VA at 9.6% and FHA at 28.4% of Augusta originations signal strong military and first-time buyer demand. Wells Fargo's MIP rate is the market benchmark — compare Queensborough National Bank's origination fee against Wells Fargo's MIP schedule on $174,000 median price before deciding.
Augusta, Georgia: 2026 Market Data
📊 LOCAL MARKET DATA
- Median home price: $174,000
- Year-over-year price change: 3.2%
- FHA loan share: 28.4%
- Conventional loan share: 58.4%
- Property tax rate (Richmond County): 1.14%
- Top local lenders: Queensborough National Bank, Wells Fargo, Chase
Data from U.S. Census Bureau, HMDA, county assessor
FHA Loans in Augusta: 2026 Market Snapshot
If you're shopping for a home in Augusta, FHA loans are worth a close look. They account for 28.4% of the local mortgage market, making them a popular path to homeownership here, though conventional loans still lead the pack at 58.4%. With a median home price of $174,000, Augusta remains relatively affordable, and prices have ticked up 3.2% over the past year, so buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines may want to run their numbers sooner rather than later. When you budget, don't forget property taxes. The rate in Richmond County is 1.14%, which factors into your monthly payment, so build that into your planning early. As for where to start, several lenders operate in the Augusta area, including Queensborough National Bank, Wells Fargo, and Chase. It pays to reach out to more than one and compare what each offers side by side. A good rule of thumb in any market: gather several quotes, read the fine print carefully, and ask plenty of questions before you commit. An FHA loan can be a smart fit for many Augusta buyers, but the right choice depends on your own situation, so take the time to weigh your options.
$174,000 Median Home Price in Augusta: What That Means for Your Down Payment
With a median home price around $174,000, Augusta lands well below Georgia's statewide average, and that opens real doors for FHA buyers. The FHA minimum down payment sits at 3.5 percent, which on a $174,000 home works out to roughly $6,090. Compare that to a conventional loan that might ask for 5 to 20 percent, and you can see why FHA stays popular here. That lower entry point means a buyer can step into a solid three-bedroom in neighborhoods like Hephzibah or parts of Martinez without draining every dollar of savings. Keep in mind that Augusta home prices vary block by block, so a home near the medical district may appraise differently than one in Columbia County. The lower price point also means your monthly payment stays manageable even after factoring in Georgia property taxes and homeowners insurance. For many local first-time buyers, that affordability gap between Augusta and pricier Georgia cities is exactly what makes ownership possible.
