Current Market Summary — Asheville / Region as of 12/31/2025

Here is a current, consumer-ready summary of the 2025 residential real estate market in Asheville, North Carolina — based on the latest market data and local MLS reports:

1. Market is Shifting From a Strong Seller’s Market Toward Balance
After several years of constrained inventory and rapid price growth, the Asheville region’s housing market is noticeably rebalancing. Inventory levels have risen substantially across the metropolitan area, pushing months of supply toward — and in some reports into — the range associated with a balanced market (roughly 5–6+ months). This means neither buyers nor sellers hold a dominant advantage.

Key Indicators of Market Balance:

• Months of inventory have climbed — in some recent regional data — into balanced territory (around 5.7–5.8 months).

• Listings (new supply) have increased year-over-year, giving buyers more options and negotiation room.

• Properties are generally staying on the market longer compared to recent years, and average days on market have increased.

2. Pricing Trends: Stable But Moderating
Home prices in the Asheville MSA and Buncombe County have held relatively steady but are showing signs of softening compared to the rapid appreciation of prior years.

• In some seasonal reports, median sales prices have experienced modest declines month-over-month or year-over-year, while in other reports annual median prices remain relatively stable.

• Sellers are still receiving a majority of their list price, though the percentage received has softened slightly in many segments.

This indicates prices are not collapsing but are adjusting as buyer leverage increases.

3. Inventory and Listing Dynamics Favor Buyers More Than in Prior Years
A notable rise in inventory after years of tight supply is one of the biggest shifts:

• New listings have increased significantly, helping bring overall inventory higher.

• Months of supply — essentially the measure of how long it would take to sell all available homes at the current pace — has risen, which historically correlates with less aggressive bidding and more negotiation space for buyers. This trend has given buyers more choice and reduced urgency compared to the last several years.

4. Sales Activity and Seasonality
Sales activity has moderated:

• Closed sales and pending sales activity have dipped in some reports, especially during slower seasons, even as new listings rise. Buyer interest remains present, but the pace of transactions is slower relative to peak market conditions.

5. Local Economic Context
The regional market continues to adjust following external pressures (including recovery from significant weather events). While early concerns impacted inventory and buyer confidence, recent data suggest markets in Asheville and surrounding counties are adapting and stabilizing.

Overall Summary:
The 2025 Asheville residential real estate market is transitioning toward balance. Price appreciation has moderated, inventory has expanded, and the market’s rapid sales pace has cooled — creating better conditions for buyers while still offering reasonable outcomes for well-priced sellers. Sellers should price competitively and prepare for longer marketing times; buyers now benefit from more selection and negotiation leverage.