Thinking about building a custom home in Atlanta but unsure if now’s the right time?
You’re not alone. With shifting rates, evolving real estate trends, and an influx of housing inventory, many homeowners are weighing the same decision: build now or wait for 2026?
This blog will walk you through the pros and cons of building today, next year, or even buying a resale home and remodeling it into your dream space.
If you're ready to build now, 2025 is shaping up to be a strategic year to take the leap.
With housing inventory on the rise, land availability has improved, and bidding wars have started to cool, making it easier to secure a lot in your preferred location without the intense competition we saw just a couple of years ago.
Building now also means locking in today’s material and labor costs before they potentially climb again as demand begins to rebound. While interest rates are still higher than many would like, they’re expected to trend downward, which gives you the option to refinance when the time is right.
If your financial situation allows, building in 2025 gives you a head start on enjoying the custom lifestyle you’ve been planning and lets you create your ideal home while others are still waiting for the “perfect” market moment.
You’ll also benefit from builders having more availability, which can translate to shorter lead times and a quicker build time.
If you're in a position to wait, 2026 could offer a more favorable environment—especially if your financing depends on lower interest rates.
Most experts predict that rates will dip by late 2025 or early 2026, which could significantly improve your purchasing power and long-term affordability. Waiting also gives you time to refine your needs and wants, search for the right builder, collect lots and lots of design ideas, and prepare financially for the scope of your build.
That said, land prices may rise again as demand increases, so the longer you wait, the more important it becomes to monitor availability in your preferred areas. If your goal is to build a truly custom home without financial strain—and you don’t mind the wait—2026 may offer the sweet spot between opportunity and affordability.
Just know waiting might mean paying more for land if demand rises again. If you’ve already found the perfect location, it may be better to strike while it’s available.
Another important note? Even if you plan to really hit the ground running in 2026, securing your land in 2025 and getting in a custom home builder's queue well before the new year will keep your goals on track.
Let's sum up your choices with an overview so you can see where you might fall between these options. Here's the quick recap:
You secure today’s land prices before demand rebounds
More lot availability and fewer competitive buyers
You avoid future construction cost inflation
You get to enjoy your dream home sooner
Builders have more bandwidth, so you may experience quicker timelines
Potential for lower interest rates = lower monthly payments
Better financing options may emerge as the market levels
You have more time to refine your design and plan
If supply chain issues continue to resolve, material costs could ease
Market competition may change, creating new opportunities
Of course, we want you to understand that it's good to be wary of market predictions. Depending on the pros to see market changes coming is generally a good idea, but no one knows for certain what the future actually holds.
With Atlanta's housing inventory climbing, 2025 might also be the perfect time to buy an existing home and remodel it to fit your lifestyle.
You could find a home in a neighborhood you love and transform it with a whole home renovation—updating the kitchen, adding a bathroom, or reimagining the layout entirely.
This approach allows you to move in sooner while still enjoying a highly personalized result.
The caveat? Depending on the scope of your remodel, the total cost may rival that of building a brand-new custom home anyway. However, remodeling an existing home can often be more convenient and may let you stay in or near your ideal location.
If you're open to creative possibilities and want to capitalize on the current buyer-friendly market, remodeling a new home might be the smart, flexible option that delivers the best of both worlds.
You want to live in an established, highly desirable neighborhood
You’re looking for a faster move-in date
You’re open to remodeling over time
You’ve found a home with good bones in need of custom updates
If you’re gearing up to build your dream home, now’s the time to get your current one ready to sell. A few smart updates can go a long way in the current Atlanta housing market, especially as buyers compete for move-in ready homes.
Focus your remodeling budget on the features buyers actually care about—and skip the ones that won’t move the needle on value.
Mid-range kitchen and bathroom remodels
Updated exterior paint and new front door
Energy-efficient windows and appliances
Modern flooring and fresh interior paint
Exterior upgrades like landscaping, lighting, and a porch or deck
Luxury, custom bathroom upgrades (like designer light fixtures or spa tubs)
High-end kitchen upgrades (like all-wood custom cabinets or marble countertops)
Converting the garage into living space
Adding a backyard pool or hot tub
No matter how the Atlanta housing market shifts, the right time to build your custom home depends on you—your timeline, your budget, and your vision.
2025 offers strong opportunities to secure land and get ahead of rising demand. 2026 could bring more favorable financing, but with increased competition. And if you find a resale home in a great location? Remodeling it with the right team could still give you the luxury lifestyle you’re after.
At Elevation Building Company, we help you navigate every angle—designing and building homes that feel uniquely yours, no matter when you decide to start.
Let’s talk about what’s possible.