Durham

NCRaleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill (Triangle)

Real Estate Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$424,428 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
~285,000 (2024 estimate)
Population
Not specified for 2025; 2023 estimate ~$72,000
Median Income
Durham Public Schools: Generally rated B to B+ (Niche, 2024)
School District Rating

Market Overview

Property Values

$424,428 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
$235 (June 2025)
Price per Sq Ft
+1.4% (June 2024–June 2025)
YoY Change

Market Performance

Days on Market15–20 days (June 2025)
Market TypeSeller's market
Months of SupplyData not specified; inventory up 5.3% YoY as of Feb 2024

Sales Activity

Sales VolumeNot specified; market remains active with multiple offers common
Metro AreaRaleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill (Triangle)
Population~285,000 (2024 estimate)

Economic Indicators

Employment & Growth

Unemployment Rate5.8% (Feb 2024)
Job Growth RateNot specified for 2025; historically strong due to tech and healthcare sectors
Median Household IncomeNot specified for 2025; 2023 estimate ~$72,000

Major Employers

  • Duke University & Health System
  • IBM
  • Lenovo
  • RTI International
  • Cree/Wolfspeed
  • Fidelity Investments

Demographics

~285,000 (2024 estimate)
Population
33.6 years
Median Age
Steady growth; Durham is one of the fastest-growing cities in NC
Population Growth
48.8% hold a Bachelor's degree or higher
Education Level

Family Composition

Diverse mix of young professionals, families, and retirees

Key Industries

Higher EducationHealthcare & Life SciencesTechnologyResearch & Development

Education

School District

Durham Public Schools: Generally rated B to B+ (Niche, 2024)
District Rating

Top Schools

  • Durham School of the Arts
  • J.D. Clement Early College High School
  • Charles E. Jordan High School

Higher Education

  • Duke University
  • North Carolina Central University
  • Durham Technical Community College

Infrastructure & Development

Major Projects

  • Downtown Durham revitalization
  • Mixed-use developments in Research Triangle Park

Transportation

  • Ongoing expansion of I-885 and I-40 corridors
  • Durham-Orange Light Rail (cancelled, but bus rapid transit and commuter rail studies ongoing)

Planned Developments

  • New residential and commercial projects in downtown and RTP area

Lifestyle & Amenities

Recreation

  • Eno River State Park
  • American Tobacco Trail
  • Duke Gardens

Dining & Entertainment

  • Downtown Durham food scene
  • DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center)
  • Durham Bulls Athletic Park

Cultural Attractions

  • Nasher Museum of Art
  • Historic tobacco district
  • Full Frame Documentary Film Festival

Investment Analysis

Investment Opportunities

  • Strong rental demand from students and professionals
  • Appreciation potential in downtown and RTP-adjacent neighborhoods
  • Diverse housing stock (duplexes, triplexes, single-family)

Growth Outlook

Moderate; continued demand but price growth has slowed

Market Risks

  • Slight recent price softening (-0.9% YoY per Zillow)
  • Rising interest rates may dampen affordability
  • Competition from new construction in suburbs

Rental Market

Robust, especially near universities and RTP

Marketing Intelligence

Target Demographics

  • Young professionals
  • University faculty/staff
  • Medical professionals
  • Investors

Marketing Channels

  • Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com
  • Social media (Facebook, Instagram)
  • Local relocation networks

Pricing Strategies

List slightly below recent comps to drive multiple offers in competitive segments

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Affordability/prices seem high

Response Strategy:

Highlight long-term appreciation, strong job market, and rental potential

Objection: Homes sell too quickly; fear of missing out

Response Strategy:

Prepare buyers with pre-approval and flexible offer terms

Objection: Older homes need updates

Response Strategy:

Point out renovation loan options and potential for value-add

Professional Recommendations

1

Stay updated on micro-market trends (downtown vs. suburbs)

2

Educate buyers on pre-approval and competitive offer tactics

3

Leverage digital marketing and relocation networks

4

Advise sellers to price strategically and invest in staging

5

Monitor inventory and interest rate trends closely

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Raleigh, NC
  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • Charlotte, NC

Market Positioning

Affordable alternative to Raleigh/Chapel Hill with strong growth potential

Competitive Advantages

  • Lower median price than Raleigh/Chapel Hill
  • Proximity to major employers and universities
  • Vibrant downtown and cultural scene

Price Comparison

Durham median home price ($424K) is lower than Raleigh (~$470K) and Chapel Hill (~$600K)

Investment Metrics

4.5%–5.5% for single-family rentals (2024 estimates)
Cap Rates
~6% gross yield in central neighborhoods
Rental Yields
~17–19 (2024)
Price-to-Rent
Positive cash flow possible with 20%+ down in select neighborhoods
Cash Flow
1–3% annual appreciation expected in 2025
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Need education on competitive offer strategies and down payment assistance programs

Move-Up Buyers

Often seek larger homes in family-friendly neighborhoods; may leverage equity from prior sale

Downsizers

Prefer low-maintenance condos/townhomes near amenities

Investors

Focus on proximity to Duke, RTP, and student housing; value-add and multifamily are attractive

Relocators

Drawn by job opportunities and quality of life; need virtual tours and relocation support

This city analysis was generated using comprehensive market data and AI intelligence.

Market conditions change rapidly - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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