Ameris Bank Boosts Down Payment Assistance in Atlanta to $10K — Ameris Bancorp (Ameris Bank)

Event summary

Ameris Bank expanded its Ameris Choice program, offering up to $10,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers in eligible Atlanta markets.
The program now covers metropolitan areas including Deltona/Daytona, Jacksonville, Ocala, and Tallahassee (FL); Atlanta and Gainesville (GA); Greenville (SC); and designated affordable housing areas in Charleston (SC).
Ameris Bank manages $28.5 billion in assets as of June 30, 2026.
Clyde Anderson, director of community lending for Ameris Bank, highlighted the program's role in addressing affordability barriers.

The big picture

Ameris Bank's expansion of its down payment assistance program reflects a strategic move to capitalize on strong demand for affordable homeownership in Atlanta. The initiative aligns with broader industry trends toward financial inclusion and community lending, particularly as regional banks seek to differentiate themselves in competitive housing markets. With $28.5 billion in assets, Ameris Bank is leveraging its scale to address systemic barriers to homeownership.

What we're watching

Market Penetration: How Ameris Bank's expanded assistance program will impact its market share in competitive Atlanta housing markets.
Regulatory Compliance: Whether the program's eligibility criteria align with evolving affordable housing regulations.
Program Uptake: The pace at which first-time homebuyers in eligible areas adopt the enhanced down payment assistance.