Durham, NC Market Update: Kickoff for January 2026

Durham, NC enters January 2026 with a host of new data points that present both exciting opportunities and important considerations for buyers and sellers. This month is already shaping up to offer a richer landscape of choices for clients navigating the area. Are you curious about how recent inventory changes could impact your plans? In this update, you will find insights tailored for those seeking affordable homes in Durham, NC this January 2026, as well as those wondering "is it a good time to buy in Durham, NC?"

The local real estate pulse shows a notable increase in available properties, as active inventory rose 8.2 percent this January to 720 homes. This means buyers enjoy improved flexibility, while sellers might need to emphasize market-ready features and strategic pricing. The median sales price has reached $419,000, representing a 3.1 percent climb compared to last year. Why it matters: These figures reveal strong ongoing demand and reaffirm the resilience of the Durham, NC market.

Key Performance Indicators for Durham, NC

Days on market provide further context: The current average is 31 days, which is slightly longer than the 29-day average last January. For buyers, this translates to a bit more breathing room for decision-making and transaction timing, while sellers should be especially attentive to competitive pricing. Notably, the list-to-sale price ratio remains a strong 98.4 percent, meaning homes that are priced correctly are still achieving near-asking prices. This sets a high bar for pricing discipline across the board.

New listings entering the market stand at 344, showing a 5.4 percent decrease from last January, even as pending sales edge up to 335 (a 1.5 percent increase). Why it matters: With fewer new listings, current sellers may find less direct competition, while buyers must be prepared for certain hot properties to go quickly. Buyers exploring Durham, NC in January 2026 can leverage these market forces for negotiation.

Seller Pricing and Strategy in January 2026

The average price per square foot has increased to $234. Sellers benefit by tracking both this statistic and the surge in average seller concessions, which now stand at $4,500—up by $400 from last year. Why it matters: Knowing how to sell your house fast in Durham, NC involves skillful pricing and attentiveness to common negotiation requests. Legacy Realty Partners suggests clients use these figures to inform pre-listing strategy and staging efforts.

Buyer Experience: Flexible Options in Early 2026

For buyers, a rising inventory of 720 homes means more diversity in housing stock, offering opportunities for comparison shopping and timing offers. Mortgage rates now average 6.21 percent for a 30-year fixed product, compared to 5.98 percent last year. Why it matters: Shifts in financing, combined with high list-to-sale price ratios, require attentive planning and regular consultations with your real estate expert. Opportunities for buyers in Durham, NC this month can be identified by watching both price and time on market trends.

Market Absorption and Closing Volumes

Durham, NC continues to adjust toward balanced market conditions, with months of supply at 2.4—up 0.3 months year over year. The number of closed sales is 313, reflecting a very modest 2.8 percent dip, while pending activity remains robust. Why it matters: For all clients, understanding these subtle shifts facilitates better decision making and supports resilience as the year progresses. The coming weeks will further clarify if this balance endures or intensifies.

• Active inventory: 720 homes
• Median sales price: $419,000
• Average days on market: 31
• Pending sales: 335
• New listings: 344
• Closed sales: 313
• Seller concessions average: $4,500
• Mortgage rate (30-year fixed): 6.21%