Housing · Buying a home
Gwinnett County Down Payment Assistance
Offered by Gwinnett County Planning & Development
Applications are openOpen now.
About
About This Program
Homestretch gives first-time buyers up to $10,000 in forgivable down payment and closing cost help to buy a home in Gwinnett County.
Gwinnett County's Homestretch Down Payment Assistance Program, funded through the federal HOME program, helps income-eligible first-time buyers who can afford a mortgage but lack the down payment. Buyers can receive up to $10,000 for down payment, closing costs, HOA fees, filing fees, intangible taxes and prepaid items. The assistance is a 0% interest loan with no payments that is reduced by 20% each year starting on the first anniversary and fully forgiven after you live in the home for five years. Email the preapplication form and documents to homestretch@gwinnettcounty.com. Approved applicants receive a pre-certificate of eligibility and an orientation. Existing homes must pass a property inspection; the first inspection is free and re-inspections are the buyer's cost. The county drafts the funding check within 30 days of the eligibility decision. The current price limits took effect December 1, 2025.
Eligibility
Who Can Apply
- First-time homebuyer, or have not owned a home for 3 years or more
- Household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income ($94,250 for a household of four, effective May 1, 2026)
- Single-family detached home or townhome in Gwinnett County
- Purchase price of $371,000 or less for an existing home, or $425,000 for new construction
- At least one credit score above 580
- Debt-to-income of no more than 43% for housing costs and 55% overall
- Total household assets of $25,000 or less
- Contribute 1% of the price or $1,000, whichever is less
- Complete an 8-hour HUD-approved pre-purchase counseling class
- Pre-approved for a fixed-rate FHA, VA or conventional first mortgage
- Any bankruptcy discharged at least 2 years ago, and no outstanding judgments
Area served: Gwinnett County
The offer
What's Offered
- Up to $10,000 for down payment, closing costs and prepaid items
- 0% interest loan with no monthly payments, forgiven after 5 years
Amount: Up to $10,000, forgiven over 5 years
Get ready
What You'll Need
- Completed Homestretch preapplication form and checklist
- HUD-approved pre-purchase counseling class certificate
- Mortgage preapproval letter
- Full three-bureau credit report with three credit scores
- Signed purchase and sale agreement, if you have one
Key dates
Dates
Opens—
Deadline—
Last reviewedOct 28, 2026
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