Mid-Year Market Review
As we reach the midpoint of 2026, the Western North Carolina housing market continues to move toward a more balanced and sustainable pace. Across Buncombe, Haywood, and Henderson counties, inventory has increased compared to last year, giving buyers more choices while continuing to support stable pricing overall.
Despite mortgage rates remaining in the mid to high 6% range, buyer activity has remained steady throughout the region. Well-priced homes continue to attract strong interest. For buyers, this shift has created more opportunity to evaluate options, compare properties, and make more informed decisions than in the highly competitive conditions of recent years.
Market conditions do vary by county. Henderson County remains the most competitive of the three, with inventory still leaning toward a seller’s market, while Buncombe and Haywood have shifted toward more balanced conditions. At the same time, luxury sales continue to influence pricing trends across the region, particularly in Buncombe County.
Price trends have also become more localized. Buncombe and Haywood continue to see upward pressure on median pricing, while Henderson County has experienced modest softening as inventory has expanded.
Overall, the market appears healthier and more normalized than the highly competitive conditions of recent years. Buyers are gaining more negotiating power and more time to make decisions, while sellers who price and prepare their homes thoughtfully are still achieving strong results. Thoughtful pricing and strong presentation remain especially important, as today’s buyers are more selective and less likely to overlook
