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First-Time Buyer loans in Georgia

Quick answer

First-time buyers in Georgia can use FHA (3.5% down), conventional 97 (3% down), VA or USDA loans, plus programs from Georgia Department of Community Affairs (Georgia Dream). On a $272,900 home, 3% down is about $8,187.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsLast updated

First-Time Buyer loan snapshot for Georgia

ItemEstimate
Minimum down payment0%–3.5%
Minimum credit score580–620
Typical GA home value$272,900
3.5% down on typical home$9,552
20% down on typical home$54,580
Avg. effective property tax0.81%/yr (~$184/mo)
Income for typical home (31% rule)$85,000

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Which Georgia programs pair with First-Time Buyer loans?

  • Georgia Dream Homeownership Program: A fixed-rate first mortgage plus deferred, zero-interest down payment assistance for eligible buyers.
  • Georgia Dream PEN / CHOICE: Higher assistance amounts for public safety, educators, healthcare workers, military and households with a disabled member.

Details and current limits: Georgia Department of Community Affairs (Georgia Dream).

Compare first-time buyer loan options

LoanMin. downMin. creditMortgage insurance
FHA3.5%5801.75% upfront + annual MIP
Conventional 97 / HomeReady / Home Possible3%620PMI, removable
VA0%Lender-set (~580–620)None (funding fee)
USDA0%~6401% upfront + 0.35% annual

Who counts as a first-time home buyer?

Under HUD and most agency definitions, you're a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a principal residence in the last three years. Single parents and displaced homemakers who only owned with a former spouse may also qualify.

First-Time Buyer loans in Georgia cities

First-Time Buyer in AtlantaFirst-Time Buyer in ColumbusFirst-Time Buyer in AugustaFirst-Time Buyer in MaconFirst-Time Buyer in SavannahFirst-Time Buyer in AthensFirst-Time Buyer in South FultonFirst-Time Buyer in Sandy SpringsFirst-Time Buyer in RoswellFirst-Time Buyer in Johns CreekFirst-Time Buyer in Warner RobinsFirst-Time Buyer in AlbanyFirst-Time Buyer in AlpharettaFirst-Time Buyer in MariettaFirst-Time Buyer in StonecrestFirst-Time Buyer in BrookhavenFirst-Time Buyer in SmyrnaFirst-Time Buyer in ValdostaFirst-Time Buyer in DunwoodyFirst-Time Buyer in GainesvilleFirst-Time Buyer in NewnanFirst-Time Buyer in MabletonFirst-Time Buyer in Peachtree CornersFirst-Time Buyer in MiltonFirst-Time Buyer in Peachtree CityFirst-Time Buyer in East PointFirst-Time Buyer in RomeFirst-Time Buyer in EvansFirst-Time Buyer in TuckerFirst-Time Buyer in WoodstockFirst-Time Buyer in DouglasvilleFirst-Time Buyer in StockbridgeFirst-Time Buyer in HinesvilleFirst-Time Buyer in CantonFirst-Time Buyer in DaltonFirst-Time Buyer in StatesboroFirst-Time Buyer in KennesawFirst-Time Buyer in MartinezFirst-Time Buyer in DuluthFirst-Time Buyer in LaGrangeFirst-Time Buyer in LawrencevilleFirst-Time Buyer in RedanFirst-Time Buyer in ChambleeFirst-Time Buyer in McDonoughFirst-Time Buyer in Union CityFirst-Time Buyer in PoolerFirst-Time Buyer in CarrolltonFirst-Time Buyer in Sugar HillFirst-Time Buyer in DecaturFirst-Time Buyer in GriffinFirst-Time Buyer in CartersvilleFirst-Time Buyer in AcworthFirst-Time Buyer in PerryFirst-Time Buyer in SuwaneeFirst-Time Buyer in Candler-McAfeeFirst-Time Buyer in SnellvilleFirst-Time Buyer in Forest ParkFirst-Time Buyer in FayettevilleFirst-Time Buyer in KingslandFirst-Time Buyer in Winder

Frequently asked questions

Yes. First-Time Buyer loans are available statewide in Georgia through approved lenders, subject to county loan limits where they apply.

Often yes. Georgia Department of Community Affairs (Georgia Dream) and local programs frequently pair assistance with FHA, conventional, VA or USDA first mortgages. Eligibility depends on income, price and program rules.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.