1st Quarter 2026- Asheville and Buncombe County Real Estate Market Analysis

Asheville / Buncombe County Market Analysis

The Asheville and Buncombe County housing market continued shifting toward a buyers’ market in the first quarter of 2026, though conditions remain generally neutral and not strongly favoring either buyers or sellers.

Number of homes sold  In Buncombe County, the number of home sales declined from 431 in the first quarter of 2025 to 394 in the first quarter of 2026. In the City of Asheville, sales rose slightly, from 242 in the first quarter of 2025 to 255 in the first quarter of 2026 . Median home prices also edged down during this period, with Buncombe County decreasing from $450,000 to $446,000, and Asheville from $506,000 to $493,000.

Inventory levels  Inventory levels increased modestly across most price categories between the first quarters of 2025 and 2026. A balanced market is typically defined as having six months of inventory—meaning it would take six months to sell all available homes based on the past year’s pace. Less than six months indicates a seller’s market, while more than six months signals a buyer’s market. While some lower and mid-range price points remained below six months of inventory, most categories hovered near that benchmark. The exception was the $1,500,000-and-above segment, which remained well above six months.

Median home sale price The median home sale price per square foot declined across most price categories between 2025 and the first quarter of 2026. Because the 2026 data reflects only the first quarter, there is not yet sufficient information to draw a reliable conclusion about a sustained decline in prices. As the year progresses, trends in median price per square foot will provide a clearer and more reliable indicator.

Average Days on Market (DOM) increased from 66 days in Asheville in 2025 to 106 days in the first quarter of 2026. In Buncombe County, DOM rose from 72 days to 110 days. This increase largely reflects higher inventory levels, giving buyers more options and reducing urgency compared to prior years. However, rising DOM can also indicate increased market activity, as older listings begin to sell. Trends in the second and third quarters of 2026 will help clarify whether this increase reflects a market shift or a temporary adjustment.

Changes to the real estate market were being driven by a confluence of factors. Interest rates that remained high were dampening buyer demand. Lingering impacts from Hurricane Helene also played a role in suppressing demand. Helene also caused some people to sell and move out of the area, which added to inventory. A reduction in tourism has caused lower occupancy in short-term rentals, leading some people to sell their short-term rental investment properties, which has added to inventory. As the area rebuilds and tourism returns, the real estate market in the region will likely return to its pre-storm dynamic, unless there are large disruptions to the national economy.


For a complete market analysis, including Trends in Green Homes, Inventory or Price Per Square Foot, view the entire report here. If you have any questions or would like a price evaluation of your house, please contact one of our agents or call us at (828) 707-9556.

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