guide to grants vs. forgivable vs. repayable help walks through that trade-off.
How to apply
Start with an Invest Atlanta participating lender, who checks income, credit and the property address. Sign up for the required Q&A session and homebuyer education early, since you need both before closing. Keep your $1,500 contribution in your account and don't open new credit. Not sure whether this or the state program fits you better? Check your eligibility.
Counties on this site where it applies: Fulton County, DeKalb County.
Common questions about ATL HomeNOW
Is ATL HomeNOW only for first-time buyers?
No. It is not limited to first-time buyers, but you can't own an interest in any other property.
When is ATL HomeNOW forgiven?
After 10 years of living in the home as your primary residence.
Can I use ATL HomeNOW with Georgia Dream PEN?
No. Invest Atlanta says its incentives can't be combined with Georgia Dream, NACA, or DeKalb or Fulton County assistance.
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Programs people compare with this one
Our summary of the official program page as of November 2026. Money and terms change, so check the current details with the program or a participating lender. Georgia Down Payment Assistance has no connection to this program.
