NC High Country Real Estate Market Report | September 2025

The High Country Real Estate Market, which includes Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, and Watauga Counties, showed steady movement through September 2025.
A total of 224 closings on single-family, condo, and townhouse properties were recorded, totaling $150.6 million in sales with a median price of $500,000.

As autumn settles across the mountains, both buyers and sellers are keeping an eye on shifting inventory and seasonal opportunities.

National Real Estate Overview

Across the country, the housing market is finding a new rhythm.
According to the REALTORS® Confidence Index, home sales have slowed slightly as buyers wait for the right moment. Yet, inventory levels are up 12% compared to last year, and homes are staying on the market longer—an average of 31 days versus 26 days a year ago.

This fall could bring more listings, softer prices, and less competition, what Realtor.com calls “prime time for the home buyer.”

Could a Real Estate Sales Shift Be Ahead This Fall?

Overall Inventory in the NC High Country

1,030 active single-family and condo/townhouse listings (down 7.1% from August).
220 new listings, down 25.2% month-over-month.
4.6 months’ supply of inventory, signaling a more balanced market between buyers and sellers.

Land Market Trends

• 74 land sales, up 10.4% from August.
• Median land sales price: $73,000 (up 4.3%).
• 1,407 active land listings, with 154 new listings added.
• 19.0 months’ supply, down 15% year-over-year, indicating tightening availability.

Commercial Real Estate Activity

43 active commercial listings across the four counties.
1 commercial sale reported in Watauga County during September 2025.

County-by-County Real Estate Breakdown

Alleghany County Real Estate Market

• 22 residential closings, up 4.8% from August.
• Median sales price: $330,000 (+18.9%).
• 81 active listings, 12 new listings (down 8%).
• 6 land closings, median price $26,000 (down 58.4%).
• 243 active land listings, 8 new in September.

Market Insight – Alleghany County

Alleghany continues to experience consistent residential activity, though land prices cooled slightly heading into fall.

Ashe County Real Estate Market

• 41 residential closings, down 12.8% from August.
• Median sales price: $515,000 (+29.1%).
• 188 active listings, 52 new (down 16.1%).
• 23 land sales, median price $68,000 (+14.3%).
• 336 active land listings, 47 new (down 4.1%).

Market Insight – Ashe County

While fewer homes sold in Ashe County, higher prices reflect strong buyer demand for desirable properties and mountain views.

Avery County Real Estate Market

• 53 residential closings, up 26.2% from August.
• Median sales price: $350,000 (down 39%).
• 317 active residential listings, 54 new.
• 14 land closings, median price $92,500 (down 36.2%).
• 324 active land listings, 31 new (down 38%).

Market Insight – Avery County

Avery County saw a solid boost in closed sales, though at lower price points—opening doors for first-time and mid-range buyers.

Watauga County Real Estate Market

108 residential closings, up 12.5% from August.
Median sales price: $621,600 (+3.7%).
444 active listings, 102 new (down 23.9%).
31 land closings, up 63.2% month-over-month.
Median land price: $80,000 (down 5.9%).
504 active land listings, 68 new (+30.8%).

Market Insight – Watauga County

Watauga remains the most active county in the High Country, leading both in residential and land sales with consistent buyer interest.

What This Means for High Country Buyers and Sellers

The High Country market is showing signs of stability this fall.

Buyers are gaining more negotiation power as inventory grows.
Sellers continue to benefit from steady buyer demand and strong closing numbers.
If you’ve been waiting to buy or sell your mountain home, now is an excellent time to take advantage of increased options and favorable conditions before the winter slowdown.

Connect with Lori Eastridge – NC High Country REALTOR®

Whether you’re buying your dream home in Watauga, Ashe, Avery, or Alleghany County, or selling your mountain retreat, I’m here to help.

Contact Lori Eastridge today to schedule a personalized real estate consultation and stay ahead of the High Country market trends.