October 22, 2026
Contact: Kim Walker, 704-940-3149

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Housing activity across the four-county Asheville area (Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson and Madison Counties) slowed in September as the market transitioned into fall, with affordability pressures and rising mortgage rates continuing to influence buyer and seller decisions. Pending sales declined 5.3 percent year-over-year to 590 homes under contract, while closed sales fell 7.3 percent to 568 transactions. New listings also dipped 2.9 percent to 879 homes, reflecting a more measured pace of activity as the traditional fall slowdown took hold. Despite September's pullback, the broader housing market continued to demonstrate resilience, with pending sales up 4.5 percent and closed sales 4.8 percent ahead of last year through the first nine months of 2026. Data in this report is provided by Canopy MLS, a subsidiary of the Canopy Realtor® Association, and reflects existing-home sales of single-family homes, condominiums, and townhomes only.

Inventory across the Asheville MSA increased modestly in September, rising 1.4 percent year-over-year to 3,366 homes for sale, while months of supply declined from 6.4 months last September to 6.0 months. Despite the slight increase in available homes, the decline in months of supply suggests that buyer demand continues to absorb inventory, even as overall sales activity has moderated.

September Showing Activity
September showing activity across the 13-county mountain region reflected a seasonal slowdown, although buyer interest remained stronger than a year ago. Total showings declined 6.6 percent year-over-year and 17.3 percent from August, while buyer interest, measured by showings per listing, increased 5.5 percent compared to last September but declined 11.7 percent month-over-month, averaging 1.8 showings per listing. The year-over-year increase in buyer interest came as the number of managed listings declined 11.5 percent, suggesting that buyers continued to engage with available properties despite fewer overall showings.

Homes priced between $219,000 and $318,999 and between $319,000 and $462,999 generated the strongest buyer interest, each averaging 2.3 showings per listing, while homes priced $463,000 and above attracted the greatest overall showing activity, with 6,091 showings during the month. Among individual markets, the City of Hendersonville led the region with 2.3 showings per listing, followed by Henderson County and the City of Asheville at 2.2 each, while Buncombe County averaged 2.1 and Haywood County averaged 1.9. Although showing activity slowed from August, the year-over-year increase in showings per listing suggests that buyer interest remains relatively resilient as the market moves further into fall.

“September brought a noticeable slowdown in housing activity across the Asheville area, but that doesn't mean buyers have stepped away from the market,” said Dave Noyes, REALTOR®/Designated Managing Broker with eXp Realty and Canopy MLS Board of Directors. “We're seeing fewer showings overall, but the number of showings per listing is still higher than it was a year ago. At the same time, inventory has increased slightly, while months of supply has declined, which means buyers are continuing to absorb available homes. With affordability pressures and higher mortgage rates influencing decisions, buyers are being more selective and taking a thoughtful approach to their purchases. The encouraging news is that pending and closed sales remain ahead of last year through September, which tells us that demand is still there, even as the market settles into a slower fall pace.”

Asheville Area Home Prices Remain Stable Despite September Increases
Home prices across the four-county Asheville metro area increased in September, with the median sales price rising 3.9 percent year-over-year to $457,145, while the average sales price climbed 11.7 percent to $611,258. The average list price also increased 11.3 percent to $721,203. Despite these monthly gains, the longer-term picture continues to reflect price stability. Through the first nine months of 2026, the median sales price remained unchanged from the same period last year at $450,000, while the year-to-date average sales price increased a more modest 2.9 percent to $570,929. Sellers received 92.7 percent of their original list price, up from 92.0 percent last September, but slightly below the year-to-date average of 93.3 percent.

Sales Growth Continues Across Most Price Ranges in the 13-County Canopy MLS Western Region

A closer look at market activity by price range across the broader Asheville region shows continued growth in buyer demand across most segments. Over the last 12 months, pending sales of single-family homes increased most strongly in the $200,001-to-$300,000 range, up 14.2 percent, followed by homes priced $500,001 and above, up 11.3 percent, and homes between $300,001 and $400,000, up 8.8 percent. Inventory trends remained mixed, however, with single-family inventory declining 4.5 percent in the $300,001-to-$400,000 range and 3.0 percent between $400,001 and $500,000, while increasing 3.9 percent between $200,001 and $300,000 and 8.9 percent above $500,000. Available inventory continues to vary considerably by price point, with fewer choices in some mid-priced segments even as supply expands elsewhere.

By property type, single-family homes continued to account for the vast majority of market activity, with pending sales increasing 8.6 percent over the last 12-month period, compared with increases of 2.8 percent for townhomes and 5.5 percent for condos. Single-family inventory rose 3.1 percent year-over-year, while condominium inventory increased a more substantial 13.2 percent. Townhome inventory, meanwhile, declined 9.3 percent. Overall supply remained lower than a year ago for single-family homes and townhomes, with single-family supply declining from 6.5 to 6.2 months and townhome supply falling from 6.6 to 5.8 months. Condo supply moved in the opposite direction, increasing from 9.0 to 9.7 months.

“Homes sold faster in September than the previous month, which is encouraging,” said Noyes. That tells us buyers are still willing to move forward when they find a home that meets their needs and budget. Prices have also remained relatively stable through the first nine months of the year, which is important for both buyers and sellers. We're not seeing the rapid pace of the market a few years ago, but we're still seeing opportunities for well-priced homes to attract buyers.”

Time-on-market metrics across the Asheville metro area improved in September, with homes moving more quickly than a year ago. List-to-close time, which measures the total number of days from listing to closing, declined 7.8 percent year-over-year to 106 days, compared with 115 days last September. Days on market also decreased 8.6 percent to 64 days, down from 70 days a year ago. Despite the improvement in September, the year-to-date figures continue to reflect a slower overall sales pace, with days on market averaging 71 days, up 16.4 percent, while list-to-close time increased 7.5 percent to 115 days through the first nine months of 2026.

Buncombe County's housing market showed mixed activity in September, with closed sales increasing despite fewer new listings and pending contracts. New listings declined 2.2 percent year-over-year to 499 homes, while pending sales fell 9.8 percent to 296 contracts. Closed sales, however, increased 3.2 percent to 290 transactions and remained 7.3 percent ahead of last year through September. Home prices also moved higher, with the median sales price rising 6.2 percent to $499,000 and the average sales price climbing 21.5 percent to $716,419. Despite the monthly gains, the year-to-date median remained unchanged at $490,000. Sellers received 92.5 percent of their original list price, up from 91.3 percent last September. Inventory increased 4.8 percent to 1,848 homes, while months of supply declined from 6.7 to 6.3 months. Homes also sold more quickly, averaging 66 days on market compared with 70 days a year ago, although the year-to-date average remained elevated at 72 days.

Haywood County's housing market showed renewed contract activity in September, even as closed sales and new listings declined. Pending sales increased 21.7 percent year-over-year to 101 contracts, while new listings fell 7.3 percent to 114 homes and closed sales declined 13.9 percent to 99 transactions. Despite the monthly decline, closed sales remained 1.3 percent ahead of last year through September. Home prices moved lower, with the median sales price declining 8.9 percent to $378,000 and the average sales price falling 16.5 percent to $449,119. Sellers received 92.1 percent of their original list price, compared with 92.3 percent last September. Inventory declined 3.5 percent to 521 homes, while months of supply fell from 6.4 to 5.9 months. Homes also moved more quickly, averaging 63 days on market compared with 77 days a year ago, while list-to-close time declined from 122 to 111 days.

Henderson County's housing market slowed in September, with fewer new listings, pending sales and closings, although year-to-date sales activity remained ahead of last year. New listings declined 5.3 percent year-over-year to 231 homes, while pending sales fell 7.3 percent to 178 contracts and closed sales dropped 17.3 percent to 162 transactions. Through September, however, pending sales remained 3.2 percent ahead of last year, while closed sales were up 2.1 percent. Home prices increased during the month, with the median sales price rising 4.8 percent to $440,000 and the average sales price increasing 2.7 percent to $512,071. Sellers received 93.4 percent of their original list price, compared with 93.2 percent last September. Inventory declined 4.6 percent to 831 homes, while months of supply fell from 5.6 to 5.1 months. Homes also sold more quickly, averaging 60 days on market compared with 64 days a year ago, while list-to-close time declined from 113 to 103 days.

Madison County's housing market experienced slower sales activity in September, even as new listings and inventory increased. New listings rose 25.0 percent year-over-year to 35 homes, while pending sales declined 25.0 percent to 15 contracts and closed sales fell 19.0 percent to 17 transactions. Despite the monthly slowdown, closed sales remained 8.3 percent ahead of last year through September. The median sales price increased 11.8 percent to $475,000, while the average sales price rose 45.0 percent to $706,772, although the county's small number of transactions can contribute to significant monthly price fluctuations. Sellers received 93.9 percent of their original list price, up from 88.2 percent last September. Inventory increased 13.7 percent to 166 homes, with months of supply rising from 8.4 to 8.8 months. Homes averaged 69 days on market, down from 101 days a year ago.

See data for 20+ Mountain-area Communities in Western NC, September 2026

Western Region Housing Market Maintains Momentum Despite Mixed September Activity
Across the 13-county Canopy MLS Western Region, September housing activity reflected continued buyer engagement despite softer sales and listing activity, with conditions varying considerably among individual counties. Pending sales increased 1.2 percent year-over-year to 924 contracts, while closed sales declined 1.8 percent to 903 transactions and new listings fell 3.4 percent to 1,346 homes. Through September, however, pending sales remained 4.4 percent ahead of last year, while closed sales were up 3.4 percent, reflecting sustained demand over the first nine months of 2026. The regional median sales price increased 5.0 percent to $420,000, although the year-to-date median rose a more moderate 2.2 percent to $424,000. Inventory increased 3.1 percent to 5,410 homes, while months of supply declined from 6.7 to 6.3 months. Homes also took slightly longer to sell, averaging 71 days on market compared with 69 days last September, with the year-to-date average rising 19.0 percent to 75 days. County-level trends highlighted the market's uneven pace, with Rutherford and Yancey counties recording particularly strong gains in pending and closed sales, while McDowell County saw pending contracts increase 17.6 percent despite fewer new listings. Other counties experienced slower sales activity or more pronounced price fluctuations, underscoring the varied conditions across the mountain region.

Burke County’s housing market saw continued growth in buyer and seller activity in September, alongside expanding inventory. New listings increased 9.8 percent year-over-year to 112 homes, while pending sales rose 28.6 percent to 81 contracts and closed sales jumped 34.0 percent to 71 transactions. Home prices moved lower during the month, with the median sales price declining 7.7 percent to $240,000 and the average sales price falling 11.1 percent to $328,909. However, year-to-date prices remained relatively stable, with the median down just 0.3 percent to $273,500 and the average declining 1.8 percent. Sellers received 93.3 percent of their original list price, compared with 93.5 percent last September. Inventory expanded 21.8 percent to 335 homes, while months of supply increased from 4.3 to 5.2 months, providing buyers with more available options. Homes averaged 49 days on market, unchanged from September 2025, while list-to-close time also remained steady at 86 days.

Transylvania County’s housing market showed continued buyer engagement in September, despite a modest decline in closed sales. New listings increased 13.7 percent year-over-year to 58 homes, while pending sales rose 4.7 percent to 45 contracts and closed sales declined 3.6 percent to 53 transactions. Through September, pending and closed sales remained 5.2 percent and 5.3 percent ahead of last year, respectively. Home prices increased during the month, with the median sales price rising 23.0 percent to $535,265 and the average sales price climbing 28.5 percent to $802,313, although monthly price fluctuations can reflect changes in the mix of properties sold. Sellers received 90.6 percent of their original list price, compared with 91.5 percent last September. Inventory increased 5.2 percent to 303 homes, while months of supply declined from 7.2 to 6.9 months. Homes took considerably longer to sell, averaging 115 days on market compared with 66 days a year ago, while list-to-close time increased from 113 to 156 days.

(Due to smaller sample sizes in counties where there is a smaller pool of listings, percentage increases or decreases may seem extreme.)
Jackson County's housing market slowed in September, although pending sales increased. New listings declined 41.9 percent year-over-year to 25 homes, while pending sales rose 19.0 percent to 25 contracts and closed sales fell 14.3 percent to 24 transactions. The median sales price declined 4.5 percent to $375,000, while the average sales price decreased 14.3 percent to $495,475. Inventory fell 13.9 percent to 155 homes, while months of supply declined from 9.2 to 7.7 months, continuing to provide buyers with a relatively broad selection of available homes.

McDowell County's housing market showed continued buyer activity in September despite fewer new listings. New listings declined 18.8 percent year-over-year to 65 homes, while pending sales increased 17.6 percent and closed sales rose 5.3 percent to 40 transactions. The median sales price increased 11.2 percent to $302,000, while the average sales price declined 23.3 percent to $350,064. Inventory rose 5.8 percent to 254 homes, while months of supply remained unchanged at 7.2 months.

Rutherford County's housing market showed strong buyer and seller activity in September. New listings increased 21.6 percent year-over-year to 107 homes, pending sales rose 14.5 percent, and closed sales jumped 31.7 percent to 79 transactions. The median sales price increased 12.1 percent to $325,000, while the average sales price climbed 33.7 percent to $435,043. Inventory expanded 14.7 percent to 437 homes, while months of supply edged up from 6.8 to 7.1 months

Mitchell County's housing market experienced slower activity in September, with new listings declining 9.5 percent year-over-year to 19 homes, pending sales falling 35.0 percent and closed sales decreasing 12.5 percent to 14 transactions. Despite the monthly slowdown, pending and closed sales remained 10.1 percent and 10.9 percent ahead of last year, respectively, through September. The median sales price declined 7.6 percent to $290,000, while the average sales price increased 39.0 percent to $426,143. Inventory rose 8.3 percent to 104 homes, while months of supply declined to 8.9 months.

Polk County's housing market slowed in September, with new listings declining 34.6 percent year-over-year to 34 homes, pending sales falling 11.1 percent and closed sales decreasing 16.7 percent to 25 transactions. Despite the monthly declines, pending and closed sales remained 9.9 percent and 6.4 percent ahead of last year, respectively, through September. The median sales price increased 47.4 percent to $505,000, while the average sales price rose 9.0 percent to $492,660, although the county's smaller sales volume can contribute to significant monthly price fluctuations. Inventory declined 9.7 percent to 186 homes, reducing months of supply from 9.4 to 7.4 months.

Yancey County's housing market showed substantial growth in buyer activity in September despite fewer new listings. New listings declined 16.7 percent year-over-year to 35 homes, while pending sales surged 116.7 percent and closed sales increased 47.4 percent to 28 transactions. The median sales price rose 9.3 percent to $393,500, while the average sales price declined 22.8 percent to $439,107. Inventory increased 6.5 percent to 213 homes, while months of supply declined from 12.9 to 10.5 months, remaining among the higher-supply markets in the region.

For more residential-housing market statistics, visit www.CarolinaHome.com and click on “Market Data.” For an interview with a Realtor®/broker representing the Canopy MLS service area in the western/mountain region of North Carolina, please contact Kim Walker.

Canopy Realtor® Association owns and operates Canopy MLS, the region’s primary source for accurate, timely property data across a multi-county service area spanning North Carolina and South Carolina, including the Charlotte, Asheville, and Hickory-Lenoir MSAs. With more than 21,000 subscribers, Canopy MLS delivers comprehensive property data and innovative tools that support residential real estate transactions, from buying and selling to investing and renting.