News Summary

Chatham County’s housing market faced a decline in median home prices and sales in April, dropping to $340,000 from the previous month’s $365,000. Concurrently, Disney’s Asteria community development project gains momentum, reflecting a growing interest in new residential opportunities despite the market slowdown. The Asteria project aims to establish a vibrant living space inspired by the local environment, with plans for around 4,000 homes. Local concerns about environmental impacts accompany the development’s progress, highlighting a mix of challenges and opportunities in the area’s real estate landscape.

Chatham County Experiences Decline in Home Prices in April 2025, While Disney Unveils New Development Project

Chatham County, Georgia, experienced a decline in residential home prices and sales during April 2025, alongside the announcement of a significant new housing development by Disney. This period marks a notable shift in the local real estate market amid ongoing economic adjustments and development initiatives.

Home Prices in Chatham County Decrease in April

Data collected from Realtor.com indicates that the median home sale price in Chatham County decreased to $340,000 in April, down from $365,000 in March, representing a 6.8% month-over-month decline. When compared to April 2024, the median price was slightly lower, dropping 2.9% from $350,000. This trend suggests a cautious or shifting market environment in the region.

Furthermore, the volume of home sales has declined significantly. The number of residential properties sold in April 2025 was 406, indicating a 23.8% decrease from 533 sales recorded in April 2024. Despite the lower sale volume, total dollar value of residential transactions in the county for the month reached approximately $175.2 million.

Statewide Market Trends

Georgia’s overall housing market remained relatively stable in terms of median home prices, with April’s median staying at $340,000, a slight increase from $339,999 in March. However, the state experienced a considerable drop in the number of home sales, which fell 11.9%, totaling 14,203 transactions compared to 16,115 in April 2024. These figures suggest a cooling down in both local and statewide markets.

Understanding Market Data

Realtor.com compiles its data from real estate deeds, which may be subject to a delay of several months. Analysts note that the median sales price is often a more reliable indicator of overall market conditions than the average sale price, as it lessens the influence of outliers like luxury homes or distressed sales.

Disney’s Asteria Development Project

Amid these market changes, Disney announced preliminary plans for the Asteria community development in Chatham County. This project aims to create a new residential neighborhood and marks the second Storyliving by Disney community in the United States, following the Cotino development in California.

Project Details and Progress

Developers spent approximately $23.3 million in March for a 217-acre land parcel, part of a larger plan to acquire more than 1,500 acres in total. The Asteria community will feature around 4,000 homes, including single-family, multi-family units such as townhomes, duplexes, and quadplexes. Construction of homes is expected to begin in 2027, with no specific price points announced yet.

Community and Environmental Considerations

The project has received approval from the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners, which unanimously approved its preliminary plan. The development’s design draws inspiration from North Carolina’s native aster flower, highlighting its connection to natural beauty. Additionally, Disney’s Asteria aims to promote exploration of central North Carolina’s scenic landscapes and foster a vibrant community atmosphere.

However, the development has not been without concerns. Local realtors and environmental advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions regarding environmental impacts, particularly related to wastewater management and effects on local ecosystems. These issues reflect ongoing debates about balancing growth with environmental sustainability.

Summary

In April 2025, Chatham County experienced a decline in both home prices and sales volume, signaling a cooling housing market. Despite the downturn, development activities such as Disney’s Asteria project present new opportunities for growth and community formation. The development aims to blend natural aesthetics with modern housing, though environmental considerations remain a topic of discussion among residents and stakeholders.

As the market adjusts, prospective homebuyers and investors will likely continue to monitor pricing trends and new development initiatives that could influence the region’s long-term housing landscape.

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Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER

BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.

Chatham County Home Prices Decline Amid Disney Development