Triangle Market Update: 2025 Snapshot & What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

Triangle Market Update: 2025 Snapshot & What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

As another season rolls in, the Triangle real estate market continues to evolve — and having data on your side can make all the difference. Using recent findings from the TARR Report alongside broader local market trends, here’s a closer look at where we stand, and what that means for you.

📊 What the Data is Saying

• The TARR Report remains one of the most trusted sources for tracking real estate activity across Wake, Durham, Orange (and extending into Chatham & Johnston) — delivering timely, county-specific data on sales, pricing, inventory, and much more. tarreport.com

• According to a recent 2025 summary of Triangle-wide activity, the “active inventory” of homes has increased — offering more options for buyers compared with the tight markets of previous years. 

• Recent median sale-price data vary by county and city, reflecting the region’s diversity. For example, some parts of the Triangle remain relatively stable in price, while others — particularly high-demand urban or walkable areas — see modest increases. 

• Sales activity is catching up compared to recent years: there have been upticks in units sold year-over-year in several sub-markets, indicating renewed buyer interest and movement.

🔎 What That Means Right Now For Buyers:

• More inventory = more choices. With increased listings across many Triangle counties, buyers have more breathing room to find properties that match their priorities — whether that’s location, lot size, home type (new construction or resale), or budget.

• Negotiation power is improving. As activity settles into a more balanced rhythm, sellers may be more open to reasonable offers, inspections, and contingencies — especially in areas where price growth has softened.

• Great time for new construction or custom builds. Given the broader mix of supply (existing homes + new builds), buyers considering building or purchasing new may find competitive opportunities relative to past “bidding-war” markets.

For Sellers:

• Presentation and pricing matter more than ever. With more choices available to buyers, homes that are well-presented, properly staged, professionally marketed — especially by experienced teams — tend to stand out.

• Speed still counts, especially in desirable neighborhoods. Even as the market cools a bit, high-demand areas (good schools, amenities, walkability) remain competitive, so smart pricing and readiness to close quickly keeps sellers competitive.

• Opportunity for sellers of newer or custom-built homes. With demand for new construction holding steady, sellers of newer builds (custom, semi-custom, recently built spec homes) may still command favorable terms — especially if quality, inspections, and finishes are solid.

For Investors & Relocators:

• The Triangle remains resilient, with steady demand across diverse sub-markets — urban, suburban, and new-construction. That makes it a strong candidate for long-term holdings, rentals, and investment properties.

• As inventory rises and prices moderate in some pockets, there may be pockets of “value buys” — especially for investors looking to buy, hold or flip within 3–7 years.

• With new construction continuing to be a substantial part of the supply, those seeking custom or semi-custom homes (or investing in developments) should pay attention to timing — builders often offer incentives when inventory rises.

🧭 What We’re Watching Next

As agents active in the Triangle market, we’re watching for a few key signals in the next 3–6 months:

• Will inventory continue to rise (or hold steady), and how will that affect listing-to-sale price ratios?

• Will interest rates and financing conditions shift buyer sentiment back toward urgency — or keep demand moderate?

• Will demand increase in outlying or suburban counties as people seek more space, driving growth beyond central Wake/Durham/Orange areas?

• How will new-construction vs. resale mix influence pricing, competition, and buyer preferences?

🏡 What This Means for You (Whether Buying, Selling, Building, or Investing)

Now is a great time to lean on experience — and local data — when making big real estate decisions.

• Buyers have more options and potential leverage, especially if they rely on solid guidance around inspections, pricing, and builder evaluations.

• Sellers benefit from polished marketing, realistic pricing, and sharp presentation — especially for newer or custom-built homes.

• Investors and relocators should watch for neighborhoods where supply is growing but demand remains stable — balancing value with long-term growth potential.