How to Buy a Home in Georgia in 2025

Georgia’s housing market remains a leading destination for affordability and opportunity in 2025. The average price of a home in Georgia is around $381,100, with an increase of 30.8% of homes sold below the market price, creating a more balanced market.

This guide breaks down every step—from financial prep to closing day. You’ll get local insight for navigating Georgia’s unique requirements and maximizing your buying power.

Georgia Real Estate Market Overview (2025)

The Georgia housing market is experiencing a shift in 2025. Buyers now have more power with a 47-day average market time and 11% inventory growth.

Regional dynamics vary sharply. Atlanta’s $385,000 median (-9.4%) and Savannah’s $333,000 (-4.0%) offer buyer advantages with 65-66 day cycles. Columbus ($250,000, +11.1%) and Augusta ($220,000, +10.0%) drive growth with rapid 20-47 day turnover, signaling strong secondary market fundamentals.

How to Buy a House in Georgia: 7 Steps

Step 1: Figure Out Your Finances

Before you look for homes for sale in Georgia, you need a clear budget. The Peach State’s balanced market conditions and favorable tax environment require strategic financial planning to maximize your purchasing power.

How Much House Can You Afford in Georgia?

Aim for a DTI of 43% or less to secure better loan terms. Your monthly payment covers principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. Georgia’s property tax rate averages 0.87%, below the 1.1% national average. This means noticeable savings compared to northeastern markets.

Homestead exemptions reduce assessed value by $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the county. Richmond County offers the highest, topping $10,000.

Down payments start at 3% (FHA min: 500 credit), but most buyers target 20%: $76,500 for the median home. Typical closing costs range 2%-6% of sale price—plan for $7,600–$22,950 on a $382,500 home.

Get Your Down Payment Ready

You don’t need 20% down. Minimum credit score requirements are 620 (Conventional) and 500 (FHA), making Georgia accessible for various credit profiles.

Popular Georgia first-time home buyer programs offer substantial assistance:

• Georgia Dream Homeownership Program: Comprehensive assistance with competitive rates and down payment help
• Peach Plus Advantage: Enhanced benefits for qualifying borrowers
• HomeSafe Georgia: Specialized support for homeownership stability
• Qualifying offers up to $10,000 in down payment assistance and forgivable loans for eligible buyers

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Pre-approval confirms your loan eligibility and buying power. Today’s rates: 6.63% (30-year) and 5.83% (15-year). Getting pre-approved and locking your rate protects against daily fluctuations, especially important in Georgia’s competitive metro Atlanta counties.

Prepare these documents:

• W-2s (2 years)
• Pay stubs (last 30 days)
• Federal tax returns (2 years)
• Bank statements (2–3 months)
• Photo ID
• Proof of additional income
• Social Security number

Step 2: Find Your Dream Home in Georgia

Set your budget to find your dream home faster. Houzeo, Georgia’s top home buying platform, lets you filter listings by price, ZIP code, schools, and trends. Save searches, get alerts, and explore markets—without broker fees.

Whether you are looking for homes for sale in Atlanta, Savannah, or Columbus, the best place to buy in Georgia depends on your priorities:

• Fulton County (Atlanta): Urban amenities and strong job market, though higher competition
• Richmond County (Augusta): Growing healthcare sector and maximum homestead exemptions
• Muscogee County (Columbus): Rapid appreciation and military stability

Define Your Needs vs. Wants

Consider commute, schools, amenities, and growth potential. In Metro Atlanta, hot areas sell in about 20 days, while older neighborhoods take 65+ days. Affordable options include Columbus, Augusta, and Warner Robins. Atlanta’s core appeals to professionals seeking walkability and MARTA access.

Factor in Georgia’s favorable 0.87% property tax rate when comparing total monthly costs, as this advantage over northeastern markets can significantly impact your purchasing power and long-term affordability calculations.

Step 3: Make an Offer That Wins

Georgia’s balanced market with 4.0-4.6 months inventory and 53-day sales cycles gives you reasonable negotiating power, though metro Atlanta’s tight supply requires strategic positioning.

Key components:

• Fair market price based on recent Georgia sales data.
• Earnest money deposit typically 1-3% in Georgia.
• Essential contingencies to protect your investment.

Financing Contingency

This allows you to cancel the contract if your mortgage financing falls through, protecting your earnest money deposit. It is essential given Georgia’s current 6.63% mortgage rates and varying regional market conditions.

Appraisal Contingency

If the home appraises for less than your offer, you have options to renegotiate or walk away. With Atlanta and Savannah showing recent price corrections (-9.4% and -4.0% respectively), this contingency provides important protection against overpaying in cooling markets.

Inspection Contingency

Georgia’s climate calls for thorough property checks. Get a general inspection plus tests for termites, radon, septic, and mold. These are vital in humid regions and rural areas with well water. Use the results to negotiate repairs or price adjustments.

Step 4: The Crucial Due Diligence Period

Inspection Contingency

This 7-10 day window requires Georgia-specific inspections given the state’s diverse climate conditions and regional risk factors.

Include:

• General home inspection in Georgia for structural and mechanical systems.
• Termite/pest inspection – essential statewide due to Georgia’s humid climate and active insect populations.
• Radon testing, especially critical in North Georgia’s mountainous regions where geological conditions increase exposure risk.
• Septic system evaluation for rural and exurban properties, particularly important given Georgia’s significant rural housing stock.
• Mold assessment in humid areas, focusing on basements, crawl spaces, and HVAC systems common in Georgia construction.
• Foundation inspection for metro Atlanta properties due to expansive clay soil conditions that can cause structural issues.

Appraisal Process

The lender orders an appraisal to verify the home’s market value, usually within 1–3 weeks. In Georgia, markets vary—Atlanta and Savannah have seen corrections, while Columbus and Augusta continue to appreciate. A professional appraisal ensures your offer reflects current trends and protects you from overpaying.

Step 5: Secure Your Financing and Insurance

Final mortgage underwriting averages 8–14 days in Georgia, though metro Atlanta’s competitive markets may require expedited processing to meet closing deadlines.

Homeowners Insurance in Georgia

Georgia offers significantly more affordable insurance compared to coastal states, though specific coverage requirements vary by region and risk exposure.

Insurance Essentials:

• Statewide average: $1,400-$1,800 annually
• Atlanta metro: $1,600-$2,100
• Rural areas: $1,200-$1,500
• Coastal areas (Savannah, Brunswick): $2,500-$4,000

Flood insurance is required in FEMA flood zones, particularly affecting Savannah and Brunswick coastal properties. Wind/hail coverage becomes mandatory in storm-prone areas, though Georgia’s inland location provides natural protection from hurricane-force winds that devastate Florida markets.

Homes with newer roofs, updated electrical, and modern HVAC systems often get lower premiums. Georgia’s stable weather and low litigation keep insurance costs in check, boosting affordability. Combined with the 0.87% property tax rate, this creates major monthly savings compared to high-cost states.

Step 6: Prepare for Closing Day

Georgia closing costs typically add 2% to 5% of the purchase price, with specific state requirements that differ from other markets.

GA closing costs include:

• Attorney’s fee: Georgia uniquely requires a real estate attorney for all transactions, typically $800-$1,500
• Title examination/insurance: Protects ownership rights, costing about 0.5% to 1% of the price
• Transfer taxes: Vary by county, generally $1-$3 per $1,000 of sale price
• Recording fees: Around $25-$75 to file documents with county clerk
• Appraisal fee: $400-$600 for standard residential properties
• Lender fees: Cover loan processing and underwriting costs
• Prorated property taxes: Divided between buyer and seller based on closing date, calculated using Georgia’s favorable 0.87% average rate

HOA/Community Fees:

• HOA fees: $80-$250/month for amenities and maintenance
• Community Development District (CDD) fees: $300-$2,500/year in newer developments

During closing, you’ll review and sign key documents including the warranty deed, mortgage agreement, final loan disclosures, and Closing Disclosure forms (provided at least 3 days in advance). Georgia’s attorney requirement ensures proper document review and legal protection throughout the transaction process.

Step 7: Welcome Home!

After closing, take advantage of Georgia’s homeowner-friendly policies and local incentives.

File for Georgia Homestead Exemption: Georgia offers county-specific homestead exemptions ranging from $2,000–$10,000, providing immediate property tax relief.

• Up to $10,000 reduction in assessed value (Richmond County leads statewide)
• Property tax caps help stabilize long-term monthly payments against assessment increases
• Annual tax savings of $200-$870 depending on county rates and exemption amounts
• Must file by April 1st following your purchase year to claim benefits

Additional Georgia Advantages:

• Local grants available in Atlanta and Savannah for energy efficiency improvements or first-time buyer assistance
• No state income tax on retirement income for residents 62+
• Favorable business climate if you’re self-employed or entrepreneurial

Set up utilities like Georgia Power or local providers, update your address, and get to know your community. Georgia offers a moderate cost of living, diverse landscapes from mountains to coast, strong universities, and expanding job markets—from Atlanta’s corporate hubs to Augusta’s medical district.

Your Georgia homeownership journey begins with these built-in financial advantages and quality-of-life benefits.Retry

Tips for Georgia Homebuyers: Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

• Consult a local agent for city-to-city insight.
• Compare lenders and first-time buyer programs.
• Schedule specialized inspections for radon, termites, and septic tanks.
• Calculate HOA/CDD fees before submitting an offer.
• Review school districts—Cobb and Fulton counties boast top-rated options.

Don’ts

• Skip attorney review—Georgia law requires attorney supervision during closing.
• Rely on broad online mortgage calculators.
• Underestimate closing costs.
• Rely solely on listing photos—tour properties in person when possible.
• Ignore flood zone maps, especially in Savannah and coastal counties.

Conclusion

Buying a home in Georgia in 2025 presents opportunities, including moderate inventory and regional price differences. However, you also benefit from low 0.87% property taxes, strong first-time buyer programs, and diverse markets. With the right planning you can secure your Georgia home while maximizing financial and lifestyle advantages.

Frequently Asked Questions