Historic Property Incentives Macon, GA
Discover how to access local, state, and federal tax incentives, guided by the expertise of Historic Macon Foundation. Our mission is to revitalize communities by preserving architecture and sharing history. Caring for a historic property is both rewarding and challenging, which is why we’ve worked for decades to make preservation accessible, affordable, and practical for homeowners, business owners, and community partners. Let’s take a closer look into Historic Property Incentives Macon, GA.
Historic Macon Support
If you own or are considering purchasing a historic property in Macon, there are powerful tools, including low-interest loans, and tax credits that can help you improve your building while protecting the unique character that makes it special. Below, Historic Macon has outlined everything you need to know about the resources available locally, at the state level, and nationally.
Does Your Property Qualify?
Before we talk about incentives, it’s important to know whether your property is designated as an“historic,” structure. A building can qualify in several ways:
National Register listing – Listing on the National Register of Historic Places is an honor and is regulatory. Listing is recognition that a place has historic significance. Sites may be listed individually or collectively as “contributing” to a National Register district. Macon-Bibb County has 17 National Register districts and several individually listed buildings. New places can be added to the National Register, however, the nomination process requires extensive historic research and can be time consuming.
Local historic design/review districts – Five Macon neighborhoods are zoned to have local design review protections. Any exterior work visible from the street requires a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from Macon-Bibb Planning & Zoning Commission. These areas are commonly referred to as local historic districts.
In the case of a primary residence, either designation above can be prerequisite to participation in Georgia’s state and local tax incentive programs described below, provided the home is of sufficient age and the facade has not been heavily altered.
Not sure about your status? Contact us and we’ll help you determine eligibility: info@historicmacon.org
Local Incentives: Programs from Historic Macon Foundation
We offer low-interest loans (up to $20,000) and tax credit consulting for historic property owners in Macon. These programs are designed to make preservation more attainable, whether you are undertaking necessary maintenance like roofing and painting, restoring a family home, or stabilizing a commercial building. More Info
Low-Interest Loan Programs
Our low-interest loan program is available to qualifying owners of historic property within Macon’s local/design review districts. Loans of up to $20,000 are made for exterior work only (COA required) with five-year repayment terms. Borrowers must be able to match the loan with a 20% investment of their own, but may combine an Historic Macon loan with traditional sources, such as a home equity loan from a bank for larger projects.
Preservation Consulting
Our preservation staff works one-on-one with property owners to make sense of state and federal tax credit programs. From drafting scopes of work to preparing applications and photo documentation, we simplify the process and ensure your project meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. Within the past decade, our clients have invested more than $100 million in Macon and Middle Georgia! Most of those projects were made financially viable by state and federal tax credits. More Info
Georgia’s Statewide Incentives
The state of Georgia offers two powerful tax incentive programs for the rehabilitation of historic property. These are administered by the Historic Preservation Office of Georgia’s Department of Community Affairs with support from the Georgia Department of Revenue and local county tax assessors.
State Income Tax Credit for Rehabilitated Historic Property – A credit against Georgia income taxes equal to 25% of qualified rehabilitation costs. Homeowners who rehabilitate their primary residence have up to 10 years to redeem the credits. Owners of commercial property may transfer (sell) credits. More Info
Preferential Property Tax Assessment – An 8-year freeze on your property tax assessment, inclusive of up to 2 years for construction. The property is assessed at 50% its fair market value in year 9.
Federal Incentives for Income-Producing Properties
Income-producing buildings may qualify for the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, equivalent to (20% of qualified rehabilitation expenses). This credit is redeemed over five years against qualifying “passive” income such as rental proceeds. It can be combined with state credits for stacked savings. Your primary residence is not eligible. The program is administered by Technical Preservation Services of the National Park Service.
What Work Qualifies?
- Roof and structural stabilization
- Masonry and foundation repair
- Window and door restoration
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades
- Sensitive interior rehabilitation
Work that alters or removes significant historic features usually does not qualify (e.g., replacing original wood windows with vinyl windows). Removable appliances and furniture are not qualifying expenses, nor is landscaping.
Why These Incentives Matter
Protect community character – Historic neighborhoods retain identity and charm.
Support economic revitalization – Restored buildings attract businesses, visitors, and investment.
Encourage sustainability – Reusing buildings reduces landfill waste and preserves energy.
Strengthen pride of place – People feel connected to authentic spaces with history.
These programs aren’t just numbers on paper, they make a real difference for property owners and communities.
Case Study: A Macon Success Story
A homeowner in the Vineville Historic District used a combination of a Historic Macon low- interest loan, the state income tax credit, and preferential property tax assessment to rehabilitate a 1920s bungalow. Today, the home showcases historic craftsmanship and strengthens the neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to live in a historic district? Not necessarily, individually listed properties qualify too. However, a majority of eligible properties are within National Register districts.
Can I combine state and federal tax credits? Yes, provided the property is not your primary residence. It often results in substantial savings.
What if I own rental property? Any income-producing properties, including single-family and multifamily housing, can utilize federal historic tax credits.
Does preservation mean my house can never change? No, modern updates are allowed if sensitive to historic features.
Do I need to hire an architect? Not necessarily. Applications do require existing and proposed floor plans. Our team may be able to create these for historic homes.
How much does it cost to apply? Historic Macon’s tax-credit consulting services vary based on project size, with a minimum charge of $1200. However, initial consultation is at no cost. The state and federal agencies involved charge additional review fees.
How do I get started? Schedule a consultation with our team to confirm eligibility and walk through your goals.
Why Work With Historic Macon Foundation?
For over 50 years, Historic Macon Foundation has preserved hundreds of homes and buildings, rehabilitated neighborhoods, and leveraged millions in incentives. We make the process easier, more affordable, and rewarding. More Info
Historic Macon Foundation
Website: Historic Macon Foundation
Address: 950 Third St., Macon, GA, 31201
Phone: 478) 742-5084 | Email: info@historicmacon.org
Resources: Historic Districts and Designations PDF | Historic Preservation Tax Incentives PDF
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