January Sevier County Market Snapshot: 2025 vs 2026 (Average and Median)
If you’ve been Googling things like “Pigeon Forge TN home prices 2026”, “Is Sevier County real estate slowing down”, or “best time to buy a house near Smoky Mountains,” you’re not alone. Buyers and sellers across East Tennessee are asking the same questions right now.
Here’s the real, data-backed answer — delivered in a way that makes sense if you’re thinking about moving here, buying a second home, or selling your property in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, or the surrounding Smoky Mountain communities.
The Housing Market Has Shifted — But It Isn’t Collapsing
Over the past decade we saw historically low mortgage rates fuel brisk demand, shorter days on market, and strong price growth across Sevier and Cocke Counties. The story in early 2026 is different:
✔️ Average and median home prices in Sevier County are lower than January 2025
✔️ Days on market are significantly higher
✔️ Buyers are more selective
✔️ Price per square foot remains steady or rising in many cases
Let’s break it down.
1. Home Prices in Sevier County Compared: 2025 vs. 2026
When we compare January 2025 to January 2026:
- Average list prices are down about 5%
- Average sold prices are down about 7%
- Median sold prices are down over 10%
- Homes on the market are staying listed much longer
This means buyers are getting more negotiating room, and sellers need strategic pricing, staging, and marketing to stand out.
👉 If you’re wondering “Are homes appreciating in Pigeon Forge?” the short answer is that prices are softer right now compared to last year — but demand still exists, especially for well-priced and move-in ready properties.
2. Days on Market Jumped — Here’s Why That Matters
One of the biggest changes we’re seeing is “Days on Market” rising significantly. In several segments, homes that used to sell in under 50 days are now taking 70-plus days.
Why?
🔹 Higher mortgage rates — Most buyers are paying in the low 6% range on a 30-year fixed note, which increases monthly payments and reduces how much buyers can comfortably spend
🔹 More buyer choice — With inventory lingering longer, buyers can take their time comparing homes
🔹 Higher lending standards — Even modest rate movement affects purchasing power
For sellers, this means pricing strategy is more important than ever before. There’s no automatic rush of buyers grabbing homes at any price point.
3. Mortgage Rates Still Influence Demand
Mortgage rate trends remain the biggest driver of buyer behavior in 2026. While rates have eased from their peak highs, they’re still higher than the record lows of the previous housing boom.
This affects:
🏡 Local buyers trying to upgrade
🌄 Second-home and vacation property buyers who can be more sensitive to monthly payments
📍 Relocation buyers considering jobs, retirement, or quality of life moves to East Tennessee
Higher rates mean buyers are budgeting more carefully and making decisions based on real affordability — not just lifestyle.
4. Tourism Still Drives Local Demand
One of the biggest questions we get asked is:
“Is tourism still strong in Pigeon Forge and Sevier County?”
The answer remains yes — though it experienced a slight dip. In 2025, Great Smoky Mountains National Park saw about 11.5 million visitors, down from over 12 million the year before. That’s still huge, and it continues to support local demand for short-term rental buyers and second-home owners.
People from across the country still search for:
- Pigeon Forge cabins for sale
- Sevier County vacation homes
- Smoky Mountain investment properties
Those searches show continued interest in this region beyond just local residents.
5. What Buyers and Sellers Should Do Next
What Other Professionals Say About Working With Monarch Realty
“I worked with Penny as the mortgage loan originator on a transaction, and she was incredibly friendly and easy to work with. She did a great job negotiating an excellent deal for our clients. If I ever have other clients looking to purchase in her area, I would send them to Penny in a heartbeat.”
— John, Mortgage Loan Originator
If You’re Thinking About Selling
✔️ Price it right from day one
✔️ Prep for professional photography and staging
✔️ Market beyond MLS to capture relocation and second-home buyers
Don’t rely on “market momentum.” Today’s buyers are choosier and informed.
If You’re Thinking About Buying
✔️ Get pre-approved first
✔️ Understand how rates affect your monthly payment
✔️ Think long term — if you plan to hold 5+ years, today’s purchase could still be a great investment
The Bottom Line for Pigeon Forge and Sevier County in 2026
The market has shifted from rapid seller dominance to a more balanced dynamic. Prices aren’t plummeting, but growth is slower, and buyers have more leverage. Strategic pricing and quality presentation matter more than ever.
That’s why this isn’t a recession story — it’s a transition story where knowledge wins. Take a look at the market average and median sold prices since 2018.
Want the Most Accurate, Up-to-Date Data for Your Neighborhood?
Whether you’re curious about:
📍 Gatlinburg cabin values
📍 Pigeon Forge real estate trends
📍 Investment performance in Sevier or Cocke County
📍 Best time to sell your mountain home
We track the data weekly and can send you the latest report.
👉 Request a custom market snapshot here: pcintennessee@gmail.com