October 2025 MLS Market Report | High Country Real Estate Update
October brought another active month across the High Country Real Estate Market, which includes Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties. With shifting inventory levels, rising median home prices, and evolving buyer demographics nationwide, this month’s market activity reflects both opportunities and challenges for buyers and sellers navigating the NC mountains.
Below is an easy-to-read recap of how our region performed this month and what national trends may mean for our local housing landscape.
High Country Snapshot | October 2025
Across the four-county region, 237 single-family, condo, and townhouse properties successfully closed in October. These sales generated a combined closing volume of $168.9 million, with a regional median sales price of $553,500.
Demand remains steady for well-priced, well-presented homes, although buyers are becoming increasingly selective and inventory remains tight.
National Market Perspective
The national housing landscape continues to show notable shifts, especially among first-time homebuyers. According to the National Association of Realtors® 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, several historic changes have taken place:
- First-time buyers hit a record low of just 21%.
- The average age of first-time buyers increased to 40, the highest ever recorded.
Why does this matter?
When fewer young buyers enter the market, the long-term effects ripple through inventory, homebuilding, and overall mobility. According to NAR Chief Economist McGahn:
“Our focus must be on policies that address the root cause of the affordability crisis: inadequate housing supply. That means both unlocking existing inventory and enabling new construction.” Source: NAR https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/first-time-home-buyer-share-falls-to-historic-low-of-21-median-age-rises-to-40
High Country Residential Inventory | October 2025
Across Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, and Watauga, the region reported:
- 1,027 active single-family and condo/townhome listings
(↓ 2.8% from September) - 276 new residential listings added in October
(↑ 23.2% month-over-month) - 4.3 months of inventory
(indicating a market leaning toward balance but still competitive for desirable properties)
Buyers are facing more options than earlier this year, but inventory continues to run below what’s needed to meet long-term demand.
Land Sales | October 2025
Land continues to be a strong segment of our market, especially among buyers seeking privacy, investment opportunities, or custom builds.
- 68 land closings totaling $8.1 million
- Median land sales price: $66,000 (↓ 9.6%)
- 1,431 active land listings
- 139 new land listings
- 21 months of land inventory (↓ 13.9% from last year)
While prices dipped slightly this month, inventory remains abundant for buyers exploring acreage or development opportunities.
Commercial Market Highlights | October 2025
The commercial segment remains small but steady:
- 5 active commercial properties on the High Country MLS
- 2 commercial closings, totaling just over $2 million
This sector often sees slower turnover, but buyer interest persists for retail, service, and investment properties in key locations.
County-by-County Breakdown
Alleghany County | October 2025
Residential Sales
- 14 closings (↓ 36.4% from September)
- Median sales price: $426,000 (↑ 29.1%)
- 76 active listings (↓ 7.3%)
- 17 new listings (↑ 41.7%)
Land
- 5 closings, median price $30,000
- 244 active land listings, 16 new listings
- 48.8 months of inventory
Ashe County | October 2025
Residential Sales
- 46 closings (↑ 12.2%)
- Median sales price: $470,000 (↓ 8.7%)
- 176 active listings
- 56 new listings (↑ 7.7%)
Land
- 28 closings, median price $55,000
- 346 active land listings
- 41 new land listings (↓ 12.8%)
Avery County | October 2025
Residential Sales
- 55 closings
- Median sales price: $532,000 (↑ 45.8%)
- 327 active residential listings
- 79 new listings (↑ 43.6%)
Land
- 14 land closings, median price $119,500 (↑ 29.2%)
- 325 active land listings, 35 new listings
Watauga County | October 2025
Residential Sales
- 122 closings (↑ 11.9%)
- Median sales price: $615,000 (↓ 1.1%)
- 448 active residential listings
- 124 new listings (↑ 18.1%)
Land
- 21 closings (↓ 32.3%)
- Median land price: $110,000 (↑ 37.5%)
- 516 active land listings, 47 new listings
What This Means for Buyers & Sellers in the High Country
This October’s market data reveals a High Country real estate landscape that is steady, active, and full of opportunity. Whether you’re looking to make a move or simply watching the trends, here’s what the current numbers mean for you:
For Buyers
- Growing inventory in many areas means more choices and less competition on select properties.
- Certain sectors—especially land—offer compelling opportunities for long-term investment.
- With median prices holding steady, buyers who enter the market now can lock in better value before winter slows inventory and activity.
For Sellers
- Consistent sales volume shows buyers are still highly motivated.
- Well-priced and well-presented homes continue to attract strong offers.
- Listing before the holiday and winter season can help sellers capitalize on active fall demand and increased market visibility.
Overall, the High Country market is demonstrating balance and stability, creating a favorable environment for both buyers and sellers who are ready to take the next step.
Partner With a High Country REALTOR® Who Knows the Market Inside & Out
Whether your goal is to purchase your first mountain retreat, upgrade to a larger home, sell a property you’ve loved for years, or explore investment opportunities, having the right local expert truly matters.
As a dedicated NC High Country Realtor®, I’m here to help you:
- Understand current market conditions
- Time your purchase or sale strategically
- Navigate unique mountain-area considerations
- Maximize your buying power or selling potential
- Make confident, informed decisions every step of the way
- Your goals are my priority—and your success is my mission.
Let’s Talk About Your High Country Real Estate Plans. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Watauga, Ashe, Avery, or Alleghany County, I’d love to support your next move with clarity, care, and local expertise.
📞 Contact Lori Eastridge today to schedule a personalized consultation and stay one step ahead of the High Country market trends.
Your mountain real estate journey begins here and I’m excited to help you make the most of it.
