Updated October 19, 2026 · Data: September 2026
September 2026 housing conditions varied across North Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Inventory was higher than a year earlier in six of the seven counties below, while median sale prices moved in different directions.
Quick answer: Cobb had the lowest months of inventory in this comparison, while Gilmer had the highest. Use the county numbers as a starting point, then compare the specific location, price range, and property type you plan to buy or sell.
September 2026 single-family market comparison
| County and source | Median sale price | Price change, year over year | Days on market until sale | List price received | Months of inventory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forsyth | $600,000 | −6.3% | 53 | 96.6% | 4.9 |
| Fulton | $525,000 | +5.0% | 50 | 97.8% | 4.9 |
| Cobb | $465,000 | +3.3% | 39 | 97.8% | 3.6 |
| Gilmer | $465,000 | +5.1% | 68 | 96.8% | 9.5 |
| Cherokee | $451,250 | −5.8% | 56 | 97.8% | 4.6 |
| Pickens | $440,000 | −17.0% | 75 | 96.1% | 6.3 |
| Bartow | $344,000 | −3.4% | 51 | 97.1% | 5.4 |
Source and scope: Georgia REALTORS / ShowingTime September 2026 Local Market Updates, current as of October 16, 2026 and checked October 20. Each county name links to its report; those links may show a newer month later. Figures cover single-family homes. Fulton includes Atlanta and South Fulton, not just North Fulton. List-price figures do not account for seller concessions or down-payment assistance.
What changed across the counties
- Cobb: Inventory rose 16.9% from a year earlier, but its 3.6 months of supply remained the lowest in this group. Compare price ranges before assuming competition has disappeared.
- Cherokee: Pending sales fell 27.2%, while days on market until sale rose from 45 to 56. Sellers should review current competing listings as well as closed sales.
- Forsyth: The median was highest in this comparison, but pending sales fell 34.1% and inventory grew 14.8%. Negotiating conditions still vary by listing.
- Fulton: The median rose 5%, while inventory declined 1.6%. City and subdivision comparisons are especially important in this geographically varied county.
- Gilmer and Pickens: Supply was 9.5 and 6.3 months respectively. These smaller markets recorded 113 and 59 closed sales, so changes in the mix of homes sold can materially move the median.
- Bartow: The median was lowest at $344,000, while inventory rose 24.8%. Compare condition and ongoing costs alongside price.
What buyers should do
Get a current lender estimate and compare homes within a comfortable total monthly budget. More inventory can create options, but it does not guarantee a discount or a seller-paid repair.
Use comparable sales, condition, time on market, and competing listings to shape an offer. For broader location differences, see our North Metro Atlanta relocation guide.
What sellers should do
Price against both recent sales and the homes buyers can choose today. Prepare the property before photography and agree on when to review showing activity and feedback.
A rising county median does not mean every home gained that percentage. Likewise, a falling median does not measure the exact change in your property’s value. Request a property-specific home valuation before making pricing decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Is North Georgia a buyer’s market?
There is no single answer for every location. September’s inventory ranged from 3.6 months in Cobb to 9.5 in Gilmer, indicating materially different levels of choice. Price range, condition, and local demand matter alongside county supply.
Do these numbers include condos and townhomes?
No. The table uses single-family figures only. Condos and townhomes appear separately in the source reports and may have different prices and selling conditions.
What period does this page describe?
September 2026. Check the month in any linked report before comparing it with this table; the source URLs can advance to the latest release.
Plan your next step
Want to understand what these numbers mean for your street or search area? We can help you compare relevant listings and recent sales.
Contact The Carl Hawthorne Team
Call (770) 765-2828 or email [email protected].
The Carl Hawthorne Team · Watkins Real Estate Associates
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