It has been a good year for residential real estate sales on Lake Chatuge. As we enter the final quarter of 2026, both the number of lakefront homes sold and the average selling price are well ahead of last year.
Based on reported sales to the local board of realtors, at the time of this writing, 19 lakefront residences have sold on Lake Chatuge this year. At the same point last year, there were 12 sales. As we discussed in a previous article, the Tennessee Valley Authority’s proposed changes undoubtedly affected the Lake Chatuge market in 2025. Potential buyers were understandably concerned when they saw “No Lake for Eight Years” signs throughout the area. Thankfully, the issue appears to have been resolved satisfactorily, allowing buyer confidence to return. Although this year’s improvement is encouraging, the market has not yet returned to the sales volume experienced five years ago. At this point in 2021, there had been 33 lakefront residential sales on Lake Chatuge.
Perhaps even better news than the increase in sales is the substantial rise in the average selling price. Thus far in 2026, the average selling price of a lakefront residence on Lake Chatuge is $1,403,179. At the same point last year, the average was $945,966. Five years ago, the average selling price was approximately $936,000. It is important to remember that averages can be influenced by the number and price range of properties sold. Nevertheless, the increase demonstrates continued demand for quality lakefront property.
Georgia Side Versus North Carolina Side
A question I am often asked is which side of Lake Chatuge is better. There have been 12 lakefront residential sales on the Georgia side of Lake Chatuge so far this year. At the same point last year, there had been eight sales, while five years ago there had been 24. The average selling price on the Georgia side this year is $1,727,483, compared with $791,000 last year. Five years ago, the average selling price was $1,063,883. The North Carolina side of the lake has recorded seven residential sales so far this year. At the same point last year, there had been four sales, while five years ago there had been nine. The average selling price on the North Carolina side this year is $1,026,129, compared with $1,000,297 last year and $877,444 five years ago. These figures show improved activity on both sides of Lake Chatuge, with the Georgia side experiencing the largest increase in average selling price.
Lakefront Lot Sales Remain Flat
Unlike the healthy residential market, the Lake Chatuge vacant-lot market has remained relatively quiet. Only one lakefront lot has sold so far this year. However, there had also been only one lakefront lot sale at this point last year—and just three during all of 2025. By comparison, 14 Lake Chatuge vacant lots had sold at this point in 2021. The one lot sold this year was located on the Georgia side of the lake. It was listed for $310,000 and sold for $250,000 after spending 685 days on the market. One factor affecting the vacant-lot market may be the limited inventory. There are currently only seven lakefront lots listed for sale. Unlike the residential market, buyers simply have not had a large selection of vacant lakefront property from which to choose.
What These Numbers Mean
For current Lake Chatuge property owners, these numbers should provide reassurance that purchasing lakefront property has proven to be a strong long-term investment. For prospective buyers, the continued demand and rising values demonstrate that Lake Chatuge real estate remains a desirable investment. Of course, purchasing property here is about more than dollars and cents. It is also an investment in a lifestyle—one that offers beautiful mountain scenery, boating, fishing and the opportunity to create lasting memories with family and friends. Whether you already own property on Lake Chatuge or hope to make the lake your home in the future, Lake Chatuge continues to be one of the most desirable places to live and invest in the Northeast Georgia and Western North Carolina mountains.
Rick Andrews is Owner/Broker of Century 21 Black Bear Realty in Young Harris and is the Lake Chatuge Living Expert Contributor for the Real Estate industry. He may be contacted by phone at (828) 557-9139 or by e-mail at callrickandrews@gmail.com.
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