December is often assumed to be a slow month in real estate, but the numbers tell a very different story about how the Smoky Mountain market closed out 2025.
Instead of winding down, December showed a market that was active, steady, and driven by informed buyers making thoughtful decisions.
Strong December Activity
The market recorded 151 residential sales totaling just over $109 million in volume in December 2025.
The average sales price came in at $724,158.
Average days on market settled at 82.
Price per square foot averaged $374.
Compared to December 2024, sales were up 28 percent, total volume increased 27 percent, and days on market improved by 13 percent, while pricing remained essentially flat.
This tells us that activity wasn’t driven by rising prices or urgency. Buyers were active, but disciplined, buying when the numbers made sense, rather than chasing inflated pricing.
Single-Family Homes Led the Close of the Year
Single-family homes continued to carry the market through December.
A total of 136 single-family homes sold, also up 27 percent year over year, with an average sales price of $771,297.
Days on market improved to 81, and nearly $105 million in single-family volume closed before year end.
When sales increase while prices remain steady and homes sell faster, it’s a strong sign of buyer confidence paired with selectivity.
Well-priced, well-maintained homes moved, while properties that stretched above market expectations took longer to find buyers.
What Price Per Square Foot Tells Us
One of the clearest signals in December was price per square foot.
Residential price per square foot averaged $374, while single-family homes averaged $364, both lower than peak months earlier in the year despite strong sales activity.
This shows buyers weren’t chasing size or luxury premiums.
Instead, they focused on usable space, condition, and overall value, reinforcing that practical, turnkey homes were the most competitive as the year closed.
Condos saw 11 sales in December, with an average price of $305,181 and days on market around 90.
While interest was present, buyers took more time, carefully weighing their options.
Land sales held steady at 21 lots sold, but average pricing adjusted downward, and days on market remained higher.
Buyers were still active, but they negotiated more and approached long-term projects cautiously, favoring properties that offered immediate use and clearer value.
What December Tells Us Going Into 2026
December confirmed a recalibrated market.
Buyers were present and sellers who priced realistically were rewarded.
Homes that were ready to go continued to move.
The Smoky Mountain market closed 2025 in a healthy, balanced position, setting the stage for a confident and steady start to 2026.