While housing inventory in Atlanta may remain low, the area is experiencing high demand as prospective homeowners seek options for walkable lifestyles and more, according to real estate professionals with their pulse on the 2026 housing market.
In turn, that “limited inventory, minimal new development, and sustained demand for architecturally significant homes are reinforcing premium values,” said Jim Getzinger, a Realtor who leads the Jim Getzinger & Co. team at Compass.
“Rates appear to be settling into a more predictable range, and buyers are adjusting accordingly,” Getzinger said. “ While price growth may be more measured, Intown Atlanta remains well supported. Demand for well-located homes continues to outpace supply, which helps stabilize pricing even in a changing rate environment.”
Brian Woodworth echoes that sentiment.
“We’re continuing to see high demand in Intown with steady appreciation rates,” said Woodworth, a real estate professional with the Intown office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties.
It’s proving to be a positive time for buyers, who currently have the opportunity to “negotiate on the purchase price and contract terms on many transactions,” Woodworth said.
He added that interest rates are dropping, with rates in the low six percent range through the fourth quarter of 2025.
“The Fed recently cut rates again in December by a quarter point and has indicated the potential for additional cuts in 2026,” Woodworth said. “Interest rates in the high five percent range are a good possibility in 2026.”
Waiting on interest rates to drop, agents say, isn’t the best answer.
“Some buyers have been holding off for lower interest rates, but as rates drop, competition is rising and so will prices, resulting in more bidding wars,” Woodworth said. “If buyers wait for rates to drop, the home they want may have appreciated to a price that offsets the interest rate drop. Buy now and refinance later.”
People waiting for rates to drop, said David Pruett, an agent with Ansley Real Estate in Atlanta, “are missing out on opportunities right now.”
“Waiting for rates to drop is a very poor excuse for buyers,” Pruett said. “If you are one of those buyers, I highly encourage you to speak with a lender and get as educated as possible on the difference between a 6.15 rate and a 5.99 rate.”
Woodworth added that as interest rates drop, “buyer demand will increase and buyers will end up paying more.”
There is hope when it comes to interest rates, though, Pruett pointed out. “If we continue to see poor consumer confidence and a poor labor market, that bodes well for mortgage rates to drop. Will we ever see what we saw a few years ago? No. For those in the market or thinking about getting into the market, a six percent rate is historically a great rate to have.”
In the current market, Pruett said, while sellers have the upper hand, “buyers have become very savvy in understanding that sellers have cash. Buyers now expect homes on the market to be updated and turnkey. Homes that have major projects to be completed are sitting on the market longer and selling at lower average prices.”
Spending money on repairs and improvements will lead to “faster sales at higher prices,” Woodworth added. And sellers who could use a bit of support can turn to professionals for getting their homes ready to move swiftly, Pruett suggested.
“There are multiple brokerages in town that have the resources to help sellers get a house ready for the market by using their equity to get the property market ready,” Pruett shared. “If you are thinking about selling, speak with a professional about where to spend your money to get the house ready and where you will see your largest return on investment. For example, painting and landscaping could be more important than updating your countertops in the kitchen.”
For sellers, “painting and minor upgrades and improvements, especially to kitchens and bathrooms, will make your home sell faster and for more money,” Woodworth stated. “We recently had a seller invest $45,000 in renovations and improvements prior to listing. We were able to increase the list price by $130,000 and the home sold with multiple offers within days. For buyers, get fully approved by a lender before shopping so you are ready to make an offer when you find the right home.”
Getzinger echoed those sentiments: “Buyers are far more discerning. Turnkey homes and properties with architectural character continue to draw strong interest, while homes that feel dated are taking longer. Relocation buyers, in particular, tend to move quickly when location, condition, and lifestyle align.”
The time for finding the right home will be the second half of quarter one and all of quarter two of 2026. In fact, Pruett considers 2026 to be “one of the healthiest markets we have seen in recent years,” with buyers having the power to negotiate.
“Then we will enjoy a nice summer pause followed up by a frisky fall market that will produce a flurry of activity,” Pruett added. “Heading into Q4, we run into the midterm elections and the holidays. Election seasons typically bring uncertainty to consumer confidence, and the holidays are busy; therefore, Q4 will be a slower period of time. At the end of 2026, prices will have increased, and total sales will be up year over year.”
One challenge to expect will come for first-time homebuyers, said Pruett.
“First-time home buyers will continue to struggle as affordability continues to be an issue for entry-level real estate,” he said, “however, there are some amazing opportunities for these buyers in Smyrna, Tucker, West Midtown, and more.
Pruett cautions that starting out, first-time homebuyers may not end up with a home in the area of preference initially, adding that “real estate for first-time homebuyers has always been about sacrifice, whether that means location, size, or condition. What is important for a first-time homebuyer is getting a property that they can sell for a win down the road so they can eventually live in that dream neighborhood.”
