Issuu

LUXURY MARKET REPORT & FORECAST

Western North Carolina | Q2 2026

contents Q2 Market Report & Forecast | July 2026 MARKET REPORT Western North Carolina's housing market continued to normalize during the second quarter of 2026 as inventory expanded across nearly every market.

COMMUNITY UPDATES Asheville (City, North) Downtown Asheville Condos Buncombe County Arden Biltmore Forest Henderson County Haywood Fairview/Fletcher Foothills

FORECAST As we move further into 2026, Western North Carolina is transitioning into a more balanced and sustainable market.

PODCAST From market forecasts, interviews, and house marketing ideas, join the team at Ivester Jackson Blackstream I Christie's for the latest in Carolina’s luxury real estate content.

Current Trends

Western North Carolina's housing market continued to normalize during the second quarter of 2026 as inventory expanded across nearly every market and price segment, creating more opportunities for buyers and a healthier, more balanced marketplace. Sellers are facing increased competition, making strategic pricing and thoughtful presentation more important than they have been in recent years. Even so, wellpositioned homes continue to generate strong interest, particularly in the region's most desirable communities and luxury neighborhoods. The luxury market remained a bright spot throughout the quarter, with many markets posting year-over-year gains in both luxury and ultraluxury closed sales despite rising inventory. Supported by continued inbound migration, a strong cash buyer presence, and Western North Carolina's exceptional lifestyle, the market enters the second half of 2026 on solid footing with healthy demand expected across all price segments.

CITY OF ASHEVILLE The City of Asheville continued to demonstrate resilience during the second quarter as inventory expanded across every price segment, creating greater selection for buyers while encouraging sellers to be more strategic. The mid-market remained steady, with closed sales increasing from 133 to 146 transactions, while the luxury market experienced one of its strongest quarters in recent years, climbing from 46 to 61 sales. The ultra-luxury segment also gained momentum, with closed sales rising from eight to fourteen, reinforcing Asheville's continued appeal among affluent primary and second-home buyers.

LAST 90 DAYS

CITY OF ASHEVILLE

Q2 Homes Sold

NORTH ASHEVILLE North Asheville remains one of the region's premier luxury neighborhoods, supported by its timeless character, established communities, and proximity to downtown Asheville. Mid-market activity remained remarkably consistent year over year, while the luxury segment posted healthy growth, increasing from 13 to 18 closed sales despite significantly higher inventory. Ultra-luxury activity remained limited, though the expansion of available inventory suggests continued confidence among homeowners entering the market and provides discerning buyers with more opportunities than in recent years.

LAST 90 DAYS

NORTH ASHEVILLE

Q2 Homes Sold

DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE CONDOS Downtown Asheville's condominium market continues to chart its own course, with inventory expanding considerably while overall transaction volume remains modest. The mid-market softened slightly during the quarter, but the luxury segment experienced notable improvement as closed sales increased from one to four transactions. Although no ultra-luxury condominiums closed during the quarter, pending sales at the highest price points indicate continued interest from buyers seeking walkable urban living and premium downtown residences.

LAST 90 DAYS

DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE CONDOS

Q2 Homes Sold

BUNCOMBE COUNTY

Buncombe County delivered another strong quarter, demonstrating healthy demand despite a significant increase in available inventory. Mid-market sales posted modest gains, while the luxury segment emerged as one of the region's strongest performers, with closed sales increasing from 75 to 100 transactions year over year. The ultra-luxury market also strengthened, highlighting continued confidence among buyers seeking exceptional homes throughout the county's most desirable communities.

LAST 90 DAYS

BUNCOMBE COUNTY

Q2 Homes Sold

BILTMORE FOREST Biltmore Forest continues to stand apart as one of Western North Carolina's most prestigious residential markets, where limited inventory helps preserve long-term value. Transaction volume remains relatively small due to the community's size, yet both the mid-market and luxury segments posted year-over-year gains. While ultra-luxury sales declined slightly from last year, demand for premier properties remains steady, supported by the neighborhood's exclusivity, architectural significance, and enduring appeal.

LAST 90 DAYS

BILTMORE FOREST

Q2 Homes Sold

ARDEN & FAIRVIEW/ FLETCHER Arden maintained positive momentum throughout the second quarter, posting year-over-year gains across every major price segment. Mid-market sales continued to improve, while both the luxury and ultra-luxury markets experienced particularly strong growth despite expanding inventory. Arden's convenient location, newer housing stock, and proximity to South Asheville amenities continue to attract both relocating buyers and established residents looking to move within the market. The Fairview and Fletcher markets experienced a more balanced second quarter as inventory expanded across nearly every price point. Mid-market sales increased modestly compared to last year, while the luxury segment softened slightly as buyers benefited from greater selection and longer decision-making windows. Ultra-luxury activity remained stable, and these communities continue to attract buyers seeking larger homesites, mountain views, and convenient access to both Asheville and Hendersonville.

LAST 90 DAYS

ARDEN

Q2 Homes Sold

LAST 90 DAYS

FAIRVIEW/FLETCHER

Q2 Homes Sold

Recently Offered

10 Beaverbrook Court Asheville, NC

256 Haulback Way Sylva, NC

$10,000,000

$2,950,000

27 Anchor Drive Nebo, NC $2,850,000

46 Stone House Road Arden, NC $725,000

HENDERSON COUNTY Henderson County continued its steady upward trajectory during the second quarter, supported by gains in both the mid-market and luxury segments. Closed sales increased from 73 to 84 in the $600,000 to $999,999 price range, while luxury transactions climbed from 25 to 31 despite significantly higher inventory. Although ultra-luxury activity remained unchanged from last year, Henderson County continues to distinguish itself as one of the region's strongest year-round residential markets.

LAST 90 DAYS

HENDERSON COUNTY

Q2 Homes Sold

HAYWOD COUNTY Haywood County continued to build on its recent momentum, posting year-over-year increases across every major price category. Mid-market, luxury, and ultra-luxury sales all improved despite expanding inventory, reflecting continued buyer confidence in the area's value and lifestyle offerings. As buyers continue searching beyond Buncombe County, Haywood remains well positioned to benefit from its combination of mountain living, relative affordability, and growing luxury inventory.

LAST 90 DAYS

HAYWOOD COUNTY

Q2 Homes Sold

FOOTHILLS: POLK, RUTHERFORD, CLEVELAND COUNTY The Foothills region delivered one of the strongest performances of any market in this report. Mid-market sales doubled compared to the second quarter of 2025, while both the luxury and ultra-luxury segments also recorded meaningful year-over-year gains. With inventory continuing to expand across every price point, buyers have greater opportunities than in recent years, yet the strength of transaction activity demonstrates growing confidence in the Foothills as an increasingly desirable destination for both primary and second-home buyers. .

LAST 90 DAYS

FOOTHILLS: POLK, RUTHERFORD, CLEVELAND COUNTIES

Q2 Homes Sold

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA MARKET FORECAST Expanding Inventory Creates New Opportunities Across Western North Carolina As Western North Carolina enters the second half of 2026, the market continues to move toward a healthier long-term balance. Buyers now enjoy more inventory and greater negotiating opportunities, while sellers who price competitively and present their homes thoughtfully continue to achieve successful outcomes. We anticipate the luxury market will remain a driving force throughout the remainder of the year, supported by continued migration, lifestyle-driven demand, and the enduring appeal of the region's unique mountain communities.

Significant Sales

249 Fairway Drive | Asheville | $1,175,130

42 Towering Oaks Lane| Asheville | $1,800,000

Our Newest Location is Now Open in Cashiers, NC

Our Offices Asheville Office

Cashiers

18 S Pack Square Asheville, NC 28801 828-367-9001

341 Highway 107 South Cashiers, NC 28717 917-209-0679

Highlands

Charlotte Office

210 North Fifth Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-5022

1515 Mockingbird Lane Suite 900 Charlotte, NC 28209 704-817-9826

Wilmington Office - IJ Coastal

Lake Norman Office

527 Causeway Drive Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 910-300-5140

Bald Head - IJ Coastal 2C Merchants Row Bald Head Island, NC 28461 910.457.6463

21025 Catawba Ave #101 Cornelius, NC 28031 704- 655-0586

Lake Norman North Shore Office 350 Morrison Plantation Parkway, Suite C1 Mooresville, NC 28117 980-435-5169

Ivester Jackson High Country 828.222.0602

LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST AND VISIT OUR VIDEO PAGE Check out our podcast and videos featuring lifestyle pieces, market information, and North Carolina guides!

VIEW OUR LISTINGS IJBProperties.com