865 Real Estate

East Tennessee Real Estate & Neighborhood Source

Knoxville & East Tennessee Real Estate Market Update: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know (June 2025)

By

Knoxville & East Tennessee Real Estate Market Update: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know (June 2025)

Are you thinking of buying or selling a home in Knoxville or the greater East Tennessee region? The local real estate market is always evolving, and the latest data through June 2025 brings some important trends you should know before making your next move.

Knoxville: Still a Seller’s Market, But Things Are Shifting

Knoxville continues to lead the region as one of the hottest real estate markets in East Tennessee. Homes here are selling faster and closer to list price than anywhere else in the region:

  • Median Sale Price: $420,000 (up 3.7% year-over-year)
  • Average Days on Market: 40 days (still historically low)
  • Sold-to-List Price Ratio: 97% (sellers are getting top dollar!)
  • Absorption Rate: 2.8 months (a healthy seller’s market)

What does this mean for sellers?
If you’re considering selling your Knoxville home, now is a great time. Well-priced, move-in ready homes are still seeing strong demand and quick sales. Inventory is rising slightly, but competition from buyers remains high. Pricing your home right and preparing it for showings can help you maximize your sale price.

What about buyers?
Knoxville buyers should be prepared to act quickly when the right property hits the market. With competition still robust, getting pre-approved and working with a local agent will help you move fast and negotiate effectively.

East Tennessee: Growing Inventory, More Choices for Buyers

The broader East Tennessee market is showing signs of cooling compared to its peak frenzy. This shift brings both opportunities and considerations for buyers and sellers:

  • Median Sale Price: $377,900 (up 0.8% year-over-year)
  • Average Days on Market: 60 days (up from 44 one year ago)
  • Absorption Rate: 4.6 months (moving toward a balanced market)
  • Average List Price: $611,146

For buyers:
There are more homes to choose from than last year, and sellers are more open to negotiation. This is the most buyer-friendly market we’ve seen in years, so if you’ve been waiting for less competitive conditions, now may be your opportunity.

For sellers:
It’s still a good time to sell, but patience and the right pricing strategy are essential. With more homes on the market, buyers have options—so making your home stand out is more important than ever. Staging, repairs, and a competitive price can help your home sell faster.

Knoxville vs. East Tennessee: Key Differences

  • Speed of Sale: Knoxville homes sell 20 days faster, on average, than the rest of East Tennessee.
  • Pricing Power: Knoxville sellers see higher median and average sale prices.
  • Market Balance: Knoxville remains a solid seller’s market, while East Tennessee is moving toward a more balanced market with more negotiating room for buyers.

Should You Buy or Sell Now?

If you’re a seller in Knoxville:
You can still take advantage of strong prices and fast sales—but don’t delay. Rising inventory means more competition is on the horizon.

If you’re a buyer in East Tennessee:
You finally have more choices and negotiating power. Take time to find the right home, but be ready to act when you find it.

Expert Local Help Makes the Difference

Whether you’re buying or selling, the right strategy is key in today’s market. Our team lives and works right here in East Tennessee and Knoxville—we know the neighborhoods, the trends, and how to get you the best results.

Thinking about making a move?
Contact us today for a free market analysis, a custom home search, or just to talk about your options in the Knoxville and East Tennessee real estate market.

Knoxville & East Tennessee Real Estate Market: Q3 2025 Predictions

1. Inventory Will Continue to Rise

  • East Tennessee: Expect further increases in active listings. Seasonal patterns and the current momentum suggest more homeowners will list, especially as those who delayed selling during spring jump in.
  • Knoxville: Inventory will grow but at a slower pace than the broader region. New construction and move-up sellers will add to choices, but demand will keep absorption rates relatively low.

What it means:
Buyers will enjoy more options, but sellers will face more competition.

2. Days on Market Will Edge Higher

  • East Tennessee: As inventory builds, average days on market (DOM) could reach 65–70 days by late Q3. Homes will take longer to sell, especially those that are overpriced or need work.
  • Knoxville: DOM will likely edge up but remain below 50 days, still a quick pace historically.

What it means:
Sellers must price competitively and present homes well to attract buyers. Buyers may have slightly more negotiating power.

3. Prices Will Stabilize or See Only Modest Gains

  • East Tennessee: Median sale prices are likely to plateau or increase only slightly. With more inventory and longer selling times, aggressive price growth is unlikely.
  • Knoxville: Sale prices may hold steady with a slight upward bias, driven by continued strong demand and limited supply of turnkey homes in desirable neighborhoods.

What it means:
Don’t expect dramatic price drops, but sellers should not anticipate bidding wars or big price jumps either.

4. Negotiation Will Increase—Especially Outside Knoxville

  • East Tennessee: Expect more price reductions and seller concessions (closing costs, repairs, rate buy-downs). Buyers can shop around and negotiate more assertively.
  • Knoxville: Some negotiation will return, but sellers of move-in-ready homes in top locations will still command strong offers.

5. Mortgage Rates & Affordability Remain Wildcards

  • If mortgage rates tick down, pent-up buyer demand could surge, especially in Knoxville, temporarily tightening the market.
  • If rates stay flat or rise, expect steady but not surging activity.

Bottom Line: Q3 2025 Outlook

  • Knoxville will remain a resilient market with strong demand, quick sales for well-priced homes, and stable prices.
  • East Tennessee as a region will trend more toward balance, with buyers gaining leverage, sellers facing more competition, and prices stabilizing.
  • Both markets will reward strategic buyers and sellers—those who prepare, price, and negotiate effectively.

Tips for Buyers & Sellers

  • Sellers: Price right from the start, invest in curb appeal, and be ready for negotiations.
  • Buyers: Take advantage of growing inventory, but move quickly on standout properties, especially in Knoxville.

Need personalized advice or want to know how your neighborhood will perform?
Contact our expert team for a custom analysis and stay ahead of the market this summer!

Knoxville and East Tennessee Real Estate Market Update Through FEBRUARY 2024

By

The real estate landscape in Knoxville and the broader East Tennessee region has been a roller coaster of highs and lows, with significant shifts in home sales, prices, and rental growth rates. As we delve into the intricacies of these changes, potential buyers, sellers, and local homeowners will find valuable insights to navigate the market in 2024.

A Look Back at 2023: Declines and Growth in Knoxville

The past year witnessed a notable 15.2% decline in total home sales across East Tennessee, marking one of the most significant annual downturns on record. Despite this reduction in sales activity, home prices bucked the trend, growing by 5.3% from the previous year. This dichotomy underscores a resilient market that, despite challenges, continues to grow in value.

The Knoxville metro area, in particular, saw its home prices surge by 11.7% in the fourth quarter of 2023, securing the No. 8 spot in the U.S. for price growth, according to the FHFA House Price Index. This growth is reflective of Knoxville’s enduring appeal and the substantial role newcomers play in the local housing market, further evidenced by the city’s ranking as No. 17 on U-Haul’s list of top growth cities in 2023.

Knoxville Rental Market Adjustments

January brought a slowdown in apartment rent growth, with the Knoxville metro area experiencing a 3.7% increase from the previous year, compared to a mere 0.25% national uptick. This moderation in rent increases might offer some relief to renters, although the market remains competitive.

Forecasting 2024: A Rebound in Sales and Stable Price Growth in Knoxville

Looking ahead, the East Tennessee region is poised for a rebound, with home sales expected to rise by 11.1% in 2024, while home prices are forecasted to grow at a more modest rate of 3.6%. This anticipated upturn in sales, alongside stable price growth, presents a promising landscape for both buyers and sellers.

Knoxville Market Dynamics: Inventory and Affordability

The current subdued nature of the housing market is largely attributed to a lack of resale inventory and ongoing affordability issues. However, there’s a silver lining as inventory levels are expected to improve with the arrival of the spring selling season, alongside fairly stable affordability conditions. These factors are set to inject more certainty into the market, benefiting both buyers and sellers.

Innovative Solutions: Knoxville’s “Missing Middle Housing” Plan

In a bold move to tackle the housing shortage, Knoxville has embraced the “Missing Middle Housing” plan, allowing for denser housing on smaller lots while preserving neighborhood aesthetics. This initiative is crucial for creating more affordable housing options without sacrificing the charm and uniqueness of Knoxville’s neighborhoods.

Knoxville Home Seller Profits: A Record High

Knoxville homeowners have seen their equity soar, with the city ranking among the top U.S. metro areas for return-on-investment in home sales. The typical Knoxville home seller in 2023 enjoyed a staggering profit margin of 98.1%, showcasing the financial benefits of homeownership in the region.

Mortgage Rates and Economic Outlook

The economic landscape, particularly in terms of mortgage rates and inflation, plays a significant role in the real estate market. With mortgage rates experiencing fluctuations and the Federal Reserve’s cautious stance on interest rates, potential buyers and sellers must stay informed to make strategic decisions.

Conclusion

The Knoxville and East Tennessee real estate market is complex, with various factors influencing its trajectory. However, the region’s resilience, innovative housing solutions, and promising forecasts for 2024 offer a beacon of hope for those looking to navigate this market. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply keeping an eye on home values, staying informed will be key to making the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.

Ready to Navigate the Knoxville and East Tennessee Real Estate Market?

Whether you’re contemplating buying a new home, selling your current property, or just have questions about the ever-changing real estate landscape in Knoxville and East Tennessee, Troy Stavros with CornerStone Realty Associates is here to guide you every step of the way.

With an in-depth understanding of the local market trends and a commitment to providing exceptional service, Troy and the team at CornerStone Realty Associates are your go-to experts for all things real estate in the region.

Don’t let the complexities of the market hold you back. Contact Troy Stavros today at 865-999-0925 for personalized assistance, whether you’re looking to buy your dream home, sell for the best possible price, or simply need expert advice on your real estate journey in Knoxville or anywhere in East Tennessee.

Take the first step towards realizing your real estate goals. Call now and let Troy Stavros help you make informed decisions in this vibrant market.