Stable and healthy are what homebuyers can expect for Atlanta’s housing climate for 2026. Real estate professionals selling in areas such as Dunwoody, Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, and Tucker anticipate potentially limited inventory, but strong demand.
In this housing outlook for 2026, four professionals share their perspectives on what’s ahead for the new year.
Erin Yabroudy
“Overall, 2026 is shaping up to be a more balanced and stabilized housing market rather than a dramatic shift in either direction,” said Erin Yabroudy, a lead real estate agent with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty. “We expect modest price growth nationally, with Atlanta’s core neighborhoods continuing to perform well, especially in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and Brookhaven, where location, schools, and lifestyle remain strong demand drivers.”
The 2026 market, Yabroudy added, will be most ideal “for prepared, financially stable buyers, especially those with strong pre-approvals, meaningful down payments, or cash. Buyers who can move decisively and understand their full cost of ownership are in the best position to negotiate well and secure the right property.
“It is critical for buyers to work with knowledgeable and hyper-focused local agents,” she continued. “Many sales are happening off market so it is a must to have an agent who is connected and in the know.”
Yabroudy gives credit to today’s buyers for being “more discerning and analytical.
“They are digging into the total cost of ownership — taxes, insurance, utilities, landscaping, HOA fees — and paying close attention to the age and condition of major systems such as roofs, HVAC, and plumbing,” she said.
As for sellers, she said those in greater positions would be sellers “who price aggressively from the start and present a highly polished product.”
“Turnkey homes,” she added, “outperform those that require buyers to ‘fill in the gaps.’ If you are considering selling in the near future, consulting an agent early to create a clear prep and pricing strategy is one of the smartest moves you can make.”
Bill Rawlings
The 2026 housing market, Rawlings, CEO and founder of Peachtree Town and Country, predicts will be ideal for move-up buyers.
“With more inventory, slightly lower rates, and calmer competition, buyers who felt sidelined in recent years will finally have room to make thoughtful, strategic moves,” he said.
Rawlings sees mortgage rates easing slightly and home prices growing “at a healthy, sustainable pace.”
“It should feel like a more normal, confident market for both buyers and sellers,” he said.
He advises first-time homebuyers to “be prepared and decisive because improved inventory will create real opportunities. For those looking to sell or relocate, focus on timing and presentation since well-positioned homes will continue to command strong interest in 2026.”
Atlanta, Rawlings said, continues to outperform because “people want to live here, work here, and invest here. As the market normalizes in 2026, buyers and sellers will find more clarity, more choice, and more confidence in their decisions.”
Lindsay Levin
In 2026, buyers will have more room to negotiate than in recent years, said Lindsay Levin, a senior real estate specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. With that, she’s hopeful for one shift in particular.
“One of the biggest shifts I hope to see in 2026 is a slowdown in contract terminations,” said Levin. “In the Atlanta area, we are seeing at least 20 percent of contracts terminate, often due to inspection concerns or buyer remorse.”
“The structure of our contracts in Georgia plays a role. Unlike states such as North Carolina, where a buyer must pay the seller nonrefundable money to inspect a home, Georgia buyers can put a property under contract, inspect it, terminate, and walk away with their earnest money,” she said. “Their only cost is time and the inspection fee. That creates an environment where buyers can treat the contract process as a low-risk trial run. For sellers, this can be incredibly challenging.”
Sellers, she said, should expect to take care of “basic maintenance” and any potential issues that could be pointed out by an inspector. In addition, sellers might consider other preventative inspections, such as sewer line scoping and checking major systems.
Still, she advises buyers not to necessarily walk away from a property that needs some enhancements.
“A buyer who is willing to tolerate some level of updating is going to find the best opportunities in this market,” Levin said. “Homes that need cosmetic improvement are not selling as quickly, which means less competition and more room to negotiate. As long as the home does not have safety, health, structural or major system concerns, buyers should feel confident knowing they can update a bathroom, replace flooring or refresh finishes over time. The buyers who can look past dated choices and see long-term value are the ones who will win in 2026.”
Leigh Schiff
Waiting for interest rates to drop could end up hurting instead of helping you, according to Leigh Schiff, a real estate advisor with Ansley Real Estate Christie’s International.
“Buyers should leverage inventory now and not wait for interest rates to drop, as a subsequent rate drop will flood the market with more buyers and increase competition,” Schiff said. “It is more beneficial to secure a favorable price now and then plan to refinance if and when rates drop dramatically.”
Atlanta’s current real estate market, she noted, is facing some distinct challenges.
“For first-time buyers, high interest rates and affordability remain primary hurdles, as escalating home prices continue to outpace local wage growth,” said Schiff. “This is further complicated by a critical lack of entry-level inventory, largely due to current homeowners being reluctant to sell and give up their low mortgage interest rates. Meanwhile, sellers face shifting market dynamics.”
Buyers are now expecting “turnkey” properties, necessitating pre-listing investments in home improvements.
“Setting realistic expectations for sellers is also key; as the market cools, we are seeing fewer multiple-offer scenarios and greater buyer leverage, leading to increased price negotiability,” Schiff said.
Schiff also cautions about contract terminations. “Currently, one in five contracts falls apart during the due diligence period,” she said. “The main reasons cited for these terminations are home inspection/repair issues, financing contingencies, increased buyer leverage, and buyers simply changing their minds.”
She adds that when buyers have made up their minds to purchase, they should seek pre-approval, not just pre-qualification.
“To truly stand out when presenting an offer, aim for full loan approval. This means your loan has been entirely underwritten by the lender, which allows you to remove the financing contingency, making your bid much stronger.”