January 2026 Raleigh, NC Real Estate Insights: Key Trends to Watch

For buyers and sellers navigating the evolving Raleigh, NC landscape, January 2026 delivers a wealth of revealing data and subtle shifts. Is it a good time to buy in Raleigh, NC? Let us explore what the numbers mean for your next big move. With inventory up and the market recalibrating, both sides have pivotal decisions to make this month.

Navigating the real estate climate requires confidence and clarity. If your clients are seeking affordable homes in Raleigh, NC this January 2026, they will notice more diverse choices than last year. Sellers are also weighing when and how to position their properties for optimal results, with performance metrics pointing to new negotiation windows. Buyer insights for Raleigh, NC this month can unlock powerful strategies for making a successful offer.

Strong Inventory Growth Shapes Strategy in Raleigh, NC

The market opened January 2026 with 2,359 homes available for buyers, an 18.5 percent increase compared to last year. Why does this matter? It means clients will spend less time waiting for listings that suit their needs. New listings have also ticked up 3.1 percent to 1,205 properties. This growing pool softens pressure on prices and gives buyers more negotiation freedom.

The months supply of inventory now sits at 2.3, a 43.8 percent jump. Sellers should note this shift, as it leads to more competitive listing environments. When inventory rises, days on market historically rise as well—up to 30 days in January, reflecting an 11.1 percent increase. For sellers, this means understanding how to sell your house fast in Raleigh, NC now requires sharper pricing and marketing.

January 2026 Prices Show Subtle Changes

Median sales prices reached $393,000, a modest 1.2 percent increase year over year. The average sales price climbed to $473,059, reflecting a 3.3 percent uptick from last January. What does this mean for your clients? Unlike past periods of rapid appreciation, price stability is emerging—benefiting buyers who waited out hotter peaks and sellers who priced close to market value.

The percent of original list price received averaged 97.7 percent. Sellers may expect to negotiate more, and buyers should take advantage of slightly increased bargaining power. The average price per square foot remains steady at $226, giving a reliable metric for evaluating value across communities.

Closed and Pending Sales: A Balanced Perspective

Raleigh, NC posted 997 closed sales in January—down 10.2 percent—while pending sales rose 13.7 percent to 1,123 properties. This uptick in pending contracts signals that interest is still simmering, and more closings may be on the horizon. Strategic agents are using these insights to time listings and guide clients before competition increases again.

Timeline and Negotiation Dynamics for January 2026

Sellers take note: the average days on market until sale now stands at 30. In a shifting landscape, this highlights the advantage of professional presentation and realistic expectations. For buyers, the extra time per listing encourages careful consideration with less haste—good news for those comparison shopping in January 2026.

Market Insights: Why Buyers and Sellers Should Act Now

Legacy Realty Partners can help decode what these shifts mean for your next step. Whether market movement is prompting a buy or sell, using current data sharpens your competitive edge. Leverage Raleigh, NC fast-selling communities, analyze property metrics, and prepare your strategy in advance.

• Median sales price: $393,000 (up 1.2 percent Y/Y)
• Average sales price: $473,059 (up 3.3 percent Y/Y)
• Inventory: 2,359 (up 18.5 percent Y/Y)
• Months supply: 2.3 (up 43.8 percent Y/Y)
• Average days on market: 30 (up 11.1 percent Y/Y)
• Pending sales: 1,123 (up 13.7 percent Y/Y)

Explore tailored Raleigh, NC market expertise to refine your approach, whether you are buying or selling in the coming months.