Athens Land Trust Community Land Trust Homeownership Program
How much assistance
Below-market-price home on 99-year ground lease (Zero-Interest Loan)
Homebuyer purchases the home at below-market price and signs a 99-year renewable ground lease. If the homeowner sells, they receive a modest profit based on the ALT resale formula. The ground lease ensures long-term affordability.
Eligibility
- Income limits: At or below 80% of Area Median Income (for a family of 4, less than $71,600)
- First-time buyer required: Yes — Must be a first-time homebuyer.
- Credit score minimum: 640
- Geographic restrictions: Athens-Clarke County and surrounding counties (Barrow, Oglethorpe, Walton, Oconee, Jackson, Elbert, Madison).
- Homebuyer education required: Yes
How to Apply for Athens Land Trust Community Land Trust Homeownership Program
Step 1: Attend a free information session at Athens Land Trust. Complete a homebuyer education class (offered at ALT, 685 N. Pope St., Athens, GA 30601). Participate in one-on-one housing counseling, which often includes credit rebuilding. Once qualified, ALT matches you with an available home. Contact Athens Land Trust for current availability.
Notes
Founded 1994. HUD-approved housing counseling agency. 0% foreclosure rate among clients. Unique dual conservation and community land trust. Homebuyers own the home but lease the land on a 99-year renewable lease, keeping homes permanently affordable. Also provides housing counseling services to the broader community. $10 fee for non-Clarke County residents for homebuyer education workshop.