Gwinnett Moves $10,000 Homebuyer Assistance Application Online

Gwinnett County homebuyers can now apply online for up to $10,000 toward a down payment through Homestretch, the county’s assistance program for eligible first-time buyers.

The digital application opened October 26. Applicants can save their work and return later, without printing and scanning handwritten forms. The change moves Homestretch into the county’s ZIP application portal.

The assistance comes as a five-year, zero-interest deferred-payment loan. Buyers who keep the home as their principal residence for at least five years do not have to repay it.

Who can qualify

Homestretch serves first-time buyers and people who have not owned a home for at least three years. Applicants must meet income, credit and mortgage requirements, and the home must be in Gwinnett County.

The 2026 household income limits, effective May 1, vary by household size. Gross annual household income must be below $66,000 for one person, $75,400 for two people, $84,850 for three people or $94,250 for four people. Limits rise for larger households, reaching $124,450 for eight people.

Purchase prices are capped at $371,000 for an existing home and $425,000 for new construction. Housing costs cannot exceed 43 percent of income, and total debt payments cannot exceed 55 percent.

Buyers must complete an eight-hour, HUD-approved homebuyer counseling course, obtain mortgage preapproval and contribute the smaller of $1,000 or 1 percent of the purchase price toward closing or the down payment. Total household assets cannot exceed $25,000.

Before applying

Assistance can cover eligible closing expenses as well as a down payment. The loan balance is forgiven by 20 percent each year beginning on the first anniversary, provided the home remains the buyer’s primary residence.

Applicants should gather their counseling certificate, mortgage preapproval letter and full credit report. Additional documents, including the sales contract, appraisal and insurance information, are required as the purchase moves toward closing. Existing homes must pass a program inspection; new construction requires a certificate of occupancy.

Apply through the county’s ZIP portal. Questions about eligibility or required documents can go to Homestretch@GwinnettCounty.com or 678-518-6008. The program office is at Innovation Square, 446 West Crogan Street, Suite 420, in Lawrenceville.

Featured photo: Illustrative residential image by Avi Werde / Unsplash; not a Homestretch property.