Atlanta homebuyers have access to 46 homebuyer-assistance programs providing an average of $14,341 of support.  

Assistance amounts range from $2,000 to $25,000, and packages are available for homebuyers earning up to $152,000 per year and buying properties valued as much as $548,000, according to Down Payment Resource, which conducted the study of 11 Atlanta-area counties. The group also noted that income and price limits are subject to household size, property location and could be higher in certain areas. 

“Many people have given up hope on buying a home in Atlanta because they do not know that homebuyer-assistance programs are available to help,” Down Payment Resource founder and CEO Rob Chrane said in a release. “As a long-time Atlanta resident and housing industry professional, watching the average Atlanta home price nearly double over five years as investors pillage starter-home inventory has been gut-wrenching because it makes sustainable homeownership less accessible to those who need it most.” 

The programs analyzed include down-payment and closing-cost assistance, Mortgage Credit Certificates and affordable first mortgages. Thirty-seven of the 46 active programs currently have funding, which fluctuates throughout the year depending on seasonality and secondary-market conditions, among other factors. 

At least three of the programs are targeted toward public servants, including educators, members of the military, firefighters, police officers and medical professionals. Eighteen of the programs have a first-time homebuyer eligibility requirement, and 33 are forgivable if certain conditions, like owner occupancy, are met.