In December, Buckhead real estate closings were up 10% from a year ago while prices were up 15%. Other areas with improving sales were Dunwoody (condo and townhome sales up 13%) and Sandy Springs (single family home sales up 22%). For the year 2008, Buckhead real estate prices were up 1%, as were prices for Alpharetta real estate and Vinings real estate. Prices dropped 2% or less in five other communities in our Beacham Bellwether index of the most affluent neighborhoods in Atlanta, even as metro Atlanta real estate prices were down 13% in 2008. A big reason for Buckhead real estate prices remaining in positive territory last year was the 53% increase in the sale of new homes for more than $2 million.
