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Knoxville Housing Market Update November 2025 | Prices Dropping & Inventory Up

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Are you wondering what’s happening in the Knoxville real estate market and across East Tennessee this November? As 2025 draws to a close, both buyers and sellers are facing a market that looks very different from the frenzied years of the recent past. Let’s dive into the latest housing market data for Knoxville and all of East Tennessee, so you can make informed decisions about your next move.

Knoxville and East Tennessee: Market Overview

The East Tennessee housing market and Knoxville’s real estate market are both cooling, but at different rates. Inventory is rising, homes are staying on the market longer, and buyers now have more negotiating power than at any time in recent years. If you’ve been waiting for the market to shift, now’s the time to pay close attention.

Key Similarities:

  • Inventory is up in both Knoxville and the surrounding region.
  • Homes are taking longer to sell.
  • Buyers have more room to negotiate.

Key Differences:

  • Knoxville’s market is cooling faster than the broader East Tennessee region.

Inventory & New Listings

Knoxville:

  • Inventory up 25% year-over-year
  • New listings down 8%
  • Homes are sitting longer before selling

East Tennessee (Regional):

  • Inventory up 15% year-over-year
  • New listings down 2%

This means more choices for buyers in Knoxville, but also indicates that homes aren’t moving as quickly as before.

Closed & Pending Sales

  • East Tennessee closed sales: Down just 0.3% (virtually flat)
  • Knoxville closed sales: Down 14%

However, pending sales (homes under contract) are up:

  • 18% regionally
  • 9% in Knoxville

This shows that buyer activity is returning, but buyers are more selective, especially in Knoxville.

Home Prices: Median & Average

Knoxville:

  • Median sales price: Down 6% to $385,000
  • Average sales price: Down nearly 3%

East Tennessee:

  • Median sales price: Down 3% to $365,000
  • Average sales price: Up 4% (luxury/high-end sales remain strong)

Takeaway: Knoxville is seeing a broader correction across all price points, while high-end properties in the region are still performing well.

Days on Market (DOM)

Knoxville:

  • Average DOM: Up 50% to 57 days
  • Median DOM: Up 83%

East Tennessee:

  • Average DOM: Up 27% to 71 days
  • Median DOM: Up 37%

Despite the increases, Knoxville homes still sell faster than regional homes in absolute terms—but the rate of change is much steeper in Knoxville.

County-Level Highlights

  • Roane County: Inventory up 28.4%, pending sales up 73.7%, median price down 8% ($287,000)
  • Knox County: Inventory up 21.9%, pending sales up 9%, median price down 2.99% ($390,000)
  • Anderson County: Inventory up 31.7%, pending sales up 50.9%, median price flat ($350,603)
  • Loudon County: Inventory up 11.8%, pending sales up 31.9%, median price up 8.78% ($570,000)
  • Sevier County: Inventory up 7.29%, pending sales down 4.93%, median price down 7.04% ($500,000)
  • Blount County: Inventory up 4.8%, pending sales up 3.4%, median price flat ($376,250)

Note: Some counties see big month-to-month swings due to smaller sample sizes and varying property types.

Weekly Trends: A Deeper Look

  • Median Sales Price: For the first time in five years, the weekly median in Knoxville is lower than the previous year.
  • Active Listings: Highest in six years, even above pre-pandemic levels.
  • Weeks of Supply: Highest since 2019 (16 weeks vs. 13 last year).
  • Homes Sold: Near the lowest point in six years.
  • New Listings: Highest for this week in six years.
  • Days on Market: Highest in six years (72 days).
  • Pending Sales: Second lowest in six years.
  • Sale-to-List Price Ratio: Lowest in six years, indicating more negotiation and price reductions.
  • Price Drops: Most in any of the past six years for this week.

Mortgage Rates and Market Opportunity

  • Fed interest rate: Dropped 0.25% in November, but mortgage rates remain at 6.32% for a 30-year loan.
  • If rates fall below 6%, expect more buyers to return to the market and possibly more sellers to list.

What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers?

For Buyers:

  • More choices, more time, and more negotiating power.
  • This is the best opportunity in years to buy in Knoxville or East Tennessee.

For Sellers:

  • Price aggressively from day one.
  • Overpriced homes will sit—there’s no longer a “hot market” safety net.
  • Be prepared for more competition and negotiation.

Bottom Line

The Knoxville real estate market is normalizing after years of record growth and rapid sales. While there’s no “crash,” the market correction is real—especially in Knoxville, where inventory gains, price drops, and slower sales are more pronounced. The broader East Tennessee market is cooling but remains stable, with continued strength in luxury segments.

Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding your specific market is key.

If you have questions about your neighborhood, want to know your home’s value, or are thinking about buying in Knoxville or East Tennessee, reach out today. The right guidance can help you seize opportunities in this evolving market.

Ready to make your next move in East Tennessee? Contact Troy Stavros with Cornerstone Realty Associates for personalized advice and up-to-date market data.

Despite higher interest rates data shows buyer activity is UP!

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Are you a homeowner considering selling your house? Wondering if it’s the right time? Well, here’s some good news: despite higher mortgage rates, buyer traffic is on the rise.

Recent data from the ShowingTime Showing Index, which measures buyers actively touring homes, reveals a significant increase in buyer demand over the past few months. Even during the colder months, the limited number of homes for sale kept shoppers on the lookout.

To put things into perspective, let’s compare this February’s foot traffic with the traffic from the past six years. This February showcased one of the strongest buyer activities we’ve seen in recent memory, excluding the highly unusual years of 2021 and 2022. When compared to the more normal, pre-pandemic years, the data clearly indicates a rise in buyer activity.

What’s even more impressive is that this increase in buyer traffic occurred despite the rise in mortgage rates this February. The Freddie Mac 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbed from 6.09% to 6.50%. However, it didn’t deter more buyers from searching for their dream homes.

According to Jeff Tucker, Senior Economist at Zillow, this upward trend in buyer activity may continue. Typically, March and April experience a seasonal uptick in home shoppers.

If you’re looking to sell your house, this year’s active buyer market should be encouraging news. It’s a clear indication that potential buyers are out there, possibly searching for a home just like yours. By partnering with a real estate professional and listing your house now, you can put your home in front of eager buyers today.

In conclusion, the rising foot traffic in this year’s housing market is a positive sign that buyers are actively looking to purchase homes, even in the face of higher mortgage rates. If you’re ready to sell, let’s connect and make the most of this opportune time.

Have questions? Want to talk about buying or selling a home? Contact Troy Stavros with CornerStone Realty Associates today at 865-999-0925. My team and I are here to serve you!

APRIL 2023 East Tennessee and Knoxville Housing Market UPDATE

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The Current Housing Market in East Tennessee: Rising Prices, Low Inventory, and High Demand

The Knoxville real estate market and the broader East Tennessee region are experiencing a significant surge in housing prices due to a combination of factors, including an incredibly low inventory of homes for sale and a high demand driven by an influx of people migrating from other parts of the country. As a result, both homebuyers and renters are feeling the impact of these market conditions.

One of the primary reasons for the rising prices in East Tennessee is the shortage of available homes. The inventory of houses for sale has reached historically low levels, creating a highly competitive market. With fewer homes on the market, potential buyers are faced with limited options, leading to increased competition and bidding wars for desirable properties. As a result, prices are being driven up as buyers vie for a limited supply of homes.

The region’s popularity as a destination for relocation is a key driver of the high demand in East Tennessee. Many people are choosing to move to this area due to its natural beauty, affordable cost of living, and growing job opportunities. This influx of new residents has intensified competition for housing, further fueling price increases.

Rents in Knoxville, specifically, have been significantly impacted by these market dynamics. According to recent data, apartment rents in Knoxville were up 12.75% in the first quarter of 2023, far surpassing the national average of 4.46% growth. The scarcity of available rental units has given landlords greater leverage, allowing them to raise rental prices to meet the soaring demand.

While the rising prices may pose challenges for renters, homeowners in the region are benefiting from the current market conditions. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors revealed that middle-income homeowners in Knoxville accumulated an average of $109,890 in housing wealth over the past decade as their homes appreciated in value. The sharp increase in home prices has provided homeowners with significant financial gains and enhanced their overall net worth.

The speed at which homes are selling in East Tennessee is remarkable. Statistics show that half of the homes sold were under contract in 16 days or less. Furthermore, 23.8% of homes sold for more than the asking price, with 12% selling for at least $10,000 over asking and 4% selling for at least $25,000 over asking. This data indicates a highly competitive market, with buyers willing to pay a premium to secure a property.

New construction has played a role in meeting the demand for housing, representing 15% of total home sales in the area. However, it is still not sufficient to offset the low inventory levels and escalating prices in the overall market.

Buyer competition remains fierce, although there has been a slight decline in the number of offers received on average. According to the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors’ Market Pulse Survey, the typical listing in the Knoxville area received 2.2 offers in the first quarter of 2023, down from 6.2 offers in 2022. Nevertheless, multiple offer scenarios are still extremely common, with half of all homes receiving at least two offers.

Affordability is becoming a growing concern in East Tennessee, particularly as mortgage rates have increased in recent weeks. Economic uncertainty has placed upward pressure on rates, with the current average rate for a 30-year loan standing at 6.69%. The higher interest rates are discouraging some homeowners from listing their homes for sale, as they are locked into lower rates below 4% or even below 3%. This further constrains the available housing supply and exacerbates the affordability problem in the market.

In conclusion, the housing market in East Tennessee, including Knoxville, is experiencing a surge in prices driven by a combination of low inventory and high demand.

MARCH 2023 East Tennessee & Knoxville Housing Market Update

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Knoxville Real Estate Market Shows Signs of Growing Beyond Its Affordable Reputation

The Knoxville real estate market has always been known for its affordability, but new data shows that the city’s median listing price is now higher than the national average. This suggests that the competitive advantage of Knoxville’s affordability may be slipping away, making it more challenging for homebuyers to find homes within their budget. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the median listing price in the Knoxville area was $426,633, compared to $412,743 nationally. By February 2023, the local median listing price had increased by more than $42,000 compared to the U.S. average, making Knoxville the 47th-highest among the top 150 U.S. housing markets. One of the significant issues contributing to the shortage of inventory is that fewer people are moving. Life event movers, who typically move up or down in the housing market, are staying in their homes longer, creating a “mortgage lock-in” group. With over 60% of outstanding residential mortgages in Tennessee having an interest rate of 4% or below, potential sellers are hesitant to list their homes for sale, given the prospect of trading out their current mortgage for a new one with a much higher interest rate. This has led to fewer homeowners putting their homes on the market, particularly those priced under $500,000, where new listings are down 19% year-over-year.

Additionally, some homeowners who have to move are opting to keep their existing house with their sub-3% mortgage, rent it out, and buy a new home without selling their current one, which further exacerbates the inventory problem.

Investors represent another group that has not contributed much to the inventory. While institutional investors with Wall Street money have slowed their purchasing, none of them are selling, creating no discernible inventory coming from investors at this time.

Distressed homeowners represent the third potential source of inventory, but as of now, essentially none of these people are selling homes either. With the US still having record employment and the big layoffs in the tech sector generally finding work quickly, there are no indications of this group selling homes at this time.

According to experts, homeowners in Knoxville can see that they have a really good deal where they currently live. Therefore, unless something dramatically changes, the current environment is expected to remain.

The Knoxville real estate market’s challenges are not just about inventory, however. Tennessee’s population surpassed seven million residents in 2022, marking the largest year-over-year population increase since 2007, according to the Tennessee State Data Center. This growth is driving up rent prices, with Knoxville experiencing the second-fastest rent growth of any US metro area in 2022, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors®.

As Knoxville continues to grow, it will be essential to address the inventory shortage and affordability issues to ensure that the city remains an attractive place to live for both current residents and newcomers.

Have questions? Comments? Want to talk about the market? Want to talk about buying or selling a home in East Tennessee? Contact Troy Stavros at CornerStone Realty Associates today at 865-999-0925. My team and I look forward to serving you!

Why A Smaller Home in East Tennessee May Be The Best Fit

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When it comes to buying a home in East Tennessee, bigger isn’t always better. In fact, there are many advantages to purchasing a smaller home that can make it a wise financial decision.One of the most significant benefits of buying a smaller home is the cost savings. Smaller homes in Knoxville generally have lower utility costs, lower property taxes, and a smaller mortgage payment. This means you can save money on your monthly housing expenses and have more money to allocate towards other areas of your life, such as saving for retirement or investing in your education.

Smaller homes in East Tennessee are also easier to maintain. With less square footage, you’ll spend less time cleaning and maintaining your home, leaving you with more time to focus on the things you enjoy. This can also save you money on maintenance and repair costs, as there are fewer areas of the home to upkeep.

Another advantage of purchasing a smaller home in Knoxville is the potential for a more sustainable lifestyle. With less space, you’ll be more mindful of your consumption and will likely accumulate less clutter over time. This can lead to a more simplified and intentional way of living, which can be both rewarding and fulfilling.

Finally, a smaller home can offer a sense of coziness and comfort that larger homes may lack. With fewer rooms and less space to spread out, you’ll likely spend more time in the shared spaces of your home, which can foster a sense of community and togetherness among family members.

Overall, buying a smaller home in East Tennessee can be a smart financial decision with a host of additional benefits. If you’re in the market for a new home, consider the advantages of a smaller living space and weigh your options accordingly.

Have questions? Want to get the process started in looking for a smaller home? Need to sell your current home before buying? Contact the Troy Stavros TEAM at CornerStone Realty Associates today at 865-999-0925.

Almost Half of the Homes Sold in Farragut in March were CASH or At or Above List Price!

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Almost 1/2 (45%) of the homes sold so far in March in Farragut have been for cash or at/above their listing price (some both). We saw some sell for over $100K above their list price! I go over these sales in the video along with the breakdown of the sold prices and subdivisions. Lack of inventory and consistent demand is still pushing prices higher both in Farragut and most of East Tennessee. Don’t believe what you are hearing on the national news. For example, the national news reported that data through the end of February showed the first Year over Year reduction in the median sales price of homes nationally. However, in Knoxville, we saw a $30,000 increase in the median sales price compared to the end of February last year. Always remember, real estate is LOCAL and sometimes HYPER-LOCAL.

Have questions? Wondering what your home might be worth in today’s market? Contact the Troy Stavros TEAM with CornerStone Realty Associates today at 865-999-0925. We look forward to serving you!