As we step into 2026, the Triangle real estate market, spanning Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, feels like it's finding its footing after a year of meaningful shifts. If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in the Triangle area, you're not alone in noticing how 2025 brought more balance to the scene. It wasn't all challenges; it opened doors for smarter decisions. Drawing from reliable sources like Redfin, Doorify MLS (formerly Triangle MLS), and Realtor.com, let's break down what happened last year and what it means for your next move in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill housing market.

Triangle Real Estate Market Overview: What Changed in 2025

Last year, the Triangle metro area showed its strength even as things adjusted. New listings in the Triangle real estate market rose by 2.2% compared to 2024, giving sellers a bit more confidence to list their homes. At the same time, closed sales dipped by 5%, which isn't surprising in a shifting environment. Homes took longer to sell, with average days on market jumping 30.4%—often around 30 days or more, even for well-kept properties. Inventory grew too: available homes surged 25.4%, leading to months of supply increasing by 17.2%, settling at about four months in many spots. That's a sign of a more buyer-friendly Triangle housing market, but one where values stayed solid. For example, Doorify MLS reported total sales volume hitting $19 billion, actually up from the year before, proving the Raleigh real estate market and beyond kept moving forward.

Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill Housing Trends by City

Zooming in on specific areas helps paint a clearer picture for anyone eyeing Raleigh housing trends or Durham home prices. In Raleigh, the median sale price reached $451,000, up 6.1% year-over-year, with properties typically selling in about 32 days. Durham's story was steadier, with median prices at around $371,000 near Research Triangle Park, down just 0.4%, and days on market stretching to 82. Over in Chapel Hill, prices saw a modest 4.5% drop to $492,000, with homes lingering for 55 days on average, though December sales held steady at 44 homes. Suburbs like Cary and Apex continued to draw interest, thanks to steady demand from newcomers, making them hot spots in the Triangle NC real estate trends.

What’s Driving the Shift in the Triangle Housing Market

What sparked these changes in the Triangle housing market? Mortgage rates hovering above 6% for much of 2025 played a role, holding back some activity and building up inventory. But here's the upside: buyers gained more room to negotiate, with sellers often trimming 3.5% off list prices. The area's growth story shines through, too—the Triangle is projected to add 8% more residents over the next five years, driven by jobs in tech, healthcare, and education around Research Triangle Park. Affordability improved a touch, with indices in the 70s according to Doorify MLS, making it easier for first-time buyers in the Raleigh-Durham real estate market.

What Sellers Need to Know in Today’s Triangle Market

If you're selling a home in the Triangle NC area, 2025 taught us that preparation is key. As experts at Carolinas Choice Real Estate often emphasize, buyers focus on real value—not what you invested or hoped to gain. Homes that shine with updates and smart pricing? They still move fast, with many under contract in two weeks or less. It's all about standing out in a market full of choices!

Opportunities for Buyers in the Triangle Real Estate Market

For those buying a home in Raleigh or exploring Durham real estate opportunities, last year was a breath of fresh air. Inventory rose 15-28% across reports, reducing the rush of bidding wars and letting you find the right fit. Pockets of Durham with median prices under $400,000 proved especially appealing for investors and starters. Looking nationally, Zillow predicts just 1.4% home value growth in Raleigh through September 2026, pointing to a stable path ahead in the Triangle real estate forecast.

Triangle Real Estate Market Outlook for 2026

Turning to 2026, things look promising for the Triangle housing outlook! Realtor.com sees a "great housing reset" nationally, with 8.9% more existing home sales and slight rent dips—trends that could boost activity here. In Raleigh-Cary, expect prices to ease 3.7% with a 4.4% sales dip from more supply, while Durham-Chapel Hill might see 2.9% price growth and a 1% sales increase as rates cool. The National Association of Realtors forecasts a 14% surge in U.S. sales, with wages outpacing prices, which bodes well for affordability in the NC real estate market. Spring could heat up, especially with new builds in places like Holly Springs adding to the mix without flooding the Triangle home inventory.

Key Triangle Housing Market Statistics from 2025

Here's a quick snapshot of key 2025 metrics to guide your decisions in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill real estate scene:

Median Sale Price

Raleigh: $451,000 (+6.1% YoY)
Durham: $371,000 (-0.4% YoY)
Chapel Hill: $492,000 (-4.5% YoY)
Overall Triangle: ~$425,000 (stable)

Homes Sold (Dec 2025)

Raleigh: 524 (+17.2% YoY)
Durham: 17 (-10.5% YoY)
Chapel Hill: 44 (-2.2% YoY)
Overall Triangle: Up 4.9% annually

Days on Market

Raleigh: 32
Durham: 82
Chapel Hill: 55
Overall Triangle: Up ~30%

Inventory Change

Raleigh: Up ~25%
Durham: Up ~28%
Chapel Hill: Up ~15-25%
Overall Triangle: Surged 25.4%

Months Supply

Raleigh: ~4 months
Durham: ~4 months
Chapel Hill: ~4 months
Overall Triangle: Up 17.2%

These numbers show a Triangle market that's growing wiser and more accessible. Sure, sell times stretched, but teams like ours' at Carolinas Choice Real Estate closed 136 deals by focusing on what works. With rates around 6%, Axios highlights a shift back to balanced, pre-pandemic vibes, setting up sustainable growth. Investors take note: Raleigh's luxury segment boomed with over 900 million-dollar sales recently, underlining the area's lasting draw.

All in all, 2025 set the stage for an exciting 2026 in the Triangle real estate market, full of chances for buyers and sellers alike. The region's job boom, scenic spots, and vibrant communities keep it a top choice for NC homebuyers and sellers.

Ready to Navigate the Triangle Real Estate Market?

Thinking about your next step in the Raleigh real estate market or beyond? Carolina's Choice Real Estate is here to help with tailored strategies that fit today's Triangle housing trends.

Give us a call at (919) 844-1152 to get started today!