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
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