LUXURY MARKET REPORT & FORECAST Highlands-Cashiers Plateau | Q2 2026
contents Q2 Market Report & Forecast | July 2026 MARKET REPORT While inventory expanded across most price segments during the second quarter, buyer demand remained healthy for exceptional homes, particularly within the luxury and ultra-luxury markets.
COMMUNITY UPDATES Highlands Cashiers Lake Toxaway
FORECAST Expanded inventory is creating greater opportunities for buyers while allowing the market to transition toward a healthier long-term balance.
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3rd Quarter Luxury Market Report
Current Trends The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau continues to distinguish itself as one of the Southeast's most coveted luxury mountain markets, where lifestyle remains just as important as real estate. While inventory expanded across most price segments during the second quarter, buyer demand remained healthy for exceptional homes, particularly within the luxury and ultraluxury markets. Supported by a strong cash buyer presence, enduring second-home demand, and the Plateau's unmatched blend of natural beauty, privacy, and recreation, as the market enters the second half of 2026 with continued confidence and long-term stability.
HIGHLANDS Highlands once again led the Plateau's luxury market during the second quarter, reinforcing its reputation as one of the Southeast's premier destinations for luxury mountain living. Although mid-market sales eased slightly from a year ago, activity above $1 million accelerated, with the $1 million to $1.99 million segment increasing from 12 to 16 closed sales. The most remarkable performance came in the ultra-luxury market, where closed sales climbed from four to fifteen despite substantially higher inventory, demonstrating continued demand for legacy estates, architecturally significant homes, and premier in-town and mountainside properties.
LAST 90 DAYS
HIGHLANDS
Q2 Homes Sold
CASHIERS Cashiers experienced a quarter of transition as inventory expanded and buyers enjoyed the greatest selection seen in several years. While closed sales slowed in the mid-market and luxury segments, pending sales remained exceptionally strong, particularly above $1 million, indicating that many buyers remained engaged and that additional closings are likely in the months ahead. The ultra-luxury market remained remarkably resilient, with ten homes closing above $2 million, reflecting the enduring appeal of Cashiers' private communities, outdoor lifestyle, and exceptional mountain retreats.
LAST 90 DAYS
CASHIERS
Q2 Homes Sold
LAKE TOXAWAY Lake Toxaway continues to offer one of the most distinctive luxury lifestyles in the Carolinas, where waterfront estates and expansive mountain homes create a market unlike any other in the region. Midmarket and luxury sales remained consistent with last year, while the ultra-luxury segment experienced a modest decline in closings despite a healthy inventory of available properties. Pending activity suggests buyer interest remains steady, particularly for exceptional lakefront homes and legacy properties that rarely become available.
LAST 90 DAYS
LAKE TOXAWAY
Q2 Homes Sold
HIGHLANDS REGION MARKET FORECAST Growing Inventory Creates New Opportunities Across the Plateau Looking ahead, the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau remains exceptionally well positioned within the luxury real estate landscape. Expanded inventory is creating greater opportunities for buyers while allowing the market to transition toward a healthier long-term balance without sacrificing demand. We expect luxury and ultra-luxury properties to continue driving market activity through the remainder of the year, with buyers placing a premium on privacy, craftsmanship, natural surroundings, and the timeless lifestyle that has made the Plateau one of the country's most desirable mountain destinations.
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