If you're buying or selling in Asheville or Buncombe County, the latest second-quarter market data provides valuable insight into where the Western North Carolina housing market is heading. The second quarter of 2026 continued the shift toward a more buyer-friendly market, with increased inventory, longer selling times, and modest price adjustments creating more opportunities for buyers than we’ve seen in several years.

We spoke with Mosaic Realty owner Mike Figura to break down the latest trends and what they could mean for buyers and sellers moving forward.

Is Asheville officially a buyer’s market in the second quarter of 2026?

The Asheville and Buncombe County real estate market continued moving toward a buyer’s market during the second quarter of 2026, although most price ranges remain relatively balanced. A balanced market generally has about six months of housing inventory, enough supply to meet demand without giving either buyers or sellers a significant advantage.

Several higher-priced segments now exceed six months of inventory, while many lower- and mid-priced homes remain close to that benchmark. Overall, buyers have considerably more options than they did over the past several years and can often take more time evaluating homes before making an offer.

Are buyers gaining more negotiating power?

Yes. Three major indicators point to a market that is becoming increasingly favorable for buyers. First, Average Days on Market reached its highest second-quarter level since 2015 in both Asheville and Buncombe County, meaning homes are taking longer to sell. Second, inventory increased across nearly every price range compared with the previous four years, giving buyers more choices. Finally, the median price per square foot declined across most price categories, signaling that sellers are adjusting pricing to meet current demand.

For buyers relocating to Asheville or searching for a mountain home, these conditions provide greater flexibility and stronger negotiating opportunities than we’ve seen in recent years.

Are home prices declining in Asheville and Buncombe County?

Prices have generally softened during the second quarter, particularly when looking at median price per square foot across most price ranges. While values haven’t fallen dramatically, the market is adjusting as increased inventory gives buyers more leverage.

These modest price corrections appear to be encouraging more buyers to re-enter the market. Rather than signaling weakness, the pricing adjustments are helping bring buyers and sellers back into better alignment.

Are more homes selling despite the softer market?

Interestingly, yes. The second quarter of 2026 recorded more home sales than any quarter since the third quarter of 2024, before Tropical Storm Helene impacted Western North Carolina. As prices have become more competitive, buyers have responded by purchasing homes at a stronger pace. This suggests the market is functioning as expected. Lower prices are increasing buyer activity while helping move inventory that may have lingered earlier in the year.

Is inventory still increasing?

Inventory continues to rise across most price categories compared to the second quarter of 2025, although there are early signs that growth may begin slowing.

Higher inventory has been one of the biggest drivers of today’s more balanced market. Buyers now have more homes to compare, while sellers face greater competition. However, recent seasonal trends suggest that fewer homeowners may be choosing to list as prices soften. If fewer new listings continue entering the market while buyer activity remains steady, inventory could begin declining over the coming months.

What does this mean for Asheville buyers and sellers moving forward?

There are signs that the market may be approaching its most buyer-friendly point before beginning to stabilize. Lower prices have encouraged more buyers to purchase homes, while slightly slower listing activity may gradually reduce inventory and help stabilize pricing.

For buyers, this remains one of the strongest opportunities in several years to find more inventory, negotiate favorable terms, and avoid the intense competition that we saw in previous markets. For sellers, homes continue to sell, but success depends more than ever on strategic pricing, professional marketing, and presenting a home in its best possible light. Well-prepared, appropriately priced homes continue attracting buyers even as the market becomes more competitive.

Whether you’re relocating to Asheville, purchasing your first home, investing or preparing to sell, understanding local market conditions is essential. Local expertise can make all the difference, and that’s exactly what you’ll get from the experienced agents at Mosaic Realty. For more information about Asheville real estate or homes throughout Western North Carolina, contact Mosaic Realty at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com or call 828-707-9556.

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View: Q2 2026 Asheville/ Buncombe Market Analysis

 

From sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain views to quiet wooded settings, mountain homes offer options suited to a range of tastes and lifestyles. If you’re considering buying a home in the [...]

Thinking of tackling a home renovation? Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to make smart investments in your Asheville property, it’s important to remember that not every renovation delivers the same return on investment. The best home improvement projects increase both your home’s appeal and its market value, especially in Western North Carolina, where buyers often prioritize outdoor living, energy efficiency and move-in-ready homes.

If you’re wondering where to spend your renovation dollars, these 10 projects consistently offer some of the strongest returns on investment (ROI) in the Asheville real estate market.

1. Refresh your exterior

Curb appeal is one of the biggest factors influencing buyers, and a fresh exterior instantly makes a home feel well-maintained. Updating faded paint, repairing damaged siding, or replacing worn trim can significantly increase buyer interest while protecting your home from the mountain climate.

2. Upgrade the front door

Replacing an outdated front door is one of the simplest projects with an impressive payoff. Steel or fiberglass doors improve energy efficiency while creating a welcoming entrance. Even a new paint job can work wonders. A fresh front door paired with updated hardware and lighting can transform the entire look of your home.

3. Remodel the kitchen without going overboard

You don’t necessarily need a luxury kitchen renovation to increase your home’s value. Minor updates often provide a better return than complete remodels.

Consider:

• Painting cabinets
• Replacing countertops
• Installing new fixtures
• Updating appliances
• Adding a tile backsplash

4. Modernize bathrooms

Bathrooms are another area buyers scrutinize closely. Even modest improvements can make a home feel newer.

Focus on:

• Updated vanities
• New mirrors and lighting
• Fresh paint
• Modern faucets
• Refinished tubs or showers

5. Improve outdoor living spaces

Outdoor living is a major selling point in Asheville and Western N.C. Buyers are drawn to homes that embrace mountain living. Projects worth considering include expanding a deck, adding a covered porch, and installing attractive yet functional outdoor lighting.

6. Replace garage doors

Taking out an old garage door not only improves your home’s appearance, it can transform the space behind it. New garage doors improve insulation and security, especially valuable in mountain communities where garages can serve as storage and workshop space.

7. Boost energy efficiency

Energy-efficient homes that reduce utility costs are always a draw. In Asheville’s varied climate, efficiency improvements provide year-round comfort while adding value.

Popular upgrades include:

• New windows
• Additional attic insulation
• Smart thermostats
• Heat pump upgrades
• Air sealing

8. Refinish hardwood floors

Hardwood flooring remains one of the most desirable features among Asheville homebuyers. Rather than replacing existing wood floors, refinishing them can dramatically improve appearance at a relatively low cost. If your home has carpet covering hardwoods, uncovering and restoring the original flooring may provide an even greater return.

9. Upgrade landscaping

Because Western N.C. is known for its natural beauty, thoughtfully landscaped yards help buyers envision enjoying the outdoors. Landscaping doesn’t have to be elaborate to make an impact.

Whether professionally installed or done by you, consider:

• Native plants
• Fresh mulch
• Defined walkways
• Seasonal flowers
• Tree trimming

10. Add smart home features

Today’s buyers increasingly appreciate homes equipped with convenient technology. These features can help your home feel current without requiring major renovations. Affordable upgrades include such things as smart locks, lighting and thermostats; video doorbells; and integrated security systems.

Before you renovate, know your neighborhood

A major renovation mistake is making improvements beyond what the neighborhood can support. An expensive renovation may not significantly increase resale value if nearby homes sell within a lower price range.

Before investing in major upgrades, it’s worth consulting with a local real estate professional who understands current buyer preferences and neighborhood pricing. The right improvements can help your home stand out while maximizing your return when it’s time to sell.

At Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty, our agents understand what buyers are looking for throughout Asheville and Western North Carolina. We’re happy to help you identify which improvements are most likely to increase your home’s value based on your neighborhood, price point and current market conditions. For more information, please contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.

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Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty is honored to announce that our office at 46 Orchard St. in Asheville, N.C., has received a prestigious Griffin Award for Rehabilitation from the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County (PSABC).

Presented during the 46th Annual Griffin Awards on May 21, the award recognizes outstanding efforts to preserve and rehabilitate historic properties throughout Buncombe County. The Griffin Awards celebrate projects and individuals whose work demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship, respect for historic character and materials, and a meaningful contribution to the community.

Breathing new life into historic Asheville landmark

Constructed in 1923, the building at 46 Orchard St. (just north of downtown Asheville) was originally a residence built for Harriet and Claude Edwards. In the early 20th century, the Edwards family operated several apartment units from the property; the building continued serving as apartments until the 1990s.

When Mosaic purchased the property, the team was excited by the opportunity to rehabilitate a centrally located building filled with architectural character and abundant natural light. “Since the end of the pandemic we had been looking for a bigger home for Mosaic to provide more space for our growing team and a greater sense of community,” says Mosaic building manager Rachel Figura, who coordinated the renovation. “46 Orchard had great bones, ample parking, energy efficiency upgrades, and tons of natural light, so we knew at once it was the right fit for us.”

Equally intriguing were some of its mysteries, including the dual front doors and an unusual floor plan. “We learned that 46 Orchard St. was built with dual front doors – one for the [Edwards] family, and one for the tenants housed upstairs,” says Figura. “We discovered that an upstairs open-air sleeping porch had originally been part of the back of the house, partially enclosed in the 1940s, and fully enclosed during the 1970s. Harriet’s father, Jethro Miller, was a local carpenter, so it’s not hard to imagine that he had a large role in the construction.” 

Honoring the past through skilled craftsmanship at 46 Orchard Street

The property had endured decades of deferred maintenance and required extensive rehabilitation work. The rehabilitation warranted careful attention to both historic preservation and modern functionality. For example, when the original siding proved too deteriorated to restore, the project team invested in custom-milled 10-inch German lap siding that precisely matched the profile of the original material. 

Another major issue was preserving the foundation. “Our largest renovation challenge was leveling the first floor without damaging the original brick foundation,” says Figura. “Repairing the mortar in the foundation was no small feat and required bringing in sand from Virginia Beach to match the color.”

A priority during the renovation was retaining as much of the home’s historic details while bringing the property into the 21st century. “We prioritized keeping the original trim and upstairs floors, sourcing historic heart of pine narrow plank floorboards to repair a damaged area of the upstairs floor and making trim to match the existing one for some places it was missing,” says Figura. “We installed historic crystal doorknobs, drawer pulls, hinges and mother of pearl push button light switches. We were able to keep two existing built-ins including retrofitting the grain bin in the kitchen to be a regular cabinet.”            

A collaborative achievement

The Griffin Award recognizes the many talented professionals who contributed to the successful rehabilitation of 46 Orchard St. Honorees include Asheville Flooring LLC, Astralwerks Architectural Finishes, CJE Roofing and Exterior, Greg Podlesney, JAG Construction, Jonathan Cervantes, Kacia Jurdi, Michael and Rachel Figura, Mr. Rooter Plumbing, Ryan Morin of Luxgrain, Volt Electric USA, and Willis Home Improvements. 

The Griffin Awards recognize excellence across several categories, including adaptive reuse, rehabilitation, restoration, preservation, stewardship, research, education and compatible infill construction within historic districts.

Curious to see Mosaic’s new office in person? We invite clients, neighbors and community members to stop by and experience this beautifully restored piece of Asheville history for themselves. And for more information on real estate in Asheville or Western N.C., please contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.

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