Housing Reports
Triangle NC Real Estate Market Report
Updated on 3/26/2026
Raleigh NC Housing Data: March 2026
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Spring Momentum Meets Market Balance
As we shake off the final bits of winter, the February 2026 data from Doorify MLS is officially in. If you have been watching the headlines lately, you know the word of the year is balance. While the frenzy of years past has subsided, the market momentum across our local communities is undeniably picking up as we enter the spring selling season.
At Five County Specialists🔑, we believe that accurate data is the key to making confident moves. Let's look at the numbers that shaped our market last month and what they mean for your next move.
The Big Picture: February's Numbers
February showed a significant seasonal pop compared to January. We saw more homes hitting the market and many more buyers signing on the dotted line.
Key Triangle Stats Compared to Last Month:
- The Median Sales Price reached $399,990, which is up 3.9% from January.
- Closed Sales hit 2,304, a substantial 19.1% jump in activity.
- New Listings rose to 3,993, up 9.6% as sellers prepare for spring.
- Active Inventory grew to 9,415, a 2.8% increase in total choices for buyers.
- Median Days on Market rose to 57 days, up 11.8% from the start of the year.
Today's Triangle Housing Data
Below find automatically updated real estate data from DMLS based on today's market.Â
| Detached Homes | Condos/Townhomes | Land | |
| Active Listings Count | |||
| Under Contract/Pending Listings Count | |||
| Recently Sold* Listings Count | |||
| Average For Sale Price (Active) | |||
| Average Price (Under Contract/Pending) | |||
| Average Recently Sold* Price | |||
| Price Range: Active Listings | - | - | - |
| Price Range: Pending/Contingent Listings | - | - | - |
| Price Range: Recently Sold* Listings | - | - | - |
| Avg Price Per Square Foot: Active | N/A | ||
| Avg Price Per Square Foot: Pending/Under Contract | N/A | ||
| Average Price Per Square Foot: Recently Sold* Listings | N/A | ||
Comparing the Housing Market to Last Year
When we look at where we were exactly one year ago, the shift toward a more sustainable market is even clearer. Inventory has grown by 15.7% compared to last February, and homes are staying active for 50% longer than they were a year ago. Despite those changes, the median sales price has remained remarkably steady, rising just 0.8% year over year.
What The Latest Triangle Real Estate Data Means For You
For Buyers: The Seller-Tilted Balance
With 4.1 months of supply currently on the market, the Raleigh area is closer to a neutral market than we have been in years. However, technically speaking, anything under a 6 month supply still tilts in favor of the seller.
In late February, we saw a much-anticipated dip where mortgage rates briefly touched the high 5% range. This window clearly motivated buyers, which is why we saw that nearly 20% jump in closed sales. As of late March, rates have spiked back into the 6.4% to 6.5% range due to geopolitical tensions. This means that while there is more choice, your purchasing power is being challenged once again.
Pro Tip: Hunt for Stale Gems: With the Median Days on Market now up to 57 days, there is a golden opportunity to look at stale listings. These are homes that have been sitting for 60 days or more. Many of these sellers are highly motivated and have already started reducing prices. This is where you can often negotiate deals, including rate buy-downs or significant closing cost credits to help offset today's interest rates.
For Sellers: Precision Pricing at Listing is Paramount
While inventory is up, the Median Sold Price per Square Foot dipped slightly to $201, which is down 3.4% year over year. Sellers are currently receiving about 98.2% of their list price on average. This tells us that buyers are being very discerning. With rates currently back in the mid-6s, buyers are even more sensitive to value. To stand out, your home needs to be staged beautifully and priced accurately from day one.
Properly priced and marketed homes are still selling within days after being listed for sale. If you want to sell fast for more, it's imperative to use the right home-selling strategy at listing.
- Do: Price strategically and properly prepare your home to be as move-in ready as possible
- Don't: Price your home high to "leave room to negotiate" or ignore minor maintanence or updates.
What Could Your Home Sell For Today?
Whether you're thinking about selling (or you're just curious) you can keep track of the value for free. Simply tell us about your home, and we'll send you a free report.
The Triangle East Advantage
On the eastern side of the Triangle, we continue to see incredible value. While the Triangle-wide median price sits near $400,000, our communities often offer more house and land for the dollar. We are seeing buyers looking here for space without the Western Wake price tag. In Zebulon, for instance, the Median Sales Price in February was $392,000. While Cary's Median Sales Price was $547,500, and Apex was a whopping $635,000.
Go a little further East of Raleigh, and the Median Sales Price comes down even more. Rocky Mount's Median Sale Price was $262,495. Spring Hope was $355,000.
Town By Town: See Today's Market Data By City (Coming Soon)
Why Choose The Five County Specialists Team?
In a shifting market, experience matters. There are many names out there, but there is only one true Five County Specialists team. We live, work, and serve right here in our local communities. We eat, sleep, and breath Triangle East real estate. We've been in the business a long time, and we have extensive experience in a myriad of real estate transactions, from buying land and building your dream home to buying investment properties and everything in between, we've done it, and we would be honored to help you achieve your real estate goals.Â
FAQs: Frequently Asked Triangle Housing Market Questions
- Is the Triangle housing market shifting to a buyer's market in 2026?
As of our March 2026 report, the market is officially in a "Balanced State." While February's data showed a rise to a 4.1-month supply of inventory—giving buyers significantly more leverage than they had in previous years—anything under a 6-month supply still technically favors sellers. However, the "frenzy" has subsided, allowing for more traditional negotiations on repairs and closing costs.
- Are home prices in Raleigh and Wake County finally dropping?
We are seeing price stabilization rather than a crash. While February's median sales price in Wake County remained steady at approximately $450,000, some sub-markets saw slight dips while others (like Zebulon) saw continued appreciation. The primary shift in 2026 is that homes are no longer selling for significantly over asking price, with most sellers receiving about 98.2% of their list price last month.
- Should I wait for mortgage rates to drop before buying in the Triangle?
Waiting for the "perfect" rate can be a risky strategy in the Raleigh area. Data from February 2026 suggests that as soon as rates dip into the high 5% range, buyer demand surges immediately, often leading to multiple-offer situations that drive prices up. Many of our clients are choosing to buy now with "seller-paid rate buy-downs" to secure today's home prices while lowering their monthly payments.
- Where can I find the best real estate value near Raleigh right now?
The "Triangle East" corridor remains the strongest value play in 2026. While core Raleigh and Cary prices hover between $450k and $600k, our February data shows that communities like Zebulon, Wendell, and Clayton offer median prices in the high $300s. These areas provide more square footage and larger lots without the Western Wake price tag.
- What is a "Stale Gem" and how can it help me as a buyer?
In February, the Median Days on Market rose to 57 days. A "Stale Gem" is a home that has been active for 60 days or more. These sellers are often much more motivated to offer concessions, such as paying for your closing costs or professional inspections, compared to a home that just hit the market this week.