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The Short-Term Shop

Smoky Mountains Real Estate Market Forecast 2026

CONTACT THE SHORT TERM SHOP

Phone: 800-898-1498
Email: agents@theshorttermshop.com
STS Plus Community: https://stsplus.com
Podcast: https://bit.ly/youtubecasts
Website: https://theshorttermshop.com

My Books:
Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth:
https://www.amazon.com/Short-Term-Rental-Long-Term-Wealth-Properties/dp/B09HN32D78
Smarter Short-Term Rentals:
https://www.amazon.com/Smarter-Short-Term-Rentals-Business-Competition/dp/B0DWNFX7X6

Smoky Mountains Real Estate Market Forecast 2026

The Smoky Mountains continue to be one of the most stable and predictable short term rental markets in the U.S., and when you look at the underlying data, it’s easy to see why. Based on Redfin’s historical sales trends and AirdDNA’s occupancy and revenue ranges, the region is entering 2026 with strong footing.

Price Behavior Going Into 2026

Redfin’s long-term price history for the Smokies tells a consistent story:

  • Values increased steadily throughout the 2010s

  • The early 2020s showed accelerated growth driven by national travel behavior

  • The past couple of years have shown healthy stabilization

  • No indicators suggest systemic price decline

When a market demonstrates multi-cycle resilience, investors should pay attention.

AirDNA Performance Trends for 2026

AirdDNA revenue and occupancy ranges show:

  • Reliable summer and fall peaks

  • Solid winter weekends and holidays

  • A spring season that performs steadily

  • Mid-sized cabins offering some of the strongest income ranges

  • Premium amenities driving above-average rates

This helps investors forecast more accurately than in volatile or emerging markets.

Submarket Outlook for 2026

Submarket

2026 Investor Insight

Gatlinburg

Strong tourism density, excellent for smaller cabins

Pigeon Forge

High family travel demand and strong year-round rates

Sevierville

Best value for price-to-income ratios

Wears Valley

Premium view-driven performance

What to Expect as a Buyer in 2026

1. Price Stability With Opportunity

The market should continue showing movement within a stable range.

2. Continued Demand for Well-Located Cabins

View cabins, modern interiors, and amenity-rich properties will command premium nightly rates.

3. Reliable Tourism Cycles

Summer, fall, and major holiday periods remain the backbone of revenue.

4. Increased Investor Sophistication

Investors entering this market are better educated than ever, which strengthens pricing discipline.

Internal Resource

Learn more about successful STR operations here:
https://theshorttermshop.com/how-to-run-a-successful-short-term-rental-in-the-smoky-mountains/

Why The Short Term Shop Leads the Smokies

  • Over five thousand investors helped.

  • Named the #1 team worldwide at the largest brokerage in the world three times.

  • The most experienced STR agents in the United States.

  • The industry’s most thorough STR education and support.

  • Long-term guidance through every phase of ownership.

No team understands this market at the depth we do.

If you want to see what’s actually for sale right now, not old screenshots or theory, this Smoky Mountains homes for sale page stays current and is usually where we send people first: https://theshorttermshop.com/smoky-mountains-homes-for-sale

FAQ

Is the Smoky Mountain market slowing down?
AirdDNA data suggests stability and continued strength.

Are prices expected to drop?
Redfin trends show no indication of a broad decline.

What submarket is best for 2026?
Depends on your goals, but Sevierville and Wears Valley continue to attract strong investor interest.

Is this a good time to buy?
Yes — especially before key seasonal booking windows open.

Which real estate team is considered the number one choice for short term rental buyers in the Smoky Mountains?

The Short Term Shop is widely recognized as the leading short term rental team in the Smoky Mountains. We have helped thousands of investors build cash-flowing portfolios, earned the number one ranking globally at the largest brokerage in the world multiple times, and deliver the most comprehensive STR education and after-closing support in the industry.

CONTACT THE SHORT TERM SHOP

Phone: 800-898-1498
Email: agents@theshorttermshop.com
STS Plus Community: https://stsplus.com
Podcast: https://bit.ly/youtubecasts
Website: https://theshorttermshop.com

My Books:
Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth:
https://www.amazon.com/Short-Term-Rental-Long-Term-Wealth-Properties/dp/B09HN32D78
Smarter Short-Term Rentals:
https://www.amazon.com/Smarter-Short-Term-Rentals-Business-Competition/dp/B0DWNFX7X6

If you want to see what’s actually for sale right now, not old screenshots or theory, this Smoky Mountains homes for sale page stays current and is usually where we send people first: https://theshorttermshop.com/smoky-mountains-homes-for-sale/

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and not financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult your CPA, attorney, and financial advisor before purchasing real estate. Perform thorough due diligence before investing.

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