Q3 has ended, which brings new insights to the Smoky Mountain real estate market. Here’s a closer look at the data from September 2026, in addition to an overview of this year’s third quarter, and what it means for today’s market:
September 2026 Sales Stats
September 2026 ended with 73 properties sold and 59 pending sales across the Smoky Mountain real estate market. Active listings increased from last month to 1,253.
Some additional metrics and key data points:
- Sold-to-list ratio: 97.39%
- Average sold price: $718,148
- Average list price: $737,408
- Average price/sqft: $324.81
- Average list price/sqft: $333.52
- Absorption rate: 9.54 months
Supply & Demand Trends
The number of properties sold and the average sold price both decreased; combined with a slight drop in absorption rate reveals the shift away from seller leverage and more towards a buyer’s market.
Average Sold Price by Bed Count & City
Average sold prices continue to fluctuate; most notably, the drop in 1-bedroom cabin prices in Pigeon Forge, down from $404,188 in August.
Sevierville:
- 1 Bed: $465,000
- 2 Bed: $592,689
- 3 Bed: $594,046
- 4 Bed: $778,072
- 5 Bed: $1,550,000
- 6+ Bed: $1,982,110
Pigeon Forge:
- 1 Bed: $270,000
- 2 Bed: $504,000
- 3 Bed: $576,667
- 4 Bed: $992,800
- 5 Bed: N/A
- 6+ Bed: $1,367,000
Gatlinburg:
- 1 Bed: $470,000
- 2 Bed: $490,433
- 3 Bed: $834,950
- 4 Bed: $775,000
- 5 Bed: N/A
- 6+ Bed: N/A
STR Market Performance
Occupancy remained below 60% for the second month in a row, an indicator of the slower tourist season before peak fall travel.
- Average occupancy rate: 56.08%
- Average daily rate: $336.67
- Booking lead time: 28.5 days
- Average monthly revenue: $5,652.87
- Average purchase price: $718,148
- Average sold price/sqft: $324.81
- Average days on market: 94.09
- Absorption rate: 9.54 months
Cabin Performance by Size
While some bedroom sizes saw increases in monthly revenue from last month, all cabin sizes are still averaging lower returns.
- 1 Bed: $2,995.20
- 2 Bed: $3,167.18
- 3 Bed: $3,604.73
- 4 Bed: $4,803.30
- 5 Bed: $6,091.80
- 6+ Bed: $12,497.40
Quick Q3 Overview
Here is a breakdown of key Q3 insights:
- 72% of cabins sold were 1-3 bedrooms
- 63% of cabins sold were in Sevierville
- The sold-to-list averaged 97%
Closed Sales Report: Half of all sales were below $600,000. Median prices declined from Q2 in five of the six bedroom categories, even as average prices rose in several groups.
Pending Sales Report: Marketing time varies widely: the $800,000–$900,000 range averaged about 156 days, compared with roughly 53–59 days between $900,000 and $2 million, showing that higher-priced properties do not necessarily take longer to attract a buyer.
Active Listings Report: About 44% of listings are priced below $600,000. Supply is highest between $700,000 and $2 million, at just over eight months, compared with roughly six to seven months below $700,000.
STR Report: Target GRM assumes a 10% monthly cash flow after expenses and mortgage payments. Based on Q3 revenue and our financing assumptions, 5 and 6+ bedroom properties meet the goal at average market prices; smaller properties would need lower prices or stronger revenue.
Invest in Smoky Mountain Real Estate
Browse available properties and cabins for sale in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville to begin the search for your next STR investment.
