October 28, 2025

Contact: Kim Walker, 704-940-3149

Buyers and sellers showed renewed confidence as contract and listing activity increase

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Home sales across the 13 western NC counties tracked by Canopy MLS rose in September, underscoring renewed buyer momentum across the region. Closed sales increased 23.7 percent year-over-year to 892 transactions, while month-over-month activity held steady, edging up 0.8 percent from August 2025. Contract activity surged 51.6 percent compared to last year, the third consecutive month of growth, as 978 homes went under contract. Buyers were likely encouraged by a more favorable rate environment, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage hovering around 6.3 percent for most of the month and dipping to 6.2 percent mid-September. Data in this report is sourced from Canopy MLS and includes single-family homes, condos, and townhome sales only for 13 counties in western North Carolina, which include: Buncombe, Burke, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, McDowell. Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey Counties.

Seller confidence strengthened in September, with new listings rising 23.5 percent as 1,374 homes were added to the market. This increase pushed inventory up nearly 40 percent to just over 5,000 homes for sale across the region’s 13 counties at report time on October 5. Supply also climbed 40 percent to 6.3 months, signaling a balanced market that no longer favors sellers or buyers, but instead reflects healthier, more sustainable conditions across the western region.

“Market activity across the western region remained strong in September, with both buyers and sellers showing renewed confidence,” said Dave Noyes, a Canopy MLS Board Director and Realtor®/broker with eXp Realty. “Improved affordability helped bring more buyers back into the market, pushing contracts to their highest level in months, while sellers responded with a notable increase in new listings. With inventory and supply now in balance, conditions across the 13-county region and particularly metro-Asheville, are healthier and more sustainable, offering opportunities for both sides as we move toward year-end.”

As demand strengthened and inventory expanded, prices across the region showed signs of cooling. The median sales price fell 8 percent year-over-year to $400,000, while the average sales price declined 7.1 percent to $581,579. The average list price was relatively stable, edging up 1.1 percent to $622,707. Sellers received 91.7 percent of their original asking price in September, a 2.4 percent decline from last year, as buyers gained more leverage amid growing supply. Days on market also lengthened by 46.8 percent, averaging 69 days compared to 47 a year ago, a sign of returning seasonality and a more deliberate pace of sales.

The Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

Sales across the Asheville MSA (Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Madison Counties) reflected similar conditions to the broader region, as closed sales rose 28 percent year-over-year with nearly 600 homes sold; while pending sales or demand soared 55.8 percent compared to last year, as 645 homes went under contract last month. Sellers across the metro-area responded to the increased demand, with listing activity rising 26.8 percent year-over-year as 886 homes were newly listed.  

The surge in new listings led to notable gains in both inventory and supply, which rose nearly 44 percent and 45 percent year-over-year, respectively. As of October 5, there were roughly 3,200 homes for sale across the metro area, representing 6.1 months of supply—the highest level since October 2015. With greater inventory and supply combined with stronger demand, prices softened. The median sales price fell 5.3 percent to $445,000, while the average sales price declined 9.9 percent to $550,183. The average list price was relatively unchanged, up 0.8 percent to $672,354. Sellers received 91.9 percent of their original asking price, down 2.8 percent from a year ago, as homes took longer to sell—averaging 70 days on market compared to 47 days in September 2024.

“The decline in prices we’re seeing across the Asheville region and MSA isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather an indicator that the market is rebalancing,” said Noyes. “After years of constrained supply and rapid price appreciation, a growing number of listings and a healthier level of inventory are helping to moderate prices, giving buyers more options. Sellers, meanwhile, can still benefit from steady demand by ensuring their homes are move-in ready, enhancing curb appeal, refreshing landscaping, and maintaining near-pristine interiors. As seasonality returns to the market, sellers should also anticipate longer market times, making realistic, strategic pricing essential to attract buyer interest. ”

County Summaries See data for September 2025

Home sales in Buncombe County showed renewed strength in September, with closed sales up 6.3 percent year-over-year to 271 transactions, as buyer demand surged and pending sales jumped 64.4 percent to 337. New listings rose significantly, increasing 31.9 percent to 500, which helped boost inventory 59.3 percent to 1,711 homes for sale. Months of supply also expanded to 6.4 months, marking a shift toward a more balanced market. Prices softened under these conditions, with the median sales price down 7.8 percent to $475,000 and the average sales price falling 14.4 percent to $593,586. The average list price increased 1.7 percent to $740,000, bringing the original list price received measure down 3.3 percent to 91.2 percent during the month. Homes took longer to sell, averaging 69 days on market, a 40.8 percent increase from last year, as sellers adjusted to greater competition and more moderate pricing dynamics.

Haywood County’s housing market remained active in September, as closed sales surged 77.8 percent year-over-year to 112 transactions, while pending sales rose 11 percent to 81. New listing activity also increased 26.6 percent to 119, boosting inventory 29.5 percent to 522 homes for sale. With supply up 21.6 percent to 6.2 months, the market continued to move toward balance. Prices strengthened notably, with the median sales price rising 10 percent to $417,995 and the average sales price climbing 20.8 percent to $544,087. The average list price increased 11.7 percent to $530,300 brining the original list price to sales price measure down 3.4 percent to 92.4 percent during the month. Homes took longer to sell, averaging 78 days on market, a 123 percent increase from last year, as greater supply provided buyers with more choices and negotiation power. 

Henderson County’s housing market posted strong results in September, as closed sales increased 47.7 percent year-over-year to 192 transactions, while pending sales rose 63.8 percent to 208, signaling continued buyer interest heading into fall. New listings also grew 16.4 percent to 241, helping lift inventory 30 percent to 824 homes for sale. Supply increased 23.3 percent to 5.3 months, indicating a market that is nearing balance. Prices moderated in response to the growing number of listings, with the median sales price down 10.2 percent to $420,000 and the average sales price falling 9.7 percent to $498,022. The average list price was largely unchanged (+0.2%) at $611,600, while the original list price received slipped 1.6 percent to 93.2 percent, still the highest return on asking price among sellers in the MSA. Homes spent more time on market, averaging 63 days to sell, a 34 percent increase from a year ago, as both buyers and sellers adjusted to steadier, more sustainable market conditions.

Madison County’s housing market saw notable improvement in September, with closed sales rising 17.6 percent year-over-year to 20 transactions and pending sales more than doubling, up 111.1 percent to 19. New listings increased 36.8 percent to 26, helping inventory grow 27.3 percent to 140 homes for sale. With 8.1 months of supply—up 42.1 percent from last year—the market now leans toward buyers. Prices continued to climb despite the additional inventory, with the median sales price up 14.1 percent to $445,000 and the average sales price rising 18 percent to $496,975. The average list price, however, fell 42 percent to $586,523, suggesting that more moderately priced homes entered the market. Sellers received 87.5 percent of their original asking price, down 4.6 percent from a year ago, signaling that buyers are gaining negotiation power as homes spend longer on market, averaging 106 days before selling.

“September’s market reflected steady momentum across the Asheville region, with buyers clearly re-engaging as mortgage rates showed signs of stabilizing,” said Noyes. “Sales activity strengthened in nearly every county throughout the metro-area, and while prices have adjusted in some areas, overall home values remain stable—with the MSA’s year-to-date median price down less than one percent. This is not a free-for-all market; buyers still face competition for well-priced homes, and sellers continue to benefit from years of appreciation and steady demand as conditions normalize toward balance.”

Other counties around the region

Burke County’s housing market experienced mixed conditions in September, as closed sales dipped 7.7 percent year-over-year to 48 transactions, while pending sales rose 18.3 percent to 71—signaling potential sales growth ahead. New listings increased 12 percent to 103, expanding inventory 16.4 percent to 263 homes for sale and pushing supply up 24.2 percent to 4.1 months. Prices softened, with the median sales price down 1.9 percent to $257,450 and the average sales price falling 12.6 percent to $351,362. The average list price, however, rose 6.7 percent to $395,604, showing that sellers remain optimistic even as buyers gain leverage. Sellers received 93.3 percent of their original asking price, a 2 percent decline from last year, reflecting slightly longer marketing times and increased negotiation as homes averaged 51 days on market.

Jackson County’s housing market posted mixed results in September, marked by significant growth in listings and inventory alongside modest gains in sales. Closed sales rose 12 percent year-over-year to 28 transactions, while pending sales increased 10 percent to 22, signaling stable buyer activity. New listings surged 72 percent to 43, which nearly doubled available inventory, up 92.2 percent to 173 homes for sale, and expanded months of supply to nine months, more than double last year’s level, indicating a clear shift toward a buyer’s market. Prices showed some softening, with the median sales price down 6.9 percent to $392,500, though the average sales price edged up 1 percent to $577,954, reflecting a mix of higher-end transactions. Sellers received 90.6 percent of their original asking price, a slight 1.2 percent improvement from last year, suggesting that competitively priced homes continue to attract buyers despite broader market adjustments. The average list price fell 20.1 percent to $714,228, likely reflecting the influx of more moderately priced listings. Homes sold somewhat faster, averaging 64 days on market, nearly 15 percent quicker than a year ago, indicating that motivated sellers are successfully meeting buyer expectations in this evolving, more balanced environment.

McDowell County’s housing market strengthened notably in September, with closed sales jumping 60.9 percent year-over-year to 37 transactions and pending sales rising 76.2 percent to the same number, reflecting solid buyer activity. New listings surged 63.3 percent to 80, boosting inventory 37.3 percent to 232 homes for sale and increasing months of supply to 6.9—up 32.7 percent from last year—signaling improved balance between buyers and sellers. Prices also moved higher, as the median sales price rose 5 percent to $273,000 and the average sales price climbed 68.5 percent to $463,475, likely influenced by higher-priced home sales. The average list price increased 6.6 percent to $554,285, showing continued seller confidence. Sellers received 91.3 percent of their original asking price, down 3.1 percent from a year ago, as longer marketing times—averaging 62 days on market, double last year’s pace—gave buyers more room to negotiate in an expanding market.

(Due to smaller sample sizes in counties where there is a smaller pool of listings, percentage increases or decreases may seem extreme.)

Mitchell County’s housing market saw robust growth in September, as closed sales surged 166.7 percent year-over-year to 16 transactions, while pending sales nearly doubled, up 90 percent to 19. New listings also increased 40 percent to 21, expanding inventory 22.8 percent to 97 homes for sale. Months of supply rose 22 percent to 10.0, indicating a market that strongly favors buyers. Prices strengthened, with the median sales price jumping 33.1 percent to $314,000 and the average sales price inching up 1.5 percent to $306,569. The average list price climbed 64.9 percent to $598,406, suggesting more higher-end properties entered the market. Sellers received 89.4 percent of their original asking price, a 6.1 percent decline from last year, reflecting greater buyer leverage even as homes sold faster—averaging 61 days on market, down nearly 19 percent from a year ago. 

(Due to smaller sample sizes in counties where there is a smaller pool of listings, percentage increases or decreases may seem extreme)
Polk County’s housing market reflected mixed conditions in September, as buyer activity strengthened but price trends softened. Pending sales increased 43.5 percent year-over-year to 33, while closed sales were relatively unchanged, dipping 3.3 percent to 29. New listings rose sharply, up 57.6 percent to 52, which helped expand inventory 62.3 percent to 198 homes for sale. With months of supply climbing 76 percent to 8.8, the market now favors buyers. Prices moderated notably, with the median sales price falling 29.3 percent to $350,000 and the average sales price down 28.3 percent to $461,083, likely reflecting a higher share of mid-range listings. The average list price slipped 2.3 percent to $672,821, while sellers received 91.0 percent of their original asking price, a modest 1.1 percent decline from last year, indicating that competitive pricing is increasingly essential as homes stay on market longer, averaging 72 days before sale.

Rutherford County’s housing market was mixed in September, showing stronger buyer demand but continued softening in prices. Pending sales rose 54.9 percent year-over-year to 79, indicating improving buyer activity, even as closed sales declined 6.5 percent to 58. New listings fell 19.4 percent to 87, which slightly limited supply growth; still, inventory increased 8.2 percent to 355 homes for sale, pushing months of supply up 17 percent to 6.2, signaling a shift toward more balanced conditions. Prices eased, with the median sales price down 4.2 percent to $285,000 and the average sales price falling 14.9 percent to $322,352, as sellers adjusted to changing market dynamics. The average list price rose 10.5 percent to $421,918, reflecting confidence among sellers of higher-end homes. Sellers received 92.0 percent of their original asking price, a modest 0.4 percent decline from last year, as longer marketing times, averaging 78 days on market, double last year’s pace, gave buyers greater leverage in negotiations.

Transylvania County’s housing market showed solid gains in September, with closed sales up 68.8 percent year-over-year to 54 transactions and pending sales increasing 37.1 percent to 48, signaling strong buyer engagement. New listings, however, fell 15.3 percent to 50, tightening the pace of new supply even as inventory expanded 46 percent to 276 homes for sale. Months of supply rose 54.5 percent to 6.8, reflecting a market that is moving toward balance. Prices were mixed, with the median sales price down 7.5 percent to $435,000, while the average sales price rose 10.5 percent to $615,147—suggesting a blend of both mid-range and higher-end sales activity. The average list price declined 18.3 percent to $691,966, reflecting a shift toward more affordable listings. Sellers received 91.6 percent of their original asking price, a slight 1.2 percent decrease from last year, as longer marketing times—averaging 65 days on market—gave buyers additional room to negotiate.

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 MLS is a wholly-owned subsidiary corporation of Canopy Realtor® Association and is the private broker cooperative used by Realtors® to bring buyers and sellers together with access to thousands of residential listings in a multicounty service area, including Charlotte, Asheville and Catawba Valley regions spanning across North Carolina, South Carolina and outside of the Carolinas. Canopy MLS, which has 21,000 subscribers, provides the most trustworthy, timely, accurate and complete property data along with proprietary tools for showings, market stats, predictive analytics, and more. Canopy MLS is used by its members to support consumers in their residential real estate transactions, whether selling, buying, investing or renting.