April 30, 2026
Contact: Kim Walker, 704-940-3149

Contract activity jumps sharply to start the season, while inventory growth creates more balanced conditions
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Home sales activity across the Asheville MSA in March suggests the spring selling season is gaining momentum earlier than expected, led by a surge in contract activity. Pending sales jumped 25.4 percent year-over-year to 712 homes under contract, signaling a strong influx of buyers entering the four-county market. On a month-over-month basis, contract activity accelerated even further, rising 56.4 percent, a clear indication of renewed seasonal demand.

Closed sales followed with more modest gains, increasing 3.7 percent year-over-year to 529 homes, while climbing 42.2 percent compared to February. While closings typically lag pending sales, the sharp rise in contracts points to continued strength in the sales pipeline heading into the spring market. Notably, this level of buyer activity persisted despite ongoing affordability pressures and mortgage rates averaging between 6.1 and 6.3 percent throughout the month. Data in this press release is sourced from Canopy MLS, a subsidiary corporation of the Canopy Realtor® Association, and reflects existing-home sales of single-family homes, condos, and townhomes only.

Seller activity increased in March, with new listings rising 9.7 percent year-over-year and surging 80.4 percent compared to February, as 994 homes were added to the market. This influx of new inventory contributed to a 12.7 percent year-over-year increase in total homes for sale, pushing supply slightly higher to 4.2 months across the four-county Asheville MSA. While inventory is improving, the market remains just below the six-month threshold typically associated with balanced conditions.

“March activity across the Asheville region is a clear sign that the spring market is gaining momentum, with a notable surge in pending sales showing buyers are stepping back in, said Dave Noyes, Canopy MLS Board Director and Designated Managing Broker with eXp Realty.” At the same time, more sellers are entering the market, helping to build inventory and give buyers more options. While closed sales are rising at a more measured pace, the strength in contract activity points to continued momentum in the months ahead, even as mortgage rates and affordability challenges remain part of the equation.”

Showing Activity Highlights Market Hotspots

March showing activity, which measures buyer foot traffic across the 13-county mountain region, increased 16 percent year-over-year and 25.1 percent compared to February, reflecting a typical seasonal shift as the winter market gives way to spring.

Buncombe and Henderson counties remained top draws for buyers, with listings averaging 3.2 and 2.8 showings per listing, respectively, reinforcing strong demand in the Asheville metro area. The city of Asheville led all markets with 3.5 showings per listing, followed by Hendersonville at 3.0. Listings in Burke County (2.4) and Polk County (2.2) also posted solid buyer activity during the month.

Pricing holds steady as time on market reflects Balance
Even as supply expanded and offered buyers more negotiating leverage, home values across the Asheville MSA remained relatively stable. The median sales price dipped slightly, down 0.7 percent year-over-year to $432,000, while the average sales price rose 5.9 percent to $554,645, reflecting continued strength in higher-priced segments of the market.

At the same time, the average list price increased 7.6 percent year-over-year to $683,053, contributing to a decline in the original list price to sales price ratio, which fell 2.5 percent to 92.7 percent. This shift indicates that buyers are gaining leverage, as sellers are receiving slightly less of their asking price compared to 95.1 percent a year ago.

Time on market metrics also reflected a more balanced, seasonally typical spring environment, giving buyers additional time to evaluate options. List to close, measuring the total time from listing to closing, increased 17.4 percent to 135 days, while days on market rose 41.5 percent to 92 days, up from 65 days last year.

Noyes continued, “The region is showing strong signs of a market that’s both active and evolving. Buyer interest remains elevated, particularly in Buncombe and Henderson counties, where competition is still strongest, even as inventory begins to improve. For buyers, that means more choices and a bit more time to make decisions, but well-priced homes, especially in the metro area, are still moving quickly. For sellers, it’s a reminder that while demand is steady, today’s market requires thoughtful pricing and preparation to stand out. Overall, we’re seeing a healthier, more balanced market take shape.”

MSA Counties at a Glance

Buncombe County’s housing activity in March reflected a strengthening spring market, with rising buyer demand alongside continued inventory growth, signaling ongoing movement toward more balanced conditions. New listings increased 8.0 percent year-over-year to 529 homes, while pending sales surged 20.5 percent and closed sales rose 5.1 percent to 269 transactions. The median sales price remained relatively flat, dipping just 0.1 percent to $454,500, while the average sales price increased 6.5 percent to $627,042, reflecting continued strength in higher-priced segments of the market. Sellers received 92.3 percent of their original list price, down from 95.3 percent a year ago, as negotiations became more common. Inventory expanded 20.2 percent to 1,232 homes, pushing months’ supply up 10.3 percent to 4.3 months. Homes also spent more time on the market, with days on market increasing 49.2 percent to 94 days, further reflecting a market that is continuing to normalize and offer buyers more flexibility.

Haywood County’s housing activity in March reflected a mix of strengthening buyer demand and moderating price trends alongside steady inventory growth. New listings declined 9.6 percent year-over-year to 132 homes, while pending sales surged 23.3 percent and closed sales rose 2.4 percent to 86 transactions. The median sales price decreased 3.5 percent to $366,245, while the average sales price increased 2.7 percent to $429,050, suggesting some variability across price segments. Sellers received 93.0 percent of their original list price, down slightly from a year ago, indicating more balanced negotiations between buyers and sellers. Inventory grew 7.7 percent to 377 homes, while months’ supply declined 6.7 percent to 4.2 months. Homes took about the same amount of time to sell, with days on market holding steady at 88 days, signaling a market that remains active but continues to stabilize as conditions normalize.

Henderson County’s housing market in March reflected a strengthening spring market, with rising sales activity, increased inventory, and renewed price growth. New listings surged 27.5 percent year-over-year to 301 homes, while pending sales jumped 28.3 percent, signaling strong buyer engagement. Closed sales increased 6.6 percent to 161 transactions, reflecting improved activity compared to the slower winter months. The median sales price rose 3.9 percent to $446,700, while the average sales price increased 6.6 percent to $511,779, indicating continued demand across multiple price segments. Sellers received 93.1 percent of their original list price, down from 96.4 percent last year, as negotiations became more common despite rising prices. Inventory increased 3.6 percent to 610 homes, while months’ supply edged down to 3.8 months, keeping the market slightly below balanced conditions. Homes spent more time on the market, with days on market increasing 57.9 percent to 90 days, reflecting a market that continues to normalize even as spring activity accelerates.

Madison County’s housing market in March reflected mixed activity, with a surge in buyer demand alongside softer pricing and declining closed sales, underscoring the variability often seen in smaller markets. New listings declined 5.9 percent year-over-year to 32 homes, while pending sales more than doubled, rising 116.7 percent, signaling a sharp increase in buyer interest. Closed sales fell 31.6 percent to 13 transactions, reflecting both limited inventory and the timing gap between contracts and closings. The median sales price decreased 3.5 percent to $415,000, while the average sales price declined 10.4 percent to $418,308, indicating some price softening across segments. Sellers received 92.3 percent of their original list price, up slightly from 90.8 percent last year, suggesting that well-priced homes are still attracting competitive offers. Inventory increased 7.8 percent to 111 homes, pushing months’ supply up to 6.2 months, just above balanced market conditions. Homes spent more time on the market, with days on market rising 57.8 percent to 101 days, reflecting a market that continues to normalize as supply expands and pricing adjusts.

“Noyes added, “As we move into the spring market, we’re seeing the strongest competition remain centered around Buncombe and Henderson counties, where demand is driven by proximity to Asheville and its amenities. As you move further into surrounding areas like Haywood and Madison, the market begins to open up, with more inventory and greater pricing flexibility for buyers. That shift creates opportunity, but it also reinforces how important it is for both buyers and sellers to understand where they’re positioned within the broader market.”

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

The Region Shifts into Spring
Throughout the western region counties where Canopy MLS trends data, March’s housing market reflected a seasonal shift into the spring selling season, with stronger buyer activity emerging alongside continued inventory growth. The region’s pending sales rose by 19.1 percent compared to last year, signaling renewed engagement from buyers, while closed sales, which were mostly steady, up 0.1%, showed more variability as they continue to lag contract activity. Inventory expanded across much of the region, pushing months’ supply higher to 4.6 months of supply, giving buyers more options, while easing some of the competitive pressure seen in recent years.

At the county level, Jackson County experienced significant inventory growth alongside stronger closings, while McDowell and Polk counties saw notable increases in both pending and closed sales, reflecting renewed buyer activity. Transylvania and Rutherford counties posted gains in new listings and price strength, particularly at higher price points, while Burke County saw softer sales and pricing adjustments. Smaller markets like Mitchell and Yancey counties continued to show more volatility, with rising inventory and shifting pricing trends underscoring the localized nature of market conditions across western North Carolina.

Burke County’s housing market in March reflected softer sales activity alongside declining prices and modestly tightening inventory conditions. New listings fell 10.7 percent year-over-year to 100 homes, while pending sales dipped 1.3 percent and closed sales declined 18.0 percent to 50 transactions. The median sales price dropped 10.9 percent to $273,450, and the average sales price decreased 8.3 percent to $298,797, reflecting price adjustments across several segments. Sellers received 94.3 percent of their original list price, a slight improvement from last year. Inventory declined 7.4 percent to 212 homes, with months’ supply holding relatively steady at 3.4 months, indicating a market that remains competitive despite slower sales activity.

Jackson County’s housing market in March reflected stronger sales activity alongside significant inventory growth and notable price variability. New listings increased 4.4 percent year-over-year to 47 homes, while pending sales rose 7.7 percent and closed sales surged 50.0 percent to 15 transactions. The median sales price declined 41.8 percent to $337,500, while the average sales price fell 24.2 percent to $451,667, reflecting fewer high-end sales compared to last year. Sellers received 91.7 percent of their original list price, down from a year ago. Inventory expanded sharply, increasing 40.6 percent to 135 homes, pushing months’ supply to 6.3 months and signaling a more balanced market with greater buyer choice.

McDowell County’s housing market in March reflected increased listing activity alongside moderate sales gains and steady inventory levels. New listings rose 42.0 percent year-over-year to 71 homes, while pending sales increased 16.7 percent and closed sales rose 11.5 percent to 29 transactions. The median sales price declined 2.4 percent to $307,000, while the average sales price increased 1.6 percent to $389,083, indicating relatively stable pricing across segments. Sellers received 92.8 percent of their original list price, nearly unchanged from last year. Inventory expanded 19.0 percent to 188 homes, while months’ supply held steady at 5.2 months, suggesting a market that continues to move toward balance as inventory builds.

Rutherford County’s housing market in March reflected mixed activity, with rising listings and pending sales alongside declining closings and continued price strength. New listings increased 21.4 percent year-over-year to 125 homes, while pending sales rose 21.1 percent; however, closed sales fell 33.8 percent to 43 transactions. The median sales price declined slightly by 1.8 percent to $275,000, while the average sales price surged 33.1 percent to $495,271, reflecting the influence of higher-priced transactions. Sellers received 92.3 percent of their original list price, essentially unchanged from last year. Inventory increased 5.1 percent to 311 homes, pushing months’ supply to 5.5 months and indicating continued movement toward balanced market conditions.

Transylvania County’s housing market in March reflected stronger sales activity alongside rising prices and expanding inventory. New listings increased 28.2 percent year-over-year to 100 homes, while pending sales held steady and closed sales rose 5.4 percent to 39 transactions. The median sales price increased 9.7 percent to $608,000, while the average sales price climbed 6.9 percent to $785,382, indicating continued demand across higher price segments. Sellers received 93.8 percent of their original list price, slightly down from last year. Inventory expanded 24.7 percent to 242 homes, pushing months’ supply to 5.7 months and providing buyers with more options as the market continues to normalize.

(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 in March reflected limited activity alongside sharp price swings and continued inventory expansion, typical of smaller markets. New listings declined 18.5 percent year-over-year to 22 homes, while pending sales dipped 8.3 percent and closed sales fell 20.0 percent to 8 transactions. The median sales price surged 37.4 percent to $512,000, while the average sales price rose significantly to $1,118,188, reflecting the impact of a small number of high-value transactions. Sellers received 92.0 percent of their original list price, a slight increase from last year. Inventory expanded 32.8 percent to 81 homes, pushing months’ supply to 7.6 months and signaling a buyer-leaning market with expanded choice.

Polk County’s housing market in March reflected strong sales activity alongside rising prices and steady inventory levels. New listings increased 4.4 percent year-over-year to 47 homes, while pending sales surged 60.0 percent and closed sales doubled, rising 100.0 percent to 24 transactions. The median sales price increased 18.9 percent to $475,000, while the average sales price climbed 23.5 percent to $754,621, reflecting strong demand across higher price points. Sellers received 92.8 percent of their original list price, down slightly from last year. Inventory increased 7.4 percent to 146 homes, while months’ supply edged down to 5.7 months, indicating a market that remains active while continuing to move toward balance.

Yancey County’s housing market in March reflected declining listing activity alongside modest sales gains and significant inventory growth. New listings fell 28.6 percent year-over-year to 30 homes, while pending sales declined 10.5 percent and closed sales rose 11.1 percent to 10 transactions. The median sales price decreased 2.3 percent to $342,000, while the average sales price declined 4.9 percent to $389,390, reflecting variability across price segments. Sellers received 84.5 percent of their original list price, down from last year, indicating increased negotiation activity. Inventory expanded sharply, rising 42.9 percent to 140 homes, pushing months’ supply to 8.0 months and signaling a buyer-leaning market with ample inventory and longer marketing times.

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.