Data reflects single-family residential activity through the end of December 2025. Commentary provided by licensed appraiser Judge Lipford.
Wake County remains one of the tightest housing markets in North Carolina. Inventory is still very low, which supports price strength even as buyers stay more rate-sensitive than they were during the peak years. Homes that are priced correctly and show well continue to move quickly.
The median sold price in December was $529,000, up about 3.1% month-over-month. This is a strong signal that demand remains active, especially given the limited supply environment. Median list price is $545,940, down slightly month-over-month, which suggests sellers are adjusting to buyer behavior and pricing closer to market from the start.
The median estimated property value is $548,060, essentially stable month-over-month, and slightly higher year-over-year—consistent with a market that is still appreciating, but at a more normal pace than the rapid run-up years.
Wake County’s 2.3 months of inventory keeps it firmly in seller’s-market territory. The 34-day median time on market is still fast by normal standards and reflects steady buyer activity. Buyers have more choices than during the frenzy years, but supply is still tight enough that strong listings don’t last long.
Wake County continues to plan around sustained strategic growth, with an emphasis on mobility, housing supply, and economic development. Population and job expansion remains a foundational demand driver, which is a key reason Wake stays resilient even when broader market conditions shift.
The state’s record pipeline of announced projects reinforces Wake’s position as a major job and housing demand engine. Job pipelines matter because they support ongoing in-migration, household formation, and long-term rental demand.
Reports of multi-billion-dollar investment levels and large job expansions from new and expanding companies continue to support long-term demand for housing and commercial development. This is the kind of “fundamentals support” that keeps Wake stronger than surrounding markets during slower cycles.
For homeowners, this is still a strong market. While it may not feel like the peak years, Wake’s low inventory continues to support pricing. If you are planning to sell in 2026, the best outcomes come from strong presentation and correct pricing from day one.
Wake County remains a fundamentals-driven investment market: strong job growth, steady in-migration, and long-term development momentum. The challenge is that entry costs are high and margins can be tight, so conservative underwriting is critical.
Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Morrisville, Wake Forest, Knightdale, Rolesville, Zebulon, Wendell, and surrounding areas.
County-level trends provide context, but individual value depends on condition, exact location, updates, site characteristics, and competing sales. If you need an appraisal for selling, refinancing, estate planning, divorce, or investment analysis, contact:
JB Appraisal – Judge Lipford Work: (919) 283-1309 Web: www.jbrealestateappraisal.com