The Letton

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VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9 / 4 September, 2025

The Atlanta Fall Market: What to Expect

As we roll into September, here’s a quick reminder: summer doesn’t officially end until September 21st. And while Labor Day often feels like the kickoff to fall, the real estate market doesn’t always follow the calendar. In Atlanta, the “fall market” tends to get moving a little later than people expect. This year, there are a few big factors worth paying attention to that could shape how the next few months unfold.

Interest rates may shift soon. The Federal Reserve is widely expected to lower rates this month, even though inflation is still sitting around 3% (a bit above the 2% target). At the same time, we’re seeing signs of a slowing job market, and tariffs continue to push into consumer pricing and corporate profits. Together, these dynamics may nudge mortgage rates in a new direction, something both buyers and sellers should keep an eye on.
Pent-up demand is building. In Atlanta, many buyers have been sitting on the sidelines, waiting for better interest rates or hoping for home prices to dip. On the other hand, some sellers have been waiting for a “better market” before listing. This back-and-forth has created hesitation on both sides, but it’s also created opportunity. Some really strong values are starting to emerge, and when demand finally breaks loose (as it always does), competition will heat up quickly.
Inflation makes real estate a smart hedge. Here’s something most people don’t think about: inflation actually makes a fixed-rate mortgage more affordable over time. At 3% annual inflation, a $5,000 monthly payment today would feel more like $3,740 in ten years. Even at 2% inflation, it erodes to just over $4,000 in today’s dollars. In other words, your payment stays the same, but the value of each dollar goes down, making your mortgage effectively cheaper over time. Pair that with the fact that real estate is a hard asset, and you can see why property continues to be one of the best hedges against inflation.

The takeaway: The Atlanta fall market may not explode right after Labor Day, but the ingredients are there for a busy season. Rates are poised to shift, buyers are eager but cautious, and inflation continues to highlight the value of owning real estate. If you’ve been waiting to make a move, whether buying or selling, the coming weeks may open the right window.

Did You Know: Atlanta’s Back-to-Back Highlights

Atlanta is positioning itself as a key hub in Amtrak’s expansion—if only we build a better station. The current Brookwood station, built in 1918, isn’t ADA-compliant and can’t handle the expected increase in rail traffic. The Atlanta Regional Commission is now actively gathering public input on where a new, more capable Amtrak station should go. This effort could significantly enhance Atlanta’s role in the future of passenger rail in the Southeast.
A real estate icon is on the market: Peachtree Center. The historic six-tower Peachtree Center complex in downtown Atlanta—once a bustling office hub—is now up for sale. With occupancy rates ranging from 8% to 74%, it’s being offered at a steep discount (appraised at around $121 million). The listing reflects broader challenges in the office market but also signals potential for creative redevelopment.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is saying goodbye to its print edition—by year’s end. After nearly 160 years of print, the AJC will become fully digital in 2026. With more than 75,000 of its 115,000 subscribers already digital-only, the paper will phase out print entirely and focus on mobile apps and digital content. It marks a milestone shift in Atlanta media—and the largest U.S. metro area now without a daily printed paper.