If you're buying or selling in Asheville or Buncombe County, the latest market data offers insight into where Western North Carolina real estate is heading. Through the first three quarters of 2026, home prices remained stable and sales increased compared with 2025. Longer selling times and varying inventory levels reflect a generally balanced market, with conditions differing by price range.
We spoke with Mosaic Realty owner Mike Figura to break down the latest Asheville real estate trends and what they mean for buyers and sellers.
Is Asheville moving toward a buyer’s market?
The Asheville and Buncombe County housing market remained generally balanced during the third quarter of 2026, although conditions vary by price range. A balanced market typically has six months of housing inventory, providing enough supply to meet demand without significantly favoring buyers or sellers.
Comparing the third quarters of 2025 and 2026, inventory increased in some price ranges and decreased in others. Some lower- and mid-priced segments remain below six months of supply, while certain higher-priced categories exceed that benchmark, giving buyers more flexibility.
Are home prices declining in Asheville and Buncombe County?
Year-to-date median sale prices have remained relatively stable. During the first three quarters of 2026, Asheville's median home sale price was $500,000, unchanged from 2025. In Buncombe County, the year-to-date median was $479,000, compared with $477,000 for all of 2025.
Between the second and third quarters of 2026, the median price decreased in Asheville and increased in Buncombe County. These changes may reflect normal quarterly variability rather than a broader market shift. Overall, prices have largely stabilized.
Are more homes selling in Asheville?
Yes. Comparing the first three quarters of 2026 with the same period in 2025, home sales increased 6.8% in Asheville and 8.7% in Buncombe County. Sales in the third quarter of 2026 were also higher in both areas than in the third quarter of 2025.
However, interest rates rose toward the end of the third quarter, potentially slowing sales during the final months of 2026.
Are homes taking longer to sell?
Yes. During the first three quarters of 2026, Days on Market (DOM) reached 82 days in Asheville and 85 days in Buncombe County, up from 2025. These figures are similar to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, when the market was also balanced.
Buyers are taking more time to evaluate properties, making strategic pricing and presentation increasingly important for sellers.
Is housing inventory still increasing?
Not uniformly. Comparing the third quarters of 2025 and 2026, inventory increased in some price ranges and decreased in others. Many segments are near the six-month benchmark, while some lower- and mid-priced categories remain below it and certain higher-priced segments exceed it.
Less than six months of inventory generally favors sellers, while more than six months tends to favor buyers. Looking at inventory by price range provides a clearer picture than relying on countywide averages alone.
What does this mean for Asheville buyers and sellers?
The first three quarters of 2026 showed stable median prices and increased sales compared with the same period in 2025. Longer selling times and mixed inventory trends point to a more balanced market, with opportunities varying by price range.
For buyers relocating to Asheville or searching for a home in Western N.C., current conditions can mean more time to compare properties and opportunities to negotiate. For sellers, realistic pricing and professional marketing remain essential as buyers take longer to make decisions.
Whether you’re relocating to Asheville, purchasing your first home, investing or preparing to sell, local expertise matters. The experienced agents at Mosaic Realty can help you navigate the Western N.C. real estate market. For more information on real estate in Asheville and Western N.C., please contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com or call 828-707-9556.
Read: The Full Q3 2026 Asheville/ Buncombe Housing Market Analysis
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