Real Estate Market Update
$2,244,393Current Average List Price | 317Number of Active Listings | 23New Listings in December Avg. List Price of $1,160,617 |
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Pending Sales
61 at an average list price of $1,913,307
Closed Sales for December
52 at an average closed price of $1,586,070
Type of Market
Balanced Market with a 6.92 month supply
The Last 12 Months
550 closed sales at an average price of $1,599,052
SOLD
1031 W Rochester Drive, Cashiers, NC 28717
Sold for $1,725,000 | 3BD | 3 Full & 1 Half BA | ±2.34 Acres
Listing Agent: Doug Treadwell, 828-482-2800
Thinking about selling? Find out what your home is worth today.
5-Year Perspective: Volume Slips, Prices Climb
Year-to-Date | Average Sale Price | # Sold | DOM |
2020 | $799,964 | 1,141 | 201 |
2021 | $962,797 | 965 | 130 |
2022 | $1,224,777 | 696 | 124 |
2023 | $1,301,549 | 627 | 126 |
2024 | $1,522,917 | 622 | 146 |
2025 | $1,599,052 | 550 | 114 |
While total sales volume has gradually declined since 2020 (a 52% drop from peak), average sale prices have doubled in the same period.
Mountain Life Properties Market Report: January 2026
MLP Area Market Recap
The Highlands-Cashiers plateau real estate market closed out 2025 with resilience and renewed momentum, defying broader national trends with continued growth in average prices and market efficiency.
Prices Continue to Rise
The current average list price ticked up to $2,244,393 in December 2025, a modest increase from $2,172,850 a year earlier. Sold prices also saw strength, with the average closed sale price for the month at $1.59M, and the 12-month avg. rising to $1.599M, up from $1.52M in 2024. Since 2022, the market has experienced a 30% price increase, signaling strong long-term appreciation.
Inventory Grows, Sales Steady
Active listings surged to 317, up from 283 last year, suggesting sellers are re-entering the market. Despite fewer new listings in December (23 vs. 37), buyer activity remained solid, with 61 pending sales versus 73 last year. Closed sales held steady year-over-year: 52 in December 2025 compared to 40 in December 2024. See what Mountain Life Properties has on the market across Highlands and Cashiers Plateau right now.
Days on Market Drop Significantly
One of the standout metrics: Days on Market dropped to just 114 days, down from 146 in 2024. This is the fastest turnover rate in five years, reflecting a more competitive market and efficient buyer decision-making.
Community | Closed Sales YTD 2025 | Average Closing Price YTD 2025 | Closed Sales YTD 2024 | Average Closing Price YTD 2024 | New/Active Listings | Current Average List Price |
12 | $2,710,000 | 30 | $3,024,100 | 5 | $3,103,000 | |
Big Sheepcliff | 4 | $1,453,500 | 2 | $2,422,500 | 3 | $5,588,000 |
Golf Club Estates | 2 | $1,851,450 | 5 | $1,355,000 | 1 | $3,800,000 |
Town of Highlands/Bear Pen/Bowery | 31 | $1,982,215 | 29 | $1,908,475 | 31 | $3,222,677 |
9 | $1,405,511 | 15 | $1,901,892 | 5 | $2,678,700 | |
Highlands Cove (& The Cottages) | 5 | $3,786,800 | 8 | $2,304,890 | 4 | $4,222,500 |
Lake Glenville Area | 32 | $1,062,638 | 43 | $1,400,724 | 14 | $1,795,279 |
Ravenel (& Ravenel Ridge) | 0 | N/A | 1 | $7,650,000 | 3 | $5,183,333 |
7 | $1,778,172 | 3 | $1,998,333 | 3 | $1,816,667 | |
Wildwood Forest | 0 | N/A | 3 | $968,000 | 0 | N/A |
Wildwood Mountain | 3 | $800,000 | 3 | $1,078,333 | 1 | $625,000 |
Satulah Ridge | 3 | $945,000 | 1 | $500,000 | 0 | N/A |
Sunset Hills | 0 | N/A | 0 | N/A | 2 | $2,124,500 |
Market Insights Continued: January 2026
Market Ratios & Trends
The price ratio of list-to-sale remains strong. Year-over-year appreciation continues at ~5%, with 111% increase over the last 4 months, and a 105% gain vs. last month.
Rendering shown for illustrative purposes only.
PENDING
152 S Fairway Cottage Lane, Highlands, NC 28741
$2,850,000 | 3BD | 3.5BA | ±0.32 Acres
A Craftsman home in Cullasaja Club with main-level living, located on the 10th fairway.
Listing Agent: Doug Treadwell, 828-482-2800
What This Means for Buyers & Sellers
Sellers: It's still a strong market for premium listings, but competitive pricing is key as more inventory becomes available.
Buyers: Act quickly. Properties are moving faster than ever, and prices show no sign of cooling. Those waiting on the sidelines may face higher prices in the year ahead. Catch up on past Highlands and Cashiers market reports.
Give us a call. Let's talk about strategy, value, and what comes next.
Ready to buy? Browse our homes for sale in Highlands and Cashiers.
