January 2026 highlights for Chapel Hill, NC: Get the insider view on pricing, listings, and inventory.

Market watchers know each fresh year brings new dynamics to local real estate, and Chapel Hill, NC in January 2026 is no exception. Are buyers and sellers ready for what this month has brought to the table?

Analyzing new listings in Chapel Hill, NC gives us deep insight into how inventory and property values are evolving this month. With market trends shifting, buyers and sellers alike look for clear signals about timing and opportunity. Many are asking, is it a good time to buy in Chapel Hill, NC?

Key Market Metrics in Chapel Hill, NC

The local real estate market began January 2026 with 85 new listings, up 12 percent year over year. This boost means more homes for prospective buyers and added competition for sellers, a fact that directly shapes negotiation strategies. Median sales price came in at $545,000, a three percent increase annually—why it matters: this growth signals steady appreciation and maintains seller confidence while reminding buyers of ongoing demand. The months of supply, a critical indicator of inventory health, was measured at 1.9, putting the market squarely in seller-favorable territory.

Review supply and demand in Chapel Hill, NC as closed sales reached 75 and the list-to-sale price ratio held at 98.7 percent. Sellers benefit from these strong closing figures, while buyers can use them to inform their offer price strategy. Days on market dropped to 22, compared to 29 last year. Why it matters: quicker sales mean less waiting and a heightened need for quick decision-making.

January 2026 Inventory Update

The current median price per square foot in Chapel Hill, NC reached $270, showing solid value growth. Most properties endured only about 9 showings before going under contract, a clear sign of active demand and limited supply. Buyers in search of affordable homes in Chapel Hill, NC this January 2026 will need to act fast as listings are getting snapped up more quickly than this time last year.

• Median days on market: 22
• New listings: 85
• Closed sales: 75
• Showings per listing: 9
• Seller concessions: $2,650

Price Points and Buyer Trends

Sales activity in January 2026 clustered around the $400,000 to $600,000 range, making this bracket central to both buyers and those considering how to sell your house fast in Chapel Hill, NC. Inventory in ZIP codes 27514 and 27516 outpaces other areas in transaction volume and diversity, so both new and repeat buyers are finding more options there. The current 30-year fixed mortgage rate sits at 6.1 percent, impacting affordability for many households—why it matters: buyers calculate affordability and timing based on both rate and price shifts.

Seller Highlights and Negotiation Outcomes

Sellers are benefiting from a tight market with low months of supply and homes going under contract in a median of 22 days. The typical seller offered $2,650 in closing concessions, a modest figure showing some room for strategic negotiation. Withdrawn listings are rare, standing at only 4 for the month, further highlighting market strength.

Navigating January 2026: Buyer and Seller Priorities

Understanding the market landscape in Chapel Hill, NC this January 2026 helps both sides of the table. Whether you’re strategizing to get the best listing price or carefully choosing the right property, real time stats ensure confidence. Home pricing trends in Chapel Hill, NC shift with each inventory boost, and knowing these figures can set your plans apart. Legacy Realty Partners is ready to chart a strategy aligned with your goals.

For buyers and sellers in January 2026, keeping pace with every metric helps make the most of market movement in Chapel Hill, NC. Ask about neighborhoods, listings, and custom searches that fit your timing.