T
he High-Country Real Estate Market, comprising Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties, experienced a significant boost in May 2025. A total of 138 single-family and condo/townhouse properties were sold, representing a 34% increase from April 2025. Inventory levels also rose by 26.6% compared to the previous month.
The combined sales total for May 2025 reached $87.9 million, surpassing the $86.5 million recorded in May 2024. However, the median sales price for all four counties increased by 17.9% year-over-year to $504,998.
Nationally, the National Association of Realtors' Chief Economist Lawrence Yun is optimistic about a potential upturn in the market. Despite low residential sales in 2023 and 2024, Yun forecasts a 6% increase in existing home sales for 2025 and an 11% rise in 2026. New-home sales are expected to grow by 10% in 2025 and 5% in 2026.
Inventory levels in the High-Country region improved significantly, with 995 active listings in May 2025, representing a 7.2-month supply. Land sales also saw an increase, with 56 closed transactions totaling $7.5 million. Commercial property activity remained relatively low, with only one sale recorded in May.
Breaking down the market by county:
* Alleghany County: Residential sales increased by 62.5% in May 2025, with a median sales price of $380,000.
* Ashe County: Residential sales surged by 105.9%, with a median sales price of $383,000.
* Avery County: Residential sales rose by an impressive 104.9%, with a median sales price of $590,000.
* Watauga County: The market saw significant growth, with residential sales increasing by 25.2% and a median sales price of $608,500.
Disclaimer: Figures are based on High-Country Multiple Listing Service information and may not be entirely accurate due to reporting processes.
