Local Market Snapshot
Hamilton County Single Family Homes
*For perspective, the National Association of Realtors notes a “balanced market” is 6 months of inventory.
Greater Chattanooga Market Data, Year to Date
All Greater Chatt Counties, Residential Homes
| YEAR (YTD) | NEW LISTINGS | UNDER CONTRACT | SOLD HOMES |
|---|---|---|---|
Source: Greater Chatt MLS
Regional Data and Statistics
Tennessee/Chattanooga Rankings:
- Chattanooga was named the best city to live in Tennessee by US News and World Report in 2024. Nationwide, Chattanooga rose 21 spots to be ranked 27th overall best city to live in the U.S. (US News and World Report, 5.21.24)
- Chattanooga ranked “Best Place to Retire in U.S. South.” (Southern Living Magazine 9.2023)
- Tennessee ranked #4 for inbound moves in 2025, the 3rd consecutive year in the Top 5. The 2025 Top 5 states for inbound moves: Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina. (U-Haul, 1.7.2026)
- In 2025, Tennessee’s population growth slowed to its lowest pace since the pandemic, yet it still ranks among the fastest-growing states in the nation. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2025)
- Chattanooga named the “Friendliest City” in the US. (Conde Nast Traveler, 10.28.2024)
- Chattanooga named the 1st “National Park City” in North America. (Chattanooga Times Free Press, 4.4.25)
- Chattanooga ranked “America’s 3rd Best City for Food” by Conde Nast in Reader’s Choice Awards. (Conde Nast Traveler, 9.10.2024)
- Chattanooga ranked 2nd nationwide for best places to work remotely in study from TechNational, an online site that tracks technology trends. (Chattanooga Times Free Press, 5.2.2024)
- Tennessee ranked 2nd most-searched state for relocation, while Chattanooga ranks 20th most-searched City for relocation. (U.S. News & World Report, 5.2025)
- Signal Mountain ranked 2nd Safest City in Tennessee. (Safewise, 3.2025)
Affordability:
- Tennessee has no state income tax, one of 9 states in the U.S. with this distinction. (Investopedia)
- Tennessee has the 4th lowest tax burden of all U.S. states. (Intuit Turbo Tax, 4.2024)
- Prices for goods, services and housing costs in Tennessee were 9% below the U.S. average in 2021, ranking 10th lowest in the country. (University of TN, 2023)
- “Tennessee has the 2nd fastest-growing economy in the country thanks to its affordable real estate, job market, and recreation scene.” (Travel & Leisure Magazine 9.2023)
- Average Age of First-Time Homebuyers Nationwide:
- 2025: 40 years old
- 2021: 33 years old
- 1992: 28 years old (Natl Assoc of Realtors)
Home Sales/Appreciation:
-
In 2026, 7% more homes have sold YTD compared to 2025 YTD
- The Median growing steadily up 3% from 2024, while still remaining 3% below the national average leaves appreciation room for local Buyers and value of out-of-state Buyers
- From 2019 to 2025, home values have increased 73% in Greater Chattanooga, making it a Top 10 U.S. city for real estate appreciation. (Realtor.com 11.2025)
- City of Chattanooga’s 2024 median home price averages 20% below the national median. Hamilton County’s averages 10% below the national. (National Assoc. of Realtors 2.2025)
- The price of homes sold in Chattanooga has more than doubled in the past 8 years, rising at an average annual rate of some 15%. (Chattanooga Times Free Press 2.2025)
Speed of Sales:
- Today, homes are spending an average of 20 more days on market than in 2024.
- In November 2025, Chattanooga single-family homes sold in an average of 48 days, 25% faster than the national average of 64 days. (GCAR 11.2025, Hamilton County Single Family Homes)
Local Inventory:
- There are 70% more homes for sale in 2026 compared to the 2024 market with homes in 2026 getting 95% of asking price vs. 97% in 2024, making data-based pricing critical.
- Hamilton County’s population is expected to near a half million residents over the next 40 years, creating demand for 46,000 new housing units in the next 20 years. (Chattanoogan.com 3.2.2024)
- The number of residential building permits granted in Hamilton County in 2024 rose by nearly 12.8% from 2023 — the second-highest year in the past two decades. (Chattanooga Times Free Press 2.12.2025)
Interest Rates:
- 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are hovering around 6.55%. Rates averaged 6.5-7.5% in 2025. The ⬇️ lowest annual average rate in U.S. history was 2.65% in January 2021. The ⬆️ highest average annual rate was 16.63% in 1981. (Freddie Mac 2.2026, MPA Magazine, 6.2023; Chattanooga Times Free Press 2.12.2025)
Updated 9.4.26
Our Team. Your Resource.
While today’s real estate climate is dynamic nationwide, the Tri-State region of Greater Chattanooga is known for its historical stability and steady growth. Our Team is here to help you analyze, navigate, and maximize the current market. It’s our privilege to put to work our 3 decades of experience to assist you in reaching your short and long-term goals.
Here to serve you: (423) 413-4507 or info@ToddHenon.com.
Honored to be your real estate resource,
Todd Henon
Broker-Agent: TN, GA, AL
Top 1% Greater Chattanooga Realtors
Chattanooga’s First Accredited Land Consultant
3 Decades Serving Tri-State Real Estate
423.413.4507
Redefining excellence and professionalism in real estate services.
