Issuu

& FORECAST

Highlands-Cashiers Plateau | Q4 2025

Q4 Market Report & Forecast | January 2026

MARKET REPORT

The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau closed 2025 on strong footing, with steady demand and rising sales activity across the luxury and ultra-luxury segments

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Highlands Cashiers

Lake Toxaway

FORECAST

As 2026 begins, the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau luxury market remains well balanced, with increased ultra-luxury inventory creating expanded choice for buyers and continued opportunity for sellers Healthy pending sales and steady showings signal sustained demand, particularly for well-presented homes that combine privacy, style, and convenient access to amenities, positioning the Plateau for a strong start to the year

PODCAST

For market forecasts, interviews, and house marketing ideas, join the team at Christie's Highlands-Cashiers for the latest in Carolina's luxury real estate content

Current Trends

The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau wrapped up 2025 with a strong fourth quarter, as sustained demand, healthy pending activity, and stable pricing trends supported gains in both the luxury ($1M–$1.99M) and ultra-luxury ($2M+) segments. Sales volume increased across several key submarkets, with Cashiers experiencing the most significant year-over-year growth.

Inventory in the ultra-luxury tier remains elevated, offering buyers a wider range of choices than in years past, while the mid-market ($600K–$999K) continued to perform with consistent, if modest, absorption.

Compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, nearly every category showed upward momentum, especially in properties offering club access, lakefrontage, or proximity to town centers. Looking ahead to 2026, the Plateau is positioned for a balanced, buyer-aware luxury cycle fueled by lifestyle-driven migration and a continued emphasis on privacy, quality, and natural beauty.

HIGHLANDS

Highlands posted a strong finish to the year, led by continued interest in both the luxury and ultra-luxury price brackets. There were 23 sales in the $1M–$1.99M range, slightly up from 21 in the fourth quarter of 2024, while the $2M+ market saw a notable rise with 24 closings compared to 16 last year Buyers remained focused on homes that offered privacy, views, and proximity to the town center Inventory in the $2M+ segment ended the year at 50 active listings, with 17 homes under contract an encouraging sign that interest remains strong even with more supply on the market The $600K–$999K segment also showed growth, rising to 16 closings this quarter from 12 a year prior, supported by demand for turnkey cottages and vacation homes close to amenities.

HIGHLANDS

CASHIERS

Cashiers delivered one of its most active quarters to date in the, recording 48 closings in the $1M–$1 99M range, more than doubling the 22 closings seen in the fourth quarter of 2024. This sharp rise reflects ongoing interest from Southeast-based buyers, especially those relocating from Atlanta and Florida markets or expanding their foothold in one of the region’s most sought-after club communities

The $2M+ market also showed strength, climbing from six closings in the fourth quarter of 2024 to nine this year With 25 active listings above $2M and 12 currently under contract, the Cashiers high-end market is entering 2026 with solid momentum

The mid-market performed steadily, with eight closings compared to seven last year, signaling continued baseline interest in this subset.

CASHIERS

Homes Sold

LAKE TOXAWAY

Lake Toxaway posted mixed results to close the year. The $1M–$1.99M segment saw meaningful growth, with seven closings compared to just two in the fourth quarter of 2024. The mid-market also edged upward slightly, with three closings this quarter versus two last year. However, the $2M+ segment experienced a notable slowdown, dropping from seven closings in the fourth quarter of 2024 to just two this year

With 17 homes now active in the $2M+ tier and only one pending, absorption at the very top of the market has slowed That said, interest remains for properties that deliver on privacy, lake access, and architectural quality, especially those that are thoughtfully updated or positioned within well-established neighborhoods.

alternative to busier markets.

LAKE TOXAWAY

Q4 Homes Sold

HIGHLANDS REGION

MARKET FORECAST

Poised for Performance: Activity Remains

Steady Heading Into the First Quarter

As the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau heads into 2026, the luxury market remains balanced, with ample opportunity for both buyers and sellers. Inventory in the $2M+ segment is higher than in recent years, offering buyers a broader selection across all three core communities. Sellers who focus on presentation, pricing alignment, and seasonal timing will continue to find success, particularly in the luxury and ultra-luxury ranges, which continue to drive the majority of high-end activity.

Pending sales across all segments were healthy at year-end, and showing activity remains steady heading into the first quarter. With renewed confidence from lifestyle buyers and no shortage of natural appeal, the Plateau enters 2026 positioned to perform, especially for well-marketed homes that deliver a blend of seclusion, style, and access to amenities.