Discover how Atlanta’s housing market shifted in Q1: prices rose, inventory grew, and why sellers still have the market advantage.

Did your Metro Atlanta home gain or lose value in the first quarter of 2025? Here's what the numbers say. From the jump, 2025 hit differently than last year. In January, buyers started coming back in full force. After two years of waiting for interest rates to drop, many finally decided to buy—only to find that home prices had gone up while they were waiting.

This surge in buyer activity has continued through the first quarter, and we’re seeing the effects everywhere. Here’s a look at what’s happening now and what we expect as we head into the second quarter:

1. Prices are up, but not everywhere. Are home prices going up or down? The answer really depends on where you live. In most areas of Metro Atlanta, prices are rising compared to the first quarter of last year. For example:

• East Cobb. Home prices jumped by 14.3% from last year. If you own a home here, that means your equity just increased.
• Johns Creek. Prices increased by 4.9%, which is more modest but still a good sign.

However, in the City of Decatur, prices fell by 9.6%. This could be due to uncertainty around government jobs. With major employers like Emory University and the CDC nearby, layoffs or budget cuts can affect the market.

As a result, while some sellers are staying put, others are waiting to see what happens before deciding to sell.

2. Sellers are still holding strong. If you’ve been watching the market, you might have heard about “multiple offer situations.” They’re happening all over right now. I’ve seen homes receive 5 to 7 offers within just a few days of being listed, and many are selling for 102% to 105% of the asking price. That said, not all markets are experiencing bidding wars.

• Greater Atlanta. Sellers are receiving about 98% of their asking price, typically negotiating down by around 2%.
• East Cobb. Slightly better, with sellers getting 98.8% of their asking price.
• Johns Creek. Sellers are doing their best here, walking away with 100% of their asking price.
• City of Decatur: This area is lagging at 97.3% due to softer demand.

Buyers are eager, especially in hot neighborhoods like East Cobb and Johns Creek, but overall, sellers aren’t giving much ground when negotiating prices.

“Sellers have the advantage, especially in popular areas like East Cobb and Johns Creek.”

3. Inventory is growing but is still a seller's market in most places. One key metric I always check is monthly supply, which tells us how long it would take to sell all the homes currently on the market if no new homes were listed. Here’s what stood out in the first quarter:

• Greater Atlanta. There’s about a four-month supply of homes, which is 60% higher than last year. This indicates a balanced market, but it still leans toward sellers.
• East Cobb. This area has a tight two-and-a-half-month supply. Even though inventory has increased by 66% from last year, buyers are quickly snapping up homes.
• City of Decatur. With a five-month supply, Decatur is in a balanced market, with a monthly supply up by 66%.
• Johns Creek. Despite an 80% increase in inventory, there are still only 1.8 months of supply, highlighting this area's competitiveness.

Inventory is growing, but it’s not enough to satisfy buyer demand in most parts of Metro Atlanta. Sellers have the advantage, especially in popular areas like East Cobb and Johns Creek.

What’s ahead for the second quarter of 2025? The next six months will be interesting. With tariffs, a shaky stock market (it’s tough right now), and ongoing economic uncertainty, some buyers might hesitate, especially in the luxury and second-home markets.

However, the mid-range market—homes under $3 million—should stay strong. Interest rates may drop slightly, helping buyers get better deals. After two years of waiting, many are ready to dive in and make 2025 their year, regardless of what the news says.

If you're thinking about buying or selling this year, pay attention to your local market because while the big picture matters, real estate is always hyper-local. For any questions about your specific neighborhood or home, feel free to reach out at (404) 800-7111 or kelly@kellysellsatlanta.com. Let’s get ready for the second quarter and see how the rest of 2025 shapes up.