The Tri-Cities new home market held steady in August, with sales nearly matching last year’s pace. Much of the action centered in the $300,000 to $370,000 range, giving buyers more affordable choices in places like Sullivan and Greene counties, while Washington County continued to lead the way with both sales volume and higher-priced homes. At the same time, climbing HOA fees highlighted the growing influence of planned communities, according to the Northeast Tennessee Association of Realtors® (NETAR).

Regional Overview

There were 62 new home sales in August 2025, compared with 64 in August 2024. Median prices reached $371,000, up from $367,500 last year. Average prices also held firm at just under $395,000.

While August sales were nearly level with last year, they also came in above 2025’s year-to-date pace. The YTD median price was $348,000, notably lower than August’s $371,000, and the average was $375,000, compared with August’s $394,000. Homes sold in August were slightly smaller (averaging 1,831 sq. ft.) than the YTD average of 1,866 sq. ft., but they sold at higher price points.

HOA fees, another cost of ownership, reflected this shift. August’s HOA average was $290, below the YTD level of $303, signaling that mid-range product may be easing into the mix.

County Breakdown

• Washington County: Sales rose to 36 closings in August 2025, up from 32 in August 2024. Median prices softened from $393,040 in 2024 to $387,500 in 2025, while average home size edged higher. HOA prevalence remained strong, with 32 homes reporting dues averaging $279.

• Sullivan County: Logged 12 closings in 2025, down from 14 a year earlier. Median prices dropped from $336,000 in 2024 to $305,000 in 2025, reinforcing its affordability profile.

• Greene County: Recorded 7 sales in 2025, compared with 12 in 2024. Median price nudged higher to $306,000 from $291,000 a year ago, with HOA dues averaging $350.

• Carter County: Fell from 6 closings in 2024 to 2 in 2025, with the 2025 median at $314,500.

• Hawkins and Johnson Counties: Both logged limited activity in 2025 — Hawkins with 2 sales at a median of $334,000, and Johnson with 3 at nearly $370,000.

Forward Indicators

Market activity isn’t slowing. In late September, there were 215 new construction listings, and 92 pending new construction sales were recorded in August. That pipeline suggests the region’s new home sector remains active and will continue feeding into closing counts through the fall.

Market Takeaways

Analysts say August underscores a market in transition. Washington County continues to anchor the region, while Sullivan and Greene counties are absorbing demand from buyers priced out of higher-cost areas. The uptick in August prices compared with YTD trends shows demand can push into higher brackets, even as affordability pressures persist.