Buying a home in Georgia: the help you may qualify for.

Down payment and closing cost help

From the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

• Georgia Dream

  5% of the price, up to $10,000

  0% second mortgage with no monthly payment, due when you sell, refinance or move out. You put in at least $1,000.

• Georgia Dream PEN Military and heroes

  6% of the price, up to $12,500

  For public protectors, educators, healthcare workers and active military.

Who qualifies: Mostly for first-time buyers, with income and price limits, a credit score minimum and homebuyer education, through a participating lender.

Property tax exemptions and credits

Exemptions lower your home’s taxable value or your bill. Most aren’t automatic: you apply with your county tax commissioner. Georgia’s official exemptions information.

For homeowners who live in the home

• Standard homestead exemption

  $2,000 off assessed value for county and school taxes

  For a home you own and live in as your legal residence on January 1. Many counties add their own exemptions or freeze your home's value at a base year.

  How to apply: With your county tax commissioner (or assessor), by April 1. (O.C.G.A. §48-5-44)

For homeowners 65 and older

• Senior exemptions (62 and 65 or older)

  $4,000 off county taxes at 65, plus school tax help at 62

  These state exemptions have income limits (generally $10,000, not counting retirement income up to the Social Security maximum), and a floating inflation-proof exemption is available at 62 with household income up to $30,000. Many counties offer more generous senior exemptions.

  How to apply: With your county tax commissioner, by April 1. (O.C.G.A. §§48-5-47, 48-5-47.1, 48-5-52)

For veterans

• Disabled veteran exemption

  $121,812 off (2025 amount, adjusted yearly)

  From state, county, city and school taxes, for qualifying disabled veterans. It extends to an unremarried surviving spouse or minor children living in the home.

  How to apply: With your county tax commissioner, by April 1. (Georgia Department of Revenue)

For surviving spouses and other situations

• Surviving spouse of a peace officer or firefighter

  Full exemption on your homestead

  For the unremarried spouse of a peace officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty, while they live in the home.

  How to apply: With your county tax commissioner. (O.C.G.A. §48-5-48.4)

Want to see which ones fit you? Answer a few questions in the property tax exemptions checker.

Your next steps

1. Work out a monthly cost you’re comfortable with in the home cost calculator. It also lists Georgia’s programs with the loans you may qualify for.
2. Talk with a free or low-cost HUD-approved housing counselor. Find one near you.
3. Ask each lender which of these programs they work with, and compare Loan Estimates from at least three.
4. Follow the step-by-step home buyer’s guide from budget to keys.

Common questions