Market Intelligence Report — NC-500

Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

Monthly housing intelligence, market trends, and trusted local expertise.

Ref. No: 2026-NC-08
As of the latest 2026 data
Cooling

Median Listing

$470K
-1.9% YoY

Pending Ratio

0.44
-6.5% YoY

Active Inventory

2,194
+15.5% YoY

Median DOM

61 Days
+5.2% YoY

Primary Intelligence Tool — Sold Score™

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The Durham-Chapel Hill market is experiencing a cooling trend, primarily indicated by a pending ratio of 0.44. This absorption rate, coupled with a 15.5% year-over-year increase in active listings, suggests a shift in market dynamics. Median listing prices have also seen a modest decline of 1.9% year-over-year.

Local Market Signals

Source: FRED (St. Louis Fed)

Local economic trends can influence how quickly homes sell and how much competition sellers may face.

Job Market

3.4%-0.3 pp YoY

Unemployment rate · Jul 2026

Shows whether local employment conditions are supporting buyer demand.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics via FRED (St. Louis Fed).

Population & Migration

625,485+1.2% YoY

Resident population · Jan 2025

Shows whether the area is gaining or losing potential housing demand.

U.S. Census Bureau via FRED (St. Louis Fed).

Future Housing Supply

544+71.7% YoY

Building permits (private housing units) · Jul 2026

Shows whether future inventory pressure may increase.

U.S. Census Bureau building permits via FRED (St. Louis Fed).

Market Analysis

What's moving the Durham-Chapel Hill market right now.

Inventory levels have expanded significantly, with active listings rising 15.5% over the past year. While new listings have also increased by 7.8% year-over-year, the absorption of available properties has slowed, reflected in the pending ratio of 0.44. Median days on market have extended by 5.2% year-over-year to 61 days, suggesting properties are taking longer to move from listing to contract. Median listing prices have contracted by 1.9% year-over-year, alongside a 1.8% year-over-year decline in median price per square foot.

Historical Analysis

Market Trends

Median Price

$470K-1.1% MoM

Active Inventory

2,194+15.5% YoY

Days on Market

61+5.2% YoY

Sold Score™

50-6.5% YoY

Sold Score™ Over Time

Market liquidity index • 36 months

50
Sep 23Aug 26

Price & Days on Market

Median listing vs market velocity

Price DOM
Sep 23Aug 26

Inventory Dynamics

Total active listings vs new monthly supply

Active New listings
Sep 23Apr 24Nov 24Jun 25Jan 26Aug 26

Sourced from Realtor.com RDC Inventory Core Metrics, supplemented by the Primpted research desk. Updated As of the latest 2026 data.

Market Signals & Indicators

Negotiating Leverage

With the pending ratio at 0.44 and inventory levels demonstrating substantial year-over-year growth, the market indicates a reduced sense of urgency for acquisitions. Buyers may find increased opportunity for price discipline, as properties are spending more time on the market. Negotiating leverage is shifting as the pace of transactions decelerates amidst expanding supply.

Luxury Segment

The average listing price of $666,053 is notably higher than the median listing price of $470,000, creating a spread that warrants observation. However, the average price has declined by 0.8% year-over-year, which could indicate some softening at the higher price points. Median price per square foot has also seen a year-over-year decline of 1.8%.

Supply Dynamics

2,194 active listings represent the current floor, with new supply arriving at roughly 772 per month.

Pricing Pressure
22.1%

of active listings carry a price reduction, +0.5% from prior period.

$/Sq Ft
$0K

Median price per square foot has moved -1.8% year-over-year.

Absorption
0.44

Pending-to-active ratio — Cooling.

Recommended For This Market

Cooling

Selling in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC? Inventory is up 16% from last year.

Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is sitting near equilibrium. Preparation, pricing and timing decide whether a listing sells fast or lingers.

Buyer Demand Index
44%
Median Days on Market
61 days
Inventory YoY
+16%

Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is balanced, so preparation decides the outcome. Your Sold Score shows where you stand today.

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Metro Demographics

Metro Area
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
CBSA Code
20500
State
NC

ZIPs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

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