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Key Takeaways for Georgia Home Buyers:

Here's what you need to know to get started if you’re looking at buying in the Peach State:

Average Home Prices in Georgia

As of April 2025, the median sale price for a single-family home in Georgia is $383,100.

Average home price:

  • Atlanta: $443,950
  • Savannah: $345,000
  • Augusta-Richmond County: $206,250
  • Macon: $190,000
  • Athens: $356,000
  • Marietta: $412,500

Source: zillow.com/home-values

Average Home Size in Georgia

The average size for a single-family home in Georgia is approximately 2,000 square feet.

Average home size:

  • Atlanta: 2,136 square feet
  • Savannah: 2,032 square feet
  • Augusta-Richmond County: 2,046 square feet
  • Macon: 1,795 square feet
  • Athens: 2,170 square feet
  • Marietta: 2,272 square feet

Source: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/

Georgia State Taxes

  • Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49% as of 2025. This applies to most types of income, including wages and self-employment income.
  • Georgia’s average effective property tax rate is 0.87%, which is below the national average. Rates vary by county and are based on assessed home value (typically 40% of market value).
  • The state sales tax rate is 4%, but local counties and cities can add up to 4.9%, bringing the total rate in some areas to 8.9%.

How Much Can You Afford in Georgia?

Recommended
Monthly Payment:
$750.00

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$750.00
$1050
$1350

Affordable Home Prices With Your Recommended Payment

$107,844.08 house with $9,804.01 down. (10%)

$117,648.09 house with $19,608.02 down. (20%)

$127,452.10 house with $29,412.02 down. (30%)

These examples use the loan term provided and assume a fixed-rate mortgage with an interest rate of 6%.

Georgia Down Payment Assistance Programs

Georgia Dream Loan Program

Designed for first-time buyers (or those who haven’t owned a home in the past 3 years), the Georgia Dream program offers 30-year fixed-rate loan plus down payment assistance.

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More about this program
  • For first-time buyers or those who haven’t owned a home in 3+ years
  • 30-year fixed-rate loan
  • Down payment assistance up to $10,000 or $12,500 for eligible public workers or families with a disability
  • Must complete a home buyer education course
  • Must meet income and asset limits

Georgia Dream Loan Peach Plus Program 

The Peach Plus Loan Program expands Georgia Dream eligibility to more home buyers—including those using FHA or VA loans who don’t qualify for the standard program. It provides affordable down payment assistance to help more Georgia families achieve homeownership.

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More about this program

  • Designed for FHA and VA borrowers not eligible for traditional Georgia Dream.

  • Down payment assistance up to 3.5% of the purchase price or $10,000 (whichever is less)

  • Must meet income and asset limits

  • Household liquid assets must be under $20,000 or 20% of the sales price

  • Subject to standard mortgage credit requirements

Essex + National Homebuyers Fund FHA Program

This down payment assistance program helps buyers get into a home with little to no upfront cost, offering up to 101.5% financing through an FHA first mortgage and a second lien.

purchase-g-radio
More about this program
  • FHA loan covers 96.5% of the purchase price
  • Second lien covers 3.5% or 5% for down payment or closing costs
  • Minimum credit score: 600 (660 for manual underwriting)
  • No first-time buyer requirement
  • No max DTI with DU/LP approval
  • Homebuyer education required (Fannie Mae HomeView – free online)
  • Non-occupant co-borrowers allowed
  • Eligible properties: Single-family homes, duplexes (2 units), PUDs, condos (agency approved), townhomes, manufactured homes allowed (except single-wides)

Lakeview National Community Lending Program

The Lakeview National program supports low- to moderate-income buyers with down payment assistance and flexible financing to make homeownership more accessible.

purchase-g-radio
More about this program
  • 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage
  • Second lien offers up to 4% for down payment assistance
  • Max LTV/CLTV: 97% / 105%
  • Income limit: Up to 140% of area median income (AMI)
  • Minimum credit score: 660
  • DTI: Lesser of 50% or AUS approval
  • First lien acquired by Lakeview; second lien from an approved DPA provider
  • Eligible properties: Single-family detached or attached homes, single-family homes with accessory units (must be zoned single-family), PUDs and condominiums, rural properties (must be residential in nature)

Churchill Mortgage is an approved lender for these down payment assistance programs. Contact us today to see if you qualify!

Frequently Asked Questions

Check our FAQs for responses to our most popular questions from Georgia Home Buyers.

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How Much Should I Budget for Closing Costs in Georgia?

In Georgia, buyers typically pay 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price in closing costs. For a $350,000 home, this amounts to approximately $7,000 to $17,500. These costs cover expenses like loan origination fees, appraisals, inspections, title insurance, attorney fees, and escrow deposits. 

Note that some costs are negotiable, and certain assistance programs may help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

You will receive your closing costs from your Home Loan Specialist in a Loan Estimate that you will receive after you apply for your home loan and in the Closing Disclosure document that is provided before your official closing day.

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What Are the Most Popular Home Loan Types in Georgia?

In Georgia, the most common home loans include:

  • Conventional Loans: Ideal for borrowers with good credit and stable income.

  • FHA Loans: Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, these loans are popular among first-time buyers due to lower credit and down payment requirements.

  • VA Loans: Available to eligible veterans and active-duty service members, offering benefits like no down payment and no private mortgage insurance.

  • USDA Loans: Designed for rural homebuyers with low to moderate incomes, offering zero down payment options.

  • Georgia Dream Loans: State-sponsored program providing 30-year fixed-rate loans and down payment assistance to eligible first-time buyers. 

Collaboration
How Can I Find a Trusted Local Georgia Realtor to Work With?

Churchill Mortgage's experienced Home Loan Specialists work closing with a network of trusted, local real estate agents across the state of Georgia. Just ask for a referral and we'll provide you with a professional who is committed to finding the right home for you.

 
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How Do Schools Rank in Georgia?

Georgia is home to several top-performing school districts and public schools, making it an attractive state for families prioritizing education. In 2025, Buford City Schools earned national recognition, ranking among the best school districts in the U.S. 

Top School Districts in Georgia (2025):

  • Buford City Schools – Achieved an overall A+ rating, with high proficiency in math and reading.

  • Forsyth County Schools – Known for its high-performing schools and strong academic programs.

  • Fulton County Schools – Offers a diverse range of educational opportunities and consistently ranks among the top districts.

  • Cobb County Schools – Recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and student achievement.

  • Gwinnett County Public Schools – Home to several top-ranked schools, including the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology.

For detailed school ratings, graduation rates, and test scores, check the Georgia School Dashboard.

For more info go to: Georgia Department of Education (GADOE)

 

Reviews from Georgia Home Buyers

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Robert and everyone at the Churchill Mortgage team are at the top of their game! Very responsive and a pleasure to work with. They made the whole process easy!! A+"

Ryan L.
Blairesville, GA
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I cannot say enough great things about Tina—she was truly exceptional throughout my entire mortgage loan process! From start to finish, Tina was knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly responsive. She made what can often be a stressful and overwhelming experience feel smooth and manageable."

Morgan W.
Ringgold, GA
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Lee and his team did a phenomenal job at making this process a breeze. From the first phone call until closing day, I knew he would always be available to help meet every need."

Michael W.
Bethlehem, GA

4.9 / 5

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Georgia Branch Locations

Blairsville, GA

(904) 447-4915

Visit the Branch Website

Blairsville, GA

Churchill Loan Officers in Georgia

Conforming and high balance allowed. Cooperative housing not eligible. Not all applicants will qualify. Not a commitment to lend. Other restriction or limitations to any program may apply.

This calculator is being provided for educational purposes only. The provided values for interest rates are examples only and do not reflect Churchill Mortgage Product terms & offers. The results are estimates that are based on information you provided and may not reflect Churchill Mortgage Product terms. The information cannot be used by Churchill Mortgage to determine a customer's eligibility for a specific product or service. All financial calculators are provided by a third-party and are not controlled by or under the control of Churchill Mortgage. Churchill Mortgage is not responsible for the content, results, or the accuracy of information.

These calculations are hypothetical examples designed to for illustration purposes only. Consult a Home Loan Specialist for more specific information regarding payments, terms, etc.

Sources:
https://www.attomdata.com/data/us-real-estate/wa/

As a responsible lender, Churchill Mortgage is committed to the principles outlined in federal and state lending laws ensuring all potential borrowers have access to the same information, services, and opportunities throughout the home loan process.