Atlanta Home Price Forecast Through 2029: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

If you're considering buying or selling a home in Atlanta, understanding where the market is headed can help you make smarter decisions. Recent expert forecasts paint an optimistic picture for Atlanta real estate, with steady home price growth expected through 2029. Here's what local homebuyers and sellers need to know about the Atlanta housing market.

National Housing Market Trends Point to Steady Growth

According to Fannie Mae's Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES), which polls over 100 housing economists and market strategists, national home prices are projected to rise by approximately 15% cumulatively from Q3 2025 through Q4 2029. This represents a return to more normalized appreciation rates after the dramatic spikes witnessed during the pandemic era.

The consensus among experts shows annual home price appreciation stabilizing around 2-3.5%—below the 25-year historical average of 4-5%. Even the most pessimistic forecasts project positive growth of 4.9%, while optimistic scenarios anticipate gains up to 25.8%. The key takeaway? Experts agree that home prices will continue growing, not crashing.

This moderation follows years of extraordinary gains during the COVID-19 pandemic when home prices surged 15-20% annually in many markets. As the economy normalizes, structural factors are preventing a downturn, most notably the persistent housing shortage affecting markets nationwide.

Why Atlanta's Housing Market Remains Strong

Atlanta's real estate market mirrors national trends but benefits from unique local advantages that could drive even stronger growth. The metro area continues to be a powerhouse for economic opportunity, attracting major employers, tech companies, and film productions while hosting Fortune 500 headquarters like Delta Air Lines and The Home Depot.

Population growth remains robust, with the Atlanta metro area adding over 60,000 residents in 2024 alone. This influx is expected to continue through 2029, fueled by Atlanta's affordable living costs compared to coastal cities and strong job market.

Current Atlanta Home Prices and Future Projections

As of October 2025, Atlanta's median home value stands at approximately $392,310. While this represents a temporary 4.8% decrease from the previous year due to inventory increases and rate fluctuations, experts predict a strong rebound.

Local forecasts suggest Atlanta could outpace national averages with:

• 3% median home price growth in 2025

• 4% growth in 2026

• Annual appreciation of 3-4% through 2029

• Cumulative increase of 15-20% by 2029, potentially pushing median prices near $500,000

Hot neighborhoods like Duluth and Sandy Springs could see even stronger gains of 4-6% annually, driven by demand for walkable, urban-suburban communities.

Key Factors Driving Atlanta Real Estate Growth

Severe Housing Shortage

The Atlanta Regional Commission estimates a need for 500,000 additional housing units by 2050 to accommodate growth, but current construction can't keep pace. While multifamily developments are adding over 10,000 new apartment units in 2025, single-family inventory remains tight at just 3-4 months' supply. This scarcity supports price stability and growth.

Strong Job Market

Employment growth in key sectors is projected at 2-3% annually through 2029. Technology hubs in Midtown and Alpharetta, along with logistics operations centered around Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, continue creating high-paying jobs. This influx of professionals sustains housing demand, particularly in family-friendly suburbs like Marietta and Roswell.

Improving Mortgage Rates

With 30-year fixed mortgage rates currently hovering around 6.5-7%, forecasts from Fannie Mae and major banks suggest a gradual decline to 5.5-6% by 2028-2029. This could unlock pent-up demand, with local market reports projecting sales volume increases of 9-13.5% in 2025 alone.

Migration from High-Cost Markets

Atlanta's role as a Sun Belt destination continues attracting residents from higher-cost regions like New York and California, where housing affordability has become increasingly challenging.

What This Means for Atlanta Homebuyers

For prospective buyers, 2025-2026 presents strategic opportunities:

Improved Inventory: With housing supply expected to reach 4 months in 2025, buyers have more options than in recent years.

Emerging Neighborhoods: Focus on areas like East Atlanta and Grant Park, where revitalization projects could drive 5-7% annual appreciation through 2029.

Get Pre-Approved: With improving inventory comes increased competition. Mortgage pre-approval is essential for making competitive offers.

Work with Local Experts: Knowledgeable agents can help you identify off-market opportunities and navigate Atlanta's diverse neighborhoods.

Consider Investment Properties: Single-family rental properties are projected to see 2-3% rent growth, outpacing multifamily options due to apartment oversupply.

Guidance for Atlanta Home Sellers

The market remains favorable for sellers through 2029:

Strong Demand: Low foreclosure rates and sustained buyer interest create a seller-friendly environment.

Strategic Pricing: Use current comparable sales data to price competitively and maximize returns.

Smart Improvements: Focus updates on kitchens and outdoor spaces, which deliver high ROI in Atlanta's market.

Timing Matters: With steady appreciation expected, sellers can feel confident listing without fear of market downturns.

Understanding the Risks

While forecasts are optimistic, potential challenges exist:

Affordability Pressures: Atlanta's price-to-income ratio has climbed, making homeownership more difficult for first-time buyers.

Climate Considerations: Increased flooding risks in low-lying areas could impact certain neighborhoods.

Economic Uncertainty: Unexpected recessions or interest rate hikes could moderate growth, though experts emphasize the market's underlying resilience.

The Bottom Line for Atlanta Real Estate

Expert forecasts through 2029 indicate steady, sustainable growth for Atlanta's housing market. The combination of strong population growth, robust job creation, persistent housing shortages, and Atlanta's position as a Sun Belt economic hub positions the metro area for continued appreciation.

Whether you're a first-time buyer, move-up purchaser, investor, or seller, understanding these trends empowers better decision-making. Atlanta's real estate market offers opportunities across price points and neighborhoods, from revitalizing urban areas to established suburban communities.

Real estate is inherently local, and Atlanta's unique dynamics—from the BeltLine expansion to infrastructure investments—create opportunities that national trends alone can't capture. Working with an experienced local real estate professional who understands neighborhood-specific factors is essential for maximizing your investment.

Ready to take advantage of Atlanta's strong housing market? Contact HomeSmart Realty Partners today to discuss how these forecasts apply to your specific real estate goals and explore opportunities in Atlanta's dynamic neighborhoods.