Homestretch Down Payment Assistance Program
Open nowGwinnett County
- For
- First-time buyers (or no home owned in 3+ years)
- Amount
- Up to $10,000 for down payment, closing costs, prepaids and fees
- Kind
- Forgivable loan
- Income cap
- 80% AMI (2026 adjusted HOME limits, effective May 1, 2026): $66,000 (1) / $94,250 (4) / $124,450 (8)
- Price cap
- $371,000 existing / $425,000 new construction (effective Dec 1, 2025)
- First-time buyers only?
- Yes
- Also required
- 0% 5-year deferred loan, 20% forgiven annually; min one credit score 580; DTI max 43%/55%; household assets max $25,000; 8-hour HUD-approved pre-purchase class; buyer contributes lesser of 1% or $1,000; single-family/townhome/condo in Gwinnett; property inspection; no 203k/repair loans; bankruptcy discharged 2+ years; apply via ZIP Portal or Homestretch@GwinnettCounty.com
Combination with Georgia Dream not stated on county pages.
Last checked November 2026 · our sources
Check whether I fitHow Homestretch works
Homestretch is funded with federal HOME dollars through Gwinnett's Housing and Community Development office. It is a 0% five-year deferred loan with no payment; one-fifth is forgiven each year, so after five years in the home you owe nothing. Sell in year three and you'd repay roughly the unforgiven portion. The money can go to the down payment, closing costs, prepaids and fees.
Who qualifies
You must be a first-time buyer or not have owned a home in three or more years. Income is capped at 80% AMI under the 2026 limits effective May 1, 2026: $66,000 for one person, $94,250 for four and $124,450 for eight. The home must be a single-family house, townhome or condo in Gwinnett, priced at no more than $371,000 for an existing home or $425,000 for new construction, and it has to pass inspection. Other rules:
- At least one credit score of 580
- Debt-to-income up to 43% housing / 55% total
- Household assets of $25,000 or less
- An 8-hour HUD-approved pre-purchase class
- A buyer contribution of 1% or $1,000, whichever is less
- Any bankruptcy discharged at least two years ago
- No 203(k) or repair loans
Using it with Georgia Dream and other help
The 580 score floor is lower than Georgia Dream's 640, which helps buyers still building credit. Gwinnett's pages don't say whether Homestretch can sit alongside Georgia Dream PEN, so a participating lender confirms whether they combine. Teachers, deputies and nurses in Gwinnett should ask about both, since PEN covers far higher incomes ($137,555 for 1-2 people in metro Atlanta). See the Gwinnett County page for local limits.
The price limits changed December 1, 2025, so older articles or flyers may show lower caps. If a listing is close to $371,000, ask whether it's existing or new construction, since new homes get the higher $425,000 limit. The inspection requirement also means a home with major repair needs may not work under this program.
How to apply
Take the 8-hour class first, since you'll need the certificate. Then apply through Gwinnett's ZIP Portal or email Homestretch@GwinnettCounty.com, and work with a lender familiar with the program. Our credit score guide covers the score side, or check eligibility.
Counties on this site where it applies: Gwinnett County.
Common questions about Homestretch Down Payment Assistance Program
What credit score does Homestretch require?
At least one credit score of 580.
Is Homestretch forgiven?
Yes. It is a 0% five-year deferred loan with 20% forgiven each year.
Can I use a 203(k) loan with Homestretch?
No. 203(k) and repair loans aren't allowed.
See if this one could work for me
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.
