Sweet Home Columbus Down Payment Assistance Program

Administered by: City of Columbus Community Reinvestment Department · City · Forgivable Loan

Funding status: Active

How much assistance

Up to $30,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance (up to $14,975 or 5% of purchase price for down payment, plus $1,000 for prepaid fees) (Forgivable Loan)

Zero-interest deferred forgivable loan. Forgiven after 5-10 years of owner-occupancy depending on loan amount. If borrower sells, transfers, leases, rents, abandons, or ceases to occupy the property as primary residence during the affordability period, a portion of the loan may be required to be repaid.

Eligibility

  • Income limits: Household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income for Muscogee County.
  • First-time buyer required: Yes — Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years.
  • Geographic restrictions: Property must be located within the city limits of Columbus, Georgia (Muscogee County).
  • Homebuyer education required: Yes

How to Apply for Sweet Home Columbus Down Payment Assistance Program

Step 1: Contact the Columbus Community Reinvestment Department at (706) 225-3916. Must attend a HUD-approved 8-hour Homebuyer Counseling Seminar within the previous 12 months. Assistance is for existing or newly constructed homes.

Visit program website

Notes

Also known as the City of Columbus First-Time Homebuyers Program. Funded through federal HOME funds.

Cities Where This Program Is Available