Atlanta Housing Market: Prices and Forecast 2025-2026

Are you thinking about buying or selling a home in Atlanta? If so, you're probably wondering what's happening in the current Atlanta housing market. Well, let me give you the straight scoop. As of November 2024, the market is seeing a slight increase in sales compared to last year, with prices still higher than in 2023, and a lot more houses are available compared to the same time last year. So it's a bit of a mixed bag, let's dive deeper.

I've been watching the Atlanta real estate market closely, and it's a fascinating time to be involved, whether as a buyer, seller, or just an interested observer. I will break down the key numbers using the latest information released by Atlanta REALTORS®, focusing on data from First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS) that covers 11 key counties in metro Atlanta. Let's get into it!

Current Atlanta Housing Market Update: What You Need to Know

Atlanta Home Sales

One of the most important things to look at is how many homes are actually being sold. In November 2024, there were 3,819 residential sales. This is a slight bump up by 1.2% compared to November 2023. This tells me that there is still some interest in buying, even with all the other economic factors at play. Now, while a 1.2% increase isn't huge, it does indicate that the demand is not plummeting.

To put it simply, there are still buyers out there, and properties are changing hands at a steady, if not booming pace. The market hasn't frozen up or gone completely dormant.

Atlanta Home Prices

Now, let's talk about prices, because this is what's on everyone's mind. Both the average and median sales prices in metro Atlanta have increased compared to last year.

Here's a quick rundown of the key price points:

• The median sales price in November 2024 was $416,000. That’s an increase of 1.0% compared to November of the previous year. This means that half of the homes sold for more than this, and half sold for less.
• The average sales price landed at $517,500. This represents a more significant increase of 3.5% year-over-year. The average is often pushed higher by some higher-end sales, so it’s good to look at both average and median prices to get a full picture.

So, if you’re thinking that prices have gone down dramatically you'd be mistaken. It is a fact that prices are still higher than they were last year, although the growth may have slowed down a bit compared to what we have seen before.

Atlanta Housing Supply

The availability of homes, or “housing supply,” has a huge impact on the market. For a long time, we were experiencing a really tough seller's market with low inventory. Here's what we're seeing now:

• Total housing inventory in November 2024 was 16,241 units, which is a significant jump, an increase of 39.6% compared to November 2023. That is a lot more choices for home buyers!
• New listings in November totaled 5,641, which is a 4.7% increase from last year, but it was actually down 27.1% from the previous month. This tells me that the number of fresh listings coming on the market is slowing down seasonally.
• The month's supply is a metric that indicates how many months it would take to sell all the homes on the market if no new homes were listed. In November 2024 it's at 3.6 months. This indicates a somewhat balanced market, that favors neither buyers or sellers much, but might be leaning more towards buyers.

What do these numbers mean for you? Well, the significant increase in inventory could be great news for buyers who have had a tough time previously. There's more to choose from now, and perhaps less pressure than there was last year.

Market Trends

Here’s a summary of the key trends that I’m seeing:

• Continued Price Growth (albeit slower): While home prices are still increasing, the pace of growth is not as dramatic as it has been. This is a good sign of market stabilization.
• Increased Inventory: The big news is the jump in inventory. This gives buyers more power and selection, and potentially makes it slightly less easy for sellers to demand premium prices.
• Seasonal Slowdown: The dip in new listings from the previous month is seasonal. As we get into the colder months, it's common to see fewer homes hitting the market.

Here's a table summarizing the main data points:

Metric	November 2024	November 2023	Change
Residential Sales	3,819	3,773	+1.2%
Median Sales Price	$416,000	$412,000	+1.0%
Average Sales Price	$517,500	$500,000	+3.5%
Total Inventory	16,241	11,631	+39.6%
New Listings	5,641	5,388	+4.7%
Months Supply	3.6	–	–

Is It a Buyer's or Seller's Housing Market?

This is the million-dollar question, right? Based on the numbers, it's not a clear-cut buyer's or seller's market right now in Atlanta. I'd say the market is trending toward a more balanced market.

Here's why:

• More Inventory: The nearly 40% increase in inventory gives buyers more negotiating power.
• Price Increases are Moderating: Prices are still up, but the pace of increase has slowed down significantly. This gives buyers some relief compared to a year ago.
• Sales are stable: Sales aren't skyrocketing, but they aren’t dropping significantly either. This keeps things somewhat competitive, it's not a total free fall for sellers.

So, what does this mean for you?

• If you are a seller: It is time to be strategic with pricing and be realistic about your price expectations. Be prepared that your home may take a bit longer to sell than it would have during the peak of the pandemic-era boom.
• If you are a buyer: You have more options now, which gives you more negotiating power, and more chances to find a place that you really love. Don’t be afraid to negotiate and take your time to find the perfect fit.

Are Home Prices Dropping in Atlanta?

This is a question that I get asked a lot. Are home prices actually dropping? Here’s the thing: while the market is shifting, we aren't seeing a widespread drop in prices in the Atlanta market right now.

The average and median sales prices are still up from the same time last year. However, the rate of price increases has slowed down. So, instead of seeing a significant jump in value, prices are inching up. This is likely due to increased inventory giving buyers more options and less need to bid as aggressively. It also indicates that we are getting away from the craziness of pandemic times and back into a more stable housing market.

So, to sum it up:

• Prices are not dropping across the board in Atlanta right now.
• They are still increasing, but at a slower pace.
• The market is stabilizing, and that’s a good thing for everyone.

My Thoughts

As someone who follows the Atlanta market closely, I believe that what we are experiencing now is a welcome sign of more balanced conditions. The increase in inventory gives buyers a breather, while the slower rate of price appreciation gives sellers realistic expectations. The days of frenzied bidding wars may be behind us, at least for now. It is my opinion that it will be a good idea to speak with a real estate professional to understand all your options when dealing in the Atlanta housing market.

Keep in mind that real estate is local. What is true in the 11 counties that the FMLS covers, may not be the same in other counties around Georgia, and certainly not the same across the country. However, the macro trends usually are the same.

Atlanta Housing Market Forecast 2025-2026

What's Next for Home Prices in ATLANTA? The short answer, according to Zillow's latest forecast, is that we're not looking at a major crash, but rather a period of moderate growth. Specifically, the Atlanta housing market is predicted to see a slight dip, then stagnation, and then a modest increase in home values over the next year. I've been keeping a close eye on the market, and while it's not a rollercoaster ride, understanding these trends is key whether you're a homeowner or a potential buyer.

A Deep Dive into Atlanta Home Price Predictions

So, what exactly does the data say? Well, Zillow's forecasts are based on various factors such as inventory, demand, and economic conditions. It's not a crystal ball, but it's a pretty good indicator. Here's a breakdown of what they're predicting for the Atlanta metro area:

• December 2024: A slight dip of -0.2% in home values. This suggests a possible end-of-year correction, which isn't uncommon.
• February 2025: A flat 0% change in home values. This means the market might be taking a breather after the dip.
• November 2025: A modest growth of 2.6% is expected. So, by the end of 2025, we're looking at a relatively healthy appreciation in home values.

Here's a simplified table showing those same predictions:

Timeframe	Expected Change in Atlanta Home Values
December 2024	-0.2%
February 2025	0%
November 2025	2.6%

How Does Atlanta Stack Up Against Other Georgia Cities?

Now, let’s zoom out and see how Atlanta’s housing market forecast compares with other areas in Georgia. It’s always interesting to see how different cities within the same state are behaving. I personally believe that regional economics play a big part and, in my opinion, this is one way to confirm that.

Region	Dec 2024 Change (%)	Feb 2025 Change (%)	Nov 2025 Change (%)
Atlanta, GA	-0.2	0	2.6
Augusta, GA	0.1	0.5	2.6
Savannah, GA	-0.1	0.3	4
Columbus, GA	0.4	1.1	3.2
Macon, GA	0	0.4	2.8
Athens, GA	0.3	1.4	4.8
Gainesville, GA	-0.1	0.4	3.8
Warner Robins, GA	0.2	0.7	3.2
Albany, GA	0	0.4	3.2

As you can see, while most cities are showing growth, Atlanta’s housing market is more conservative in its initial projection, with a slight dip before rebounding, and is on the lower end of growth by Nov 2025 compared to some other markets like Athens or Savannah. This could be due to Atlanta’s sheer size and the more complex dynamics at play in a major metropolitan area.

Will Home Prices in Atlanta Drop Significantly? Is a Crash Coming?

Many people ask if a big drop or a crash is on the horizon. Based on the data, I don't see signs of a major crash in the Atlanta housing market. The predicted slight dip is more like a minor correction than anything catastrophic. I believe this is because Atlanta is still a desirable place to live with a growing economy and a steady influx of people. So, while we might not see the sky-high appreciation rates of the past couple of years, the market still seems relatively stable.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Predicting beyond 2025 gets a little trickier. However, if the Atlanta housing market continues on the path Zillow suggests, I'd expect to see continued moderate growth into 2026. The demand for housing is likely to remain strong due to job opportunities and overall development. While I can't predict the future, I feel that we’re looking at a market that’s stabilizing rather than crashing. My advice is to stay informed, consult with real estate professionals, and make decisions based on your personal situation and goals.

Top Reasons To Invest In The Atlanta Real Estate Market in 2025?

Investing in the Atlanta real estate market offers a myriad of advantages and opportunities. Here are the top reasons why Atlanta is a compelling destination for real estate investors:

Economic Growth

• Thriving Job Market: Atlanta is a major economic hub with a diverse job market. It's home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and has a booming tech sector, creating a consistent demand for housing.
• Population Growth: The city's population is steadily increasing, attracting both young professionals and families, further fueling the demand for housing.

Affordability

• Cost of Living: Atlanta offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other major cities, making it an attractive destination for those seeking quality housing without exorbitant price tags.
• Investment Opportunities: Investors can find properties at various price points, catering to both entry-level and luxury markets.

Steady Appreciation

• Price Appreciation: Atlanta has experienced steady and sustainable home price appreciation over the years, offering the potential for long-term investment gains.
• Historical Performance: The city has weathered economic downturns well, with real estate values generally holding up even during challenging times.

Diverse Neighborhoods

• Varied Neighborhoods: Atlanta boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, catering to different preferences and lifestyles.
• Growth Potential: Some neighborhoods are undergoing revitalization, presenting opportunities for investors to benefit from future development.

Strong Rental Market

• Rental Demand: Atlanta has a robust rental market, driven by its transient population and a consistent influx of students and professionals.
• Income-Producing Assets: Real estate can be a reliable source of passive income, making it an appealing choice for investors seeking cash flow.

Quality of Life

• Cultural Attractions: Atlanta offers a rich cultural scene with world-class museums, theaters, and entertainment options.
• Education: The city is home to renowned universities and schools, making it attractive for families seeking quality education.

Pro-Business Environment

• Business-Friendly Policies: Georgia is known for its business-friendly policies and incentives, which can positively impact the overall economic climate and real estate market.
• Investor-Friendly Laws: The state's landlord-friendly regulations make property management more straightforward for investors.

These factors collectively contribute to Atlanta's status as a dynamic and promising real estate market, making it a compelling choice for investors looking to benefit from both short-term gains and long-term stability.

Remember, investing in the Atlanta real estate market can offer a wealth of opportunities, whether you're a seasoned investor or new to the world of real estate.