Lake Lanier Info

Lake Lanier Real Estate Growth

The value of homes on Lake Lanier is growing fast with price increases estimated to be 10-15% per year. The area has suffered a bump during the general housing downturn in late 2006 and early 2007, but the outlook is very strong.

Lake Lanier homes have sold for up to $8 million with various properties handled by Sotherby's Real Estate and appearing for sale in national publications such as the New York Times.

At the other end of the market, the cheapest homes with dock permits cost around $300,000.

Houses with Lake Lanier Dock Permits

Although it is difficult to judge exactly, houses on Lake Lanier that do posess a dock permit from the Corps of Engineers are worth around 30-40% more than those who do not. Dock permits are in short supply will soon run out. In all likelihood this dock premimum will increase in years to come.

Lake Lanier waterfront lots are worth more than the houses on the lot. Realtors use a simple phrase: "buy the water". That means that buyers should look for a quality lot with deep, year-round water and a short, flat water to the water.

Factors to Consider with Lake Lanier Homes

Location

• Houses closer to Atlanta are worth more than those on the north end of the Lake.
• Houses south of the lake's main bridges are worth more to sailors
  

Lot Quality

• Some lake homes are build with a very steep walk down to the water. These are worth less that houses with a flat, short walk to the lake.
• The size and quality of lake frontage can vary greatly. Some homes may have a permit but no lake frontage because the Corps of Engineers may own the area between the house and the lake.
  

Dock

• Docks with plenty of space on either side are worth more than those crowded into a small space.
• Dock permits vary and those that allow large docks are more valuable those that restrict homeowners to small docks.
  
• Docks in quiet areas, not close to busy marinas or areas of the lake where the dock may be buffeted by frequent waves.