Triangle Real Estate in Focus

With college graduations and Mother’s Day this weekend, summer cannot be far behind. But so far our weather has been lovely, cool even! And no humidity. Enjoy it while it lasts!

In April, our local real estate market heated up in several towns as Buyers tried to stay ahead of expected rate increases and pricing pressure uncertainty. For Jan-April of this year, Cary sales volume was up 12.5% over the same period in 2025. Durham sales volume was up 15.2% while Raleigh saw a slight decrease and Chapel Hill/Carrboro sales were flat to last year.

Continuing the trend, sales prices were mixed with Cary and Durham down and Raleigh and Chapel Hill/Carrboro up. Here’s where we stand:

Jan-April 2026 average prices vs Jan-April 2025*:

CARY: $661K down 4.8%

DURHAM: $458K down 2.8%

RALEIGH: $539K  no change

CHAPEL HILL/CARRBORO: $646K up 5%

Mortgage rates remain similar to March at 6.5% for a 30 year loan and 5.83% for a 15 year loan. Forecasts continue to be in the 6-7% range for the year.

Our region continues to grow with several new developments being planned all over the Triangle. From North Hills to Cary to Durham and Apex both traditional and high rise neighborhoods are proposed that will meet some of the growing demand while also continuing to raise average prices.

One of the largest comes from Arizona-based homebuilder Taylor Morrison who purchased 95 acres near the Wake–Chatham line at 45 Thompson Road in the highly desirable area between Apex and Jordan Lake–west of N.C. 540 and just north of NC-64. The plan is for a new high-end community called Rockyford and will include 122 single-family homes, with 4-5-bedroom ranch-style floorplans, from 3,000 to 4,500 square feet.

Prices will range from $800K to $1 million. Ranch plans that large are unusual in our area and it will be interesting to see how they sell. Are they a response to the needs of the aging population with substantial real estate assets to leverage?

Get outside and enjoy these waning days of Spring—see a baseball game, visit the newly redesigned Duke Gardens or the ever evolving grounds at NC Museum, and enjoy a meal outside while you can!

Sources: 

Triangle MLS  5/7/26

bankrate.com 5/7/26

* For perspective on the broader vs luxury market, property data includes sales of $2M or less