Fall 2025 High Country Market Update

Residential Update:

We hope this message finds you well! It’s been a while since our last update, and what a year it has been in the High Country. After Hurricane Helene, it’s been truly inspiring to see our community rebound with such resilience and strength. As the seasons change, we wanted to share a fresh look at how our local real estate market is shaping up.

This has been a unique year for sellers and buyers alike. Across the High Country, we’ve seen an interesting mix—variations in pricing, shifts in buyer behavior, and a wide range in property quality and readiness.

Overall, prices have held strong. While we’ve noticed more price reductions on individual listings, median home and condo values are still up nearly 10% year-over-year in Avery and Watauga Counties. Homes are spending a bit more time on the market—averaging just over 90 days—and the average list-to-sale ratio has dipped slightly. Together, these shifts mean buyers now have a little more breathing room and negotiation power than they did in previous seasons.

Inventory remains relatively tight, even with modest year-over-year increases. What’s not reflected in the numbers, however, is the quality of available inventory. Move-in-ready, newly updated homes, or properties with exceptional features remain in short supply, making standout properties all the more competitive.

Affordability continues to be a key challenge. Lower-priced listings have become increasingly scarce, as continued demand for second homes puts upward pressure on prices and limits options for year-round residents.

Looking ahead, there are encouraging signs for both sides of the market. Buyers may benefit from softening interest rates and from sellers who are showing greater flexibility on price and terms. For sellers, values remain strong, and with our market becoming increasingly active year-round, now can still be an excellent time to list—even during the winter months.

Through it all, the High Country continues to thrive. From steady economic growth and commercial investment to the vibrant energy around Appalachian State University, our area remains a remarkable place to live, work, and invest. Despite the challenges of the past year, our community’s spirit—and the real estate market—continues to remain strong.

 

 

The land market has shown steady, encouraging growth over the past year. Median values, sales volume, and time on market have all improved year-over-year, signaling renewed confidence and interest in land ownership throughout the High Country. While land transactions typically move at a slower pace than residential sales, there continue to be excellent opportunities for both buyers and sellers in today’s market.

Larger acreage tracts are becoming increasingly rare, adding to their appeal. We’re seeing a growing niche of buyers seeking privacy, recreation, or multi-generational development opportunities—purchasing larger parcels where they can create something lasting for family and future. Many of these tracts outside of traditional developments also carry minimal or no deed restrictions, offering buyers the freedom to design and build according to their own vision.

At the same time, there remain strong options for neighborhood and development lots. For buyers who’ve been frustrated by the shortage of quality move-in-ready homes, building new may be a smart alternative. Encouragingly, unlike in recent years, we have seen several local building partners begin construction in shorter timeframes than years past.

The land market continues to reflect what makes the High Country so special—space, possibility, and a deep connection to the mountains.

 

Source: HCAR MLS Update