Churches for Sale in Atlanta: How to Find, Evaluate, and Buy Religious Properties

Looking for churches for sale in Atlanta can be very different from shopping for a typical home or commercial building. Whether you’re a growing congregation, a nonprofit, a school, or a business hoping to repurpose a sanctuary, Atlanta’s mix of historic churches, updated worship centers, and adaptive reuse opportunities offers a lot of possibilities—if you know where to look and what to watch for.

This guide focuses specifically on how church sales work in Atlanta, Georgia, and what local buyers should keep in mind from search to closing.

How the Atlanta Market for Churches Works

Church properties in and around Atlanta don’t always show up like normal listings.

Many are:

• Sold quietly within faith networks or denominational groups
• Marketed as “special purpose” or “religious facility” on commercial listing platforms
• Listed under other uses (community center, event space, school, daycare) even though they were built as churches

In the Atlanta area, you’ll see churches for sale:

• In the city core (Old Fourth Ward, Southwest Atlanta, West End, Grant Park) – often smaller, older sanctuaries or historic buildings
• Along major corridors (Campbellton Rd, Metropolitan Pkwy, Moreland Ave, Memorial Dr, Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy)
• In the suburbs and metro counties (DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton, Fulton, Gwinnett) where larger campuses with parking are more common

Because the inventory is limited and unique, buyers often need to combine online searches, local networking, and specialty professionals to find options.

Where to Look for Churches for Sale in Atlanta

1. Commercial Real Estate Platforms

Many churches in Atlanta are listed as commercial or special-purpose properties. When searching, try filters like:

• Property type: “Special Purpose,” “Religious Facility,” “Institutional,” or “Assembly”
• Keywords: “church,” “sanctuary,” “worship,” “fellowship hall,” “religious”

Look in areas known for older church buildings and adaptive reuse, such as:

• West End / Westview / Adair Park
• Old Fourth Ward / Downtown / Castleberry Hill
• East Atlanta / Kirkwood / Edgewood
• Southwest Atlanta / Oakland City / Cascade

Even when a listing doesn’t say “church,” photos of pews, pulpits, steeples, or stained glass are a giveaway.

2. Residential MLS with Commercial-Style Properties

Some smaller churches—especially converted houses or storefront churches—appear on the standard residential multiple listing service (MLS) used by most Atlanta agents.

These may be listed as:

• Single-family homes with extra assembly space
• Multifamily or mixed-use buildings
• Live-work spaces that have been used as ministries or house churches

If you’re working with a local REALTOR®, ask them to search:

• Keyword: “church” in remark fields
• Zoning that allows assembly or institutional use

3. Denominational and Faith Networks

In Atlanta, many congregations sell or transfer buildings within their denomination before publicly listing. Some have regional offices that coordinate property transactions, including:

• North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church
  1700 Century Circle NE, Atlanta, GA 30345 | (678) 533-1370

• Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta (for surplus parish or school properties)
  2401 Lake Park Dr SE, Smyrna, GA 30080 | (404) 920-7800

• Presbyterian, Baptist, Church of God in Christ, and other denominational offices in metro Atlanta

If you belong to a denomination, contact the regional or state office and ask about:

• Properties being decommissioned or consolidated
• Buildings under consideration for closure
• Potential building-sharing arrangements

4. Local Real Estate Professionals Who Know Church Sales

Church sales in Atlanta often involve:

• Zoning questions
• Parking and traffic issues
• Nonprofit and tax-exempt considerations
• Building code issues for assembly spaces

Because of this, many buyers look for commercial agents who specialize in religious facilities or have experience with “special use” buildings.

When interviewing an agent, ask:

• How many church or religious properties they have handled in metro Atlanta
• Which areas they see the most church listings in
• Whether they understand nonprofit and faith-based financing options

5. Word of Mouth in Atlanta’s Faith and Nonprofit Community

Atlanta has a dense network of:

• Church associations and alliances
• Nonprofit coalitions
• Neighborhood planning units (NPUs)

These groups often hear well in advance when a congregation is shrinking, merging, or looking to sell or share space.

Useful starting points:

• Attend local pastors’ alliances or ministerial meetings
• Engage with nonprofit networks in areas where you want to locate
• Ask leaders of nearby churches if they know of any congregations planning to relocate

Key Things to Consider Before Buying a Church in Atlanta

Buying a church is not just about size and price. In metro Atlanta, there are several practical issues that can make or break the purchase.

Zoning and Land Use in Atlanta

Atlanta’s zoning codes determine:

• Whether a church can operate at that site
• How many people can gather
• How much parking is required

Within the City of Atlanta, zoning is overseen by:

• Office of Zoning & Development
  City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave SW, Suite 3900, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 330-6150

Common steps:

1. Check current zoning for the property (ask your agent or the city/county zoning department).
2. Confirm that religious assembly is allowed as a primary use.
3. Ask if any variances, special use permits, or conditional uses are required.
4. If you plan to change the use (e.g., convert to event venue or school), confirm separately that this is allowed.

Outside the city limits, you’ll work with the county planning and zoning office (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton, Gwinnett, etc.).

Parking and Traffic

In Atlanta, parking is often a major concern, especially for churches located:

• Near busy commercial corridors
• In historic in-town neighborhoods with narrow streets and limited driveways

Issues to check:

• How many legal parking spaces are on the property
• Whether there are shared parking agreements with nearby lots
• Any city or county requirements for minimum parking based on seating capacity
• Whether neighbors have previously complained about traffic or parking during services

For larger congregations, you may need to consult with:

• Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT)
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Suite 4700, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 330-6501

Building Condition and Code Compliance

Many churches in Atlanta were built decades ago and may need updates.

Have an experienced commercial or institutional inspector look at:

• Roof, foundation, and structural stability
• Electrical system and capacity for audio/visual equipment
• HVAC systems sized for large gatherings
• Fire safety: exits, alarms, sprinklers, signage
• Accessibility (ramps, elevators, restrooms that meet ADA standards)

If you plan to alter or expand the building, you’ll work with:

• Office of Buildings (Permits) – City of Atlanta
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Suite 3900, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 330-6150

They can guide you on what permits and upgrades might be required.

Typical Uses for Church Buildings in Atlanta

While many buyers are congregations, church buildings in Atlanta are also purchased or leased for other uses. This can matter for financing and zoning.

Common uses include:

• Active worship space for new or growing congregations
• Shared-space churches where multiple congregations use the same facility
• Schools or daycares, especially in areas with family housing
• Community centers, nonprofits, or outreach programs
• Event venues (weddings, concerts, conferences) – often requiring zoning and parking review
• Conversion to residential or mixed-use projects in neighborhoods with strong redevelopment activity

If you’re planning a non-worship use (even if you’re a nonprofit), confirm:

• Zoning classification for that use
• Any additional building or fire code requirements
• Potential neighborhood concerns (noise, traffic, parking)

Cost Factors for Churches for Sale in Atlanta

Prices for churches in metro Atlanta vary widely based on location, size, condition, and land value. Expect to consider:

• Size of sanctuary and total square footage
• Number of classrooms and offices
• Fellowship halls, kitchens, gyms, and multipurpose rooms
• Lot size and future expansion possibilities
• On-site parking or structured parking
• Whether the property is in a growing redevelopment corridor (like the BeltLine, Westside, or parts of Memorial Drive)

Because many churches are “special use” and not easily compared to other properties, appraisals can be more complex. A lender may require:

• Appraisers experienced with religious or institutional properties
• Documentation of nonprofit financials if the buyer is a congregation or charity

Financing a Church Purchase in Atlanta

Financing a church building is different from a typical home mortgage.

Options That Buyers Commonly Explore

• Commercial loans through banks or credit unions
• Faith-based or nonprofit-focused lenders
• Seller financing in some cases (installment sales or lease-purchase)
• Capital campaigns and member giving integrated into long-term planning

Because lenders view churches as income-dependent on donations or program revenue, you may be asked for:

• Several years of financial statements
• Proof of attendance or membership trends
• Business plans for additional revenue streams (renting space, events, etc.)

Work with an Atlanta-area banker or lender who has past experience financing churches or nonprofits. They’ll be more familiar with:

• Typical debt-service ratios for congregations
• Local appraisers who understand church properties
• How local zoning and building issues can affect value

Special Legal and Tax Considerations in Georgia

Property Taxes

In Georgia, religious organizations and certain nonprofits may qualify for property tax exemptions if the property is used for exempt purposes.

In the City of Atlanta and Fulton County, contact:

• Fulton County Board of Assessors
  235 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 612-6440

Ask about:

• How to apply for exemption on a newly purchased church
• Deadlines and documentation needed
• How mixed uses (e.g., tenant offices or event rentals) might affect tax status

Nonprofit Status

If you’re buying the church for a new congregation or nonprofit, you may also be working on:

• Incorporation with the Georgia Secretary of State
• Federal tax-exempt status with the IRS

Many Atlanta buyers coordinate legal setup and property acquisition at the same time, with support from:

• Attorneys familiar with nonprofit and religious organizations in Georgia
• Local accountants who understand church bookkeeping and reporting

Checklist: Steps to Buying a Church in Atlanta

Use this simple summary as you move through the process:

If You Can’t Find a Suitable Church for Sale

Inventory for churches for sale in Atlanta can be tight. If you’re not finding the right building:

• Look at long-term leases of existing church space, especially during off-peak times
• Consider shared-space agreements with congregations that don’t use their building daily
• Explore adaptive reuse of other building types (small theaters, community halls, older schools, or underused commercial spaces)
• Expand your radius to nearby cities and counties like East Point, College Park, Decatur, Smyrna, and Marietta

In many parts of metro Atlanta, a creative search strategy plus early conversations with zoning, lenders, and neighborhood groups can open up more options than listed “church for sale” properties alone.

By combining targeted searching, local expertise, and careful due diligence, buyers can navigate the Atlanta market and find church properties that truly fit their congregation, nonprofit, or project.