MONEY GLOBE XBuying a home in Georgia: the basics, step by step
Buying a home in Georgia: attorney closings, the transfer and intangible taxes, the homestead exemption and Georgia Dream help, with city prices.
Last checked November 8, 2026. Every rule below names its source; the official pages are listed at the end with their own dates.
In short
- In Georgia, a licensed Georgia attorney conducts the closing.
- Closing includes the transfer tax ($1 per $1,000, the seller is liable) and, with a loan, the intangible recording tax ($1.50 per $500).
- First-time buyers can look at Georgia Dream: up to 5% of the price or $10,000 in down payment help (from July 8, 2026).
Georgia home prices by cityMortgage calculator (Canada and USA)US metro areas
Prices in Georgia cities
Live data: Georgia home values, September 2026
| City | Typical home value | 1 year | Typical rent | Days to an accepted offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | $380,331 | -1.9% | $1,942 | 54 days |
| Savannah | $318,893 | -3.0% | $1,712 | 40 days |
| Augusta | $187,663 | +2.4% | $1,344 | 49 days |
| Columbus | $175,906 | +3.1% | $1,331 | 22 days |
| Macon | $171,522 | +2.6% | $1,210 | 38 days |
| Athens | $338,623 | +1.6% | $1,782 | 48 days |
Source: Zillow Research (Zillow Home Value Index and Zillow Observed Rent Index), September 2026. Data updated November 08, 2026.
Steps
- Budget and pre-approval. A lender looks at income, debts and credit; the mortgage calculator handles US loans with PMI.
- Offer and contract. Read the inspection and due-diligence terms with your agent or attorney.
- Inspection and appraisal.
- Closing with an attorney. The Supreme Court of Georgia found (2003) that closing a real estate deal or preparing the deed by anyone other than a licensed Georgia attorney is the unauthorized practice of law.
- After closing: apply for the homestead exemption by April 1.
Closing taxes
The transfer tax and the intangible recording tax are explained, with examples, in the Georgia closing costs guide.
Georgia Dream down payment help
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs' Georgia Dream program (amounts effective July 8, 2026) gives 5% of the price or $10,000, whichever is less; 6% or $12,500 for protectors, educators and nurses (PEN) and for households with a member living with a disability (CHOICE). It is for first-time buyers or people who have not owned a home in the past 3 years; liquid assets after closing can be at most $20,000 or 20% of the price, whichever is greater.
| Area | Maximum price | Income, 1-2 people | Income, 3 or more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta metro | $625,000 | $137,555 | $158,188 |
| Athens area | $525,000 | $118,152 | $135,875 |
| Rest of Georgia | $475,000 | $101,700 | $116,955 |
Questions
Do you need a lawyer to buy a house in Georgia?
A licensed Georgia attorney conducts real estate closings; the Supreme Court of Georgia treats closings by others as the unauthorized practice of law.
How much is the Georgia Dream down payment assistance?
5% of the price or $10,000, whichever is less; 6% or $12,500 for PEN and CHOICE buyers (from July 8, 2026).
Who pays the Georgia transfer tax?
The law makes the seller liable; check your purchase contract for who pays which closing costs.
When is the homestead exemption deadline in Georgia?
April 1, with your county tax office.
Related guides
Sources
- Supreme Court of Georgia: In re UPL Advisory Opinion 2003-2 (2003)
- Georgia Department of Revenue: Real estate transfer tax
- Georgia Department of Revenue: Intangible recording tax
- Georgia Department of Revenue: Property tax homestead exemptions
- Georgia Department of Community Affairs: Georgia Dream (amounts effective July 8, 2026)
- Zillow Research data
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Create a free accountLast checked November 8, 2026. General information only - not financial, legal, tax or real estate advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source or a licensed professional before you act.