Rutherford County Housing Market Ends 2025 in a Slower, More Balanced Position

By: Chris St. Clair - Owner, St. Clair Home and Land Company, LLC

Rutherford County’s housing market finished 2025 in a noticeably cooler but more stable environment, continuing the gradual normalization that began after the rapid appreciation of the pandemic years. While buyer activity remains well below the peaks of 2021 and 2022, the overall market is steady, supported by firm pricing and a consistent—though more selective—buyer pool.

Sales data throughout the year shows a clear leveling-off of demand. Most months in 2025 closely mirrored 2024, with sales commonly ranging between 40 and 70 closings. March recorded 64 closings, June reported 60, and October rose slightly to 62. December’s sales currently reflect only early-month activity, so the final count will land higher, but the trend remains consistent with the quieter market we’ve seen all year.

Pricing trends reinforce this stabilization. On average, sellers in 2025 received between 92 and 95 percent of their original asking price, indicating that buyers have regained negotiation power but are still willing to pay fair market value for well-priced homes. This stands in contrast to the overheated conditions of 2021 and 2022, when properties routinely sold at or above list price. Today’s buyers are more measured, taking their time and expecting accurate pricing, yet they are still engaging when a home is positioned correctly.

Average sale prices across the county remained solid, though more variable month-to-month due to reduced transaction volume. Many months hovered in the $290,000 to $350,000 range, with summer months and certain late-year closings pushing above $375,000. These fluctuations do not signal market instability; they simply reflect fewer total sales and a higher sensitivity to the types of properties that happen to close in a given month.

Price per square foot—one of the cleanest measures of underlying market strength—continued its steady upward climb throughout 2025. Monthly averages frequently ranged from $170 to $230 per square foot, with late fall and early winter numbers landing on the higher end of that spectrum. This trend suggests that buyers continue to pay premiums for updated homes, modern construction, and turnkey properties.

The most notable shift in 2025 was the continued rise in Days on Market. Homes that once sold within weeks now often take two to three months to secure a contract. Many months posted DOM figures between 60 and 95 days, and cumulative days on market regularly surpassed 100. Longer timelines reflect buyers taking more time to evaluate options and sellers needing to price homes more strategically to capture attention.

Expired listings surged as well, underscoring the impact of mispricing in a more balanced market. Multiple months saw more than 100 listings expire without selling, especially in the fall. This pattern suggests that some sellers are still anchoring their expectations to the peak years, even as today’s buyers demonstrate far less urgency.

Taken together, the 2025 data paints a picture of a market transitioning out of its frenzy and into a more traditional, sustainable rhythm. Prices remain healthy, demand is present though tempered, and both sides—buyers and sellers—have clearer expectations than in recent years. Rutherford County moves into 2026 not with uncertainty, but with balance.

Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2026, the county is expected to see a continuation of these prevailing trends. Prices should remain stable, with minor fluctuations likely in the zero to two percent range. Days on Market will stay elevated, particularly for homes that need updates or debut at overly ambitious price points. Sales volume will follow typical winter patterns, remaining modest through February before beginning its seasonal rise in late March. Expired listings may stay elevated early in the quarter, reflecting late-year mispricing. Price-per-square-foot averages, however, may continue their gradual upward ascent as construction costs remain high and demand for quality homes stays steady.

As Rutherford County moves into 2026, the real estate landscape is defined not by volatility but by steady, measured adjustment. Prices remain resilient, buyer activity continues at a manageable pace, and the market has settled into a healthier balance between supply and demand. Sellers who price realistically and prepare their homes well will continue to find motivated buyers, while those entering the market in the coming year should plan for longer timelines and more negotiation than in the peak years.

Whether you’re thinking about selling, planning improvements, or simply tracking your equity position, understanding these trends is essential. A clear picture of your home’s current market value can help you make informed decisions in a shifting environment.

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