The first half of 2025 confirmed that townhomes are gaining traction in the Tri-Cities. Their market share is small compared to detached home sales, but they’re growing. They’re growing because affordability pressures continue mounting in the single-family sector.

Overall, townhome mid-year sales rose 9.9% year-over-year from 253 closings in 2024 to 278 this year. That contrasts with the 0.7% decline in the mid-year overall market. Townhome median prices rose from $224,173 to $240,040, a 7.1% increase. The median price trend in the overall market increased 6.96% to $278,085 during the first six months of the year.

That townhome price appreciation signals steady buyer confidence even as interest rates remain high. But not all communities performed the same. Here’s a breakdown of the strongest and weakest performers compared to the first half of last year:

–         Blountville, 17, up 70%.

–         Bristol, TN, 32, up 5%

–         Gray, 10, up 25%

–         Johnson City, 125, up 16.8%

–         Kingsport, 47, up 2.2%

–         Abington, 10, down 38.9%

–         Jonesborough, 11, down 38%

–         Greeneville, 8, no change.

–         Bluff City, 1, no change.

–         Elizabethton, 17, no change.

Outlook:

Continued Strength in Key Markets: Johnson City, Bristol TN, and Blountville are likely to remain high-performing thanks to sustained demand and growing inventory.

• Inventory as a Wildcard: In places like Jonesborough and Abingdon, limited inventory likely played a role in sales declines. Any uptick in new listings could reverse those trends.
• Affordability Still a Driver: If mortgage rates stabilize or decline slightly, expect renewed momentum in the $200K–$300K townhome segment, especially among first-time buyers.
• Year-End Projection: At the current pace, the region is on track to exceed 550 total townhome sales by year’s end—a potential new annual record.

In summary, the townhome market is expected to remain a popular and relatively affordable option, driven by ongoing demand and lower maintenance responsibilities compared to single-family homes. While the broader housing market faces challenges, such as high interest rates and limited inventory, townhomes may continue to perform well in specific regions and segments due to their unique advantages.