Sweet Home Columbus DPA
Open nowColumbus-Muscogee County
- For
- Income-eligible buyers who do not currently own a home (existing home must be sold first)
- Amount
- Up to $49,999, all of it toward the down payment
- Kind
- Deferred loan, due when you sell or refinance
- Income cap
- 80% AMI (eff. May 1, 2026): $47,450 (1) / $67,750 (4) / $89,450 (8)
- Price cap
- HOME sales price limit per 2026 policy (95% of area median; policy shows $252,000 for 1 unit)
- First-time buyers only?
- Yes
- Also required
- 0% deferred loan; affordability 5 years (under $25,000) or 10 years ($25,000-$50,000), page says up to 15 years; 8-hour HUD-approved counseling within 12 months (NeighborWorks Columbus, Urban League, Habitat); certified lender, fixed rate only; no cash back; seller or buyer pays closing costs; $1,000 buyer contribution
Policy: Sweet HOME Columbus DPA Policy (2026 updated, September). Affordability period stated differently on page (up to 15 yrs) vs policy table (5/10 yrs).
Last checked November 2026 · our sources
Check whether I fitHow Sweet Home Columbus works
The help is a 0% deferred loan, and the whole amount goes to the down payment, not closing costs. That means the seller or you pay closing costs, and you can't get cash back. The loan has an affordability period: the 2026 policy table shows five years for help under $25,000 and 10 years for $25,000 to $50,000, while the program page says up to 15 years. Ask which period applies to your amount. You'll also put in $1,000 of your own money.
Who qualifies
You can't currently own a home; if you do, it has to be sold first. Income is capped at 80% AMI (effective May 1, 2026): $47,450 for one person, $67,750 for four and $89,450 for eight. The price limit follows the HOME rule of 95% of the area median, which the 2026 policy shows as $252,000 for a one-unit home. You need eight hours of HUD-approved counseling within 12 months of buying, from NeighborWorks Columbus, the Urban League or Habitat for Humanity. A certified lender and a fixed-rate loan are required. See the Muscogee County page for local context.
Using it with Georgia Dream and other help
Columbus's policy doesn't say whether Sweet Home Columbus can be layered with Georgia Dream PEN, so a participating lender confirms whether they combine. If they do, a Muscogee County teacher or soldier could cover the down payment with this program while other funds go to closing costs. Without that confirmation, compare: up to $49,999 here versus PEN's 6% or $12,500, which also covers closing costs.
The $1,000 contribution and closing costs still have to come from somewhere, so ask the seller about paying closing costs when you negotiate. Up to $49,999 against a $252,000 price can cover a large share of the down payment on any loan type.
How to apply
- Book the 8-hour counseling course and keep the certificate.
- Get pre-approved with a certified fixed-rate lender.
- Shop under the $252,000 one-unit price limit.
- Apply through the Community Reinvestment Department.
Our loan comparison explains the FHA, VA and conventional options, or check eligibility.
Counties on this site where it applies: Muscogee County.
Common questions about Sweet Home Columbus DPA
How much is Sweet Home Columbus?
Up to $49,999, all toward the down payment.
Does it pay closing costs?
No. The assistance goes to the down payment; the seller or buyer pays closing costs, and there's no cash back.
What is the income limit?
80% AMI: $47,450 for one person, $67,750 for four and $89,450 for eight (effective May 1, 2026).
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.
