NC Market Data

North Carolina
housing market 2026

Current median prices, inventory levels, and market trends for every major NC market — updated with each issue of the Carolina Home Briefing.

Data current as of March 2026 · Source: Triangle MLS, Canopy MLS, NC Regional MLS

Statewide snapshot

North Carolina remains one of the most competitive housing markets in the Southeast. Population growth, strong in-migration from higher-cost states, and persistent inventory shortages continue to support appreciation across most of the state heading into spring 2026.

$350K
Statewide median
+5.8%
YoY appreciation
2.1 mo
Statewide inventory
28 days
Avg days on market
Local Markets
Market-by-market breakdown
Mecklenburg County
Charlotte
$426K
Median sale price
▲ +6.5% YoY
18 days
Avg days on market
▼ -4 days YoY
5.0 mo
Inventory supply
98%
List-to-sale ratio
Charlotte crossed the $426K median threshold for the first time in early 2026. Seller's market conditions firmly in place with under 2 months of supply.
Wake County
Raleigh
$392K
Median sale price
▲ +5.9% YoY
22 days
Avg days on market
1.6 mo
Inventory supply
99%
List-to-sale ratio
Tech and biotech employment continue to drive Raleigh demand. Cary and Morrisville submarkets running especially hot heading into spring.
Durham County
Durham
$368K
Median sale price
▲ +7.1% YoY
19 days
Avg days on market
1.3 mo
Inventory supply
99.5%
List-to-sale ratio
Durham's proximity to Duke, UNC, and RTP keeps demand elevated. Strong appreciation in west Durham and near downtown corridors.
Buncombe County
Asheville
$372K
Median sale price
▲ +3.1% YoY
34 days
Avg days on market
2.8 mo
Inventory supply
95%
List-to-sale ratio
Post-Helene recovery continues. Higher-elevation properties performing better. Flood zone properties face insurance complexity.
New Hanover County
Wilmington
$365K
Median sale price
▲ +7.2% YoY
11 days
Median days (Brunswick)
1.9 mo
Inventory supply
98.4%
List-to-sale ratio
One of NC's fastest-appreciating markets. Remote worker and retiree in-migration from Northeast driving demand. Brunswick County extremely tight.
Guilford County
Greensboro
$285K
Median sale price
▲ +4.8% YoY
31 days
Avg days on market
2.4 mo
Inventory supply
96%
List-to-sale ratio
The Triad's most affordable major market. Healthcare sector anchors employment. Relative value compared to Charlotte and Raleigh attracting value-focused buyers.