As of late 2025, the Ashe County, NC
real estate market is in a transitional phase. While prices remain high, the pace of sales is slowing, and inventory is increasing, creating more of a buyer’s market compared to previous years. The area has also seen an influx of new construction to meet continued demand.
Prices and sales:
Median Sale Price: The median sale price was $490,000 in October 2025, a significant 32.4% increase year-over-year according to Redfin. However, Zillow reported a one-year decrease of 2.4% for the average home value as of October 31, 2025, suggesting some price variability.
Median List Price: In September 2025, the median listing price was $519,000, up 5.9% year-over-year.
Homes Sold: The number of homes sold in October 2025 increased to 48, up from 40 the previous year.
Market conditions:
Seasonal Shift: The market is experiencing a seasonal shift, with buyer activity cooling down as winter approaches, which is typical for this time of year.
Buyer’s Market: With increased inventory and slower contract activity, the market is becoming more favorable for buyers. They now have more options and are taking more time before making decisions. Realtor.com classified the market as a buyer’s market as of September 2025.
Days on Market: The median number of days a home stays on the market has increased to 93 in October 2025, up from 79 days last year.
New developments and factors:
Continued Demand: Demand for homes remains strong, driven by buyers seeking rural living, particularly following the pandemic’s acceleration of remote work.
New Construction: To address housing demand, developers are planning new subdivisions in areas like West Jefferson, with one project proposing up to 30 new homes.
Affordability Issues: Despite new construction, there are significant housing affordability issues in the area. A November 2025 report highlighted concerns about increasing rents and the lingering effects of Hurricane Helene on housing stability