🌎 January 2026 Market Update | NC High Country Real Estate Update
To understand our local market, it’s helpful to zoom out. National trends suggest clearer skies ahead for buyers.
According to NAR’s most recent data:
- Mortgage rates have started to ease, supporting improved affordability.
- Income growth is outpacing home price increases in many areas.
- The income needed to purchase a typical home actually declined heading into Q4 2025.
- The monthly mortgage payment for a typical single-family home (20% down) averaged $2,057 a 5.7% decrease from the previous quarter and 3.1% less than a year prior.
In short?
Buyers who hit pause in 2025 may find the opening they’ve been waiting for in early 2026.
🏘 Inventory Overview: NC High Country Real Estate Market Report January 2026
Inventory levels across the High Country shifted notably in January, offering important insights for both buyers and sellers.
Residential Inventory Highlights
- 721 active single-family & condo/townhome listings,
↓ down 7.2% from December 2025 - 152 new listings,
↑ up 33.3% from December - 4.4 months of inventory, supporting a more balanced market
Land Inventory Highlights
- 45 land sales, med. price $126,000,
↑ up 84.6% from December - 1,209 active land listings
- 122 new land listings, creating 26.9 months of supply
Land continues to be a vibrant segment of the High Country, especially for builders and long-term investors.
🏢 Commercial Activity: NC High Country Real Estate Market Report January 2026
Commercial real estate saw modest but meaningful movement in January:
- 36 active commercial listings
- 2 commercial sales totaling $775,000
This segment often trails residential in winter, but remains steady heading into spring.
📍 County-by-County Breakdown: NC High Country Real Estate Market Report January 2026
Each mountain community tells its own story. Here’s how January unfolded across the region:
Alleghany County
- 8 residential sales, ↓ down 20% from December
- Median sales price: $357,500, ↑ up 3.6%
- 63 active listings, ↓ down 1.6%
- 10 new listings, ↑ up 11.1%
Land:
- 3 land closings
- Median price $15,000
- 221 active listings
- 11 new listings
- 73.6 months’ supply of land inventory
Alleghany continues to offer affordability and opportunity for buyers seeking quieter, scenic areas.
Ashe County
- 20 residential sales, ↑ up 45.9%
- Median price: $387,000, ↑ up 4.6%
- 131 active listings
- 35 new listings, ↑ up 40%
Land:
- 15 land sales, median $75,000
- 301 active listings
- 31 new listings
- 20.1 months’ supply
Ashe saw one of the strongest increases in activity buyers are clearly drawn to West Jefferson’s charm and outdoor lifestyle.
Avery County
- 22 residential closings
- Median price: $440,000, ↓ down 21.8%
- 240 active listings
- 34 new listings
Land:
- 9 sales, median $165,000 ↑ up 152.4%
- 258 active listings
- 22 new listings
- 28.7 months’ supply
Avery’s ski communities and luxury markets show steady buyer demand, even in mid-winter.
Watauga County
- 40 residential sales, ↓ down 54.5% from December
- Median price: $655,750, ↑ up 28.6%
- 287 active listings
- 73 new listings, ↑ up 69.8%
Land:
- 18 land sales
- Median land price $195,000, ↑ up 124.6%
- 429 active land listings
- 58 new listings
- 23.7 months of inventory
Watauga’s combination of high demand and premium pricing continues to lead the High Country.
⭐ Why Work With Lori Eastridge for NC High Country Real Estate Market Report January 2026
Navigating this dynamic market requires skill, heart, and an expert eye and Lori Eastridge brings all three. Clients love her blend of calm confidence, deep local knowledge, and marketing savvy that feels both strategic and personal.
Lori’s Professional Certifications:
CLHMS™ – Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
ALHS – Accredited Luxury Home Specialist
ABR® – Accredited Buyer’s Representative
SRS® – Seller Representative Specialist
RENE – Real Estate Negotiation Expert
SPS – Strategic Pricing Specialist
What Lori Brings to Your Real Estate Journey
A grounded, trustworthy guide through complex market shifts
Exceptional negotiation skills to protect your investment
Elevated listing marketing that attracts high-quality buyers
A personal touch that turns transactions into relationships
A deep love for the High Country and the people who call it home
Working with Lori means you have a dedicated advocate who understands mountain real estate at every altitude.
