Knox County’s real estate market recorded a significant surge in activity last week, with combined property sales and new loans exceeding $301 million. The transactions, logged between October 20 and October 24, 2025, highlight robust investment in both the commercial and residential sectors, led by a major apartment complex sale and substantial homebuilder land acquisitions.
In total, 1,294 documents were filed with the county, painting a picture of a dynamic market. Property sales accounted for $138.5 million of the total value, while new real estate loans contributed an additional $163.36 million, signaling strong confidence from lenders and investors alike.
Key Takeaways
- Total real estate activity in Knox County for the week of Oct. 20-24 surpassed $301 million.
- A $39 million sale of the Retreat West Hills apartments was the largest single property transaction.
- Lenders issued $163.36 million in new loans, with First Bank and Trust Company funding the largest at $32.64 million.
- Homebuilder D.R. Horton acquired 52 new lots across two subdivisions for a combined $3.54 million, indicating continued residential expansion.
- Commercial property sales remained strong, including a $9 million transaction for a self-storage facility.
Apartment Complex Sale Leads Commercial Transactions
The commercial real estate sector was particularly active, with 13 property transfers valued at over $1 million each. The standout deal was the $39 million sale of the Retreat West Hills apartment complex, located at the intersection of Lakebrook Boulevard and Middlebrook Pike. The property was purchased by Knoxville 2025 One Partners LLC from the previous owner, 3399 Lakebrook LLC.
This large-scale transaction underscores the high demand for multi-family residential properties in the area, a trend driven by population growth and a competitive housing market.
Top Property Sales of the Week
- $39 Million: Retreat West Hills apartments on Lakebrook Blvd.
- $9 Million: Self-storage facility at 6626 Asheville Highway.
- $1.91 Million: 28 residential lots in The Reserve at Three Ridges.
- $1.63 Million: 24 residential lots in Isabel Estates.
- $1.5 Million: Three commercial parcels at N. Broadway and Gill Ave.
Another significant commercial sale involved a self-storage facility. PS Southeast One LLC acquired the property at 6626 Asheville Highway for $9 million. The seller, Knox Spring Storage TN LLC, had originally purchased the property in 2023.
Broadway Corridor Sees New Investment
Further commercial activity was noted in North Knoxville, where The D’Andrea Group LLC purchased three properties for a total of $1.5 million. The parcels, located at the corner of North Broadway and Gill Avenue, were sold by Interfaith Health Clinic Inc.
The sale included two clinic buildings at 315 Gill Avenue and 904 N. Broadway, as well as a building at 900 N. Broadway currently leased to a pizza restaurant. This acquisition signals new investment and potential redevelopment in a key commercial corridor.
Lending Activity Exceeds $163 Million
Financial institutions demonstrated strong confidence in the local market, funding 335 new loans with a combined value of $163.36 million. Nine of these loans individually exceeded the $1 million mark, indicating significant capital being deployed for large-scale projects and acquisitions.
Understanding Trust Deeds
In Tennessee, real estate loans are typically secured by a Deed of Trust. This legal document involves three parties: the borrower (trustor), the lender (beneficiary), and a neutral third party (trustee). It gives the trustee the power to sell the property if the borrower defaults on the loan, providing a layer of security for the lender.
The largest single loan of the week was for $32.64 million, provided by First Bank and Trust Company. The second-largest financing package came from Walker and Dunlop LLC, which backed a loan for $29.25 million. These substantial figures point to major commercial developments or refinancing efforts underway in the county.
Homebuilders Fuel Residential Growth
The residential market is also poised for significant expansion, with national homebuilder D.R. Horton making two major land purchases. The company is actively growing its footprint in Knox County, signaling a direct response to sustained housing demand.
In the first transaction, D.R. Horton acquired 28 additional lots in The Reserve at Three Ridges neighborhood on Millertown Pike. The lots were purchased from Homestead Land Holdings LLC for $1.91 million. This follows previous phases of development in the popular subdivision.
The second purchase secured 24 lots in the Isabel Estates neighborhood, located on Brackett Road near East Emory Road. D.R. Horton paid $1.63 million to Eagle Bend Development LLC for the property. In total, the company invested $3.54 million to secure 52 new homesites, which will soon contribute to the area's housing inventory.
These acquisitions are a clear indicator that builders expect demand for new single-family homes to remain high in Knox County, driven by the region's economic stability and appeal to new residents.
Market Outlook and Property Owner Resources
The high volume of both sales and lending last week suggests a healthy and balanced real estate market. The significant investments in multi-family housing, commercial properties, and new residential construction reflect broad-based confidence from investors, developers, and financial institutions.
As property values and transactions increase, local officials recommend that homeowners take proactive steps to protect their assets. Knox County offers a free Property Fraud Alert Program to all property owners.
"If documents are registered in the names you enrolled, you’ll be notified by email, allowing quick action if necessary," stated Nick McBride, the Knox County Register of Deeds.
This service provides an early warning system against fraudulent filings, which can become more common in active markets. The continued pace of development and investment suggests that Knox County's real estate sector will remain a key driver of the local economy moving forward.
