2026 Housing Market Forecast: What Raleigh Homebuyers Need to Know Now

The 2026 housing market forecast is shaping up to be one of the most important in years—especially for Raleigh families wondering if it’s smarter to wait or act now.

If you’re feeling torn between rising prices, uncertain rates, and endless headlines, you’re not alone. At Martini Mortgage Group, we believe clarity creates certainty—and certainty creates power. That’s why Kevin Martini and Logan Martini are breaking down exactly what 2026 is expected to bring to the Raleigh and Wake County housing markets—and how to position for success.

Let’s separate the noise from the numbers.

Why Raleigh Real Estate Still Builds Wealth in 2026

Real estate remains one of Raleigh’s most reliable wealth builders. While stocks can swing daily, a home delivers utility and long-term appreciation.

Here’s what the late-2025 data says:

• Wake County median home price: ~$499,833 (Sep 2025).
• Raleigh median sale price: ~$435,712 — down ~2.8% YoY, but up ~5.4% since June 2025.
• Months of supply: ~3.0 (up from ~2.4 a year ago).
• Days on market: ~47 (avg., ~+52% YoY).

Inventory is loosening, creating breathing room—yet demand stays firm thanks to job growth and Raleigh’s national recognitions.

National Trends from the 2026 Housing Market Forecast

• Sales rebound: Major forecasts point to more existing-home sales in 2026 vs 2025.
• Rates ease: 30-year fixed trending lower into late-2026.
• Prices stabilize: Expect modest, single-digit appreciation.
• Inventory expands: As locked-in sellers finally move.

👉 Translation: 2026 isn’t a crash—it’s a reset year where prepared buyers gain leverage.

What the 2026 Housing Market Means for Raleigh and Wake County

Raleigh rarely mirrors national averages—it often outperforms them.

Key Local Metrics

Metric	Latest Data (Aug–Sep 2025)	What It Means
Active Listings (Wake)	~6,274	More options, less frenzy.
Median Price (Raleigh)	~$435,712	Minor correction = entry opportunities.
Avg. List Price (Wake)	~$692,467	Luxury stabilizing after 2022–24 surge.
Months of Supply	~3.0	Tracking toward “balanced.”
Sale-to-List Ratio	~98.5%	1.5–2% avg. negotiation room.
Days on Market	~47	More decision time.

Local Takeaway

• More inventory ≈ more choice. Fewer 24-hour, sight-unseen sales.
• Moderating, not reversing. Slight dips in Raleigh proper offset by steadier Cary/Apex/Wake Forest.
• Migration continues. Triangle pull remains strong with high-wage employers.
• Long-term fundamentals are solid. Tech, life-sciences, and education underpin demand.

The Fiduciary-Style Difference with Martini Mortgage Group

Buying a home isn’t a transaction—it’s a financial strategy. Our fiduciary-style approach means we act in your best interest (including telling you to wait when that’s right).

• AI-Driven Forecasting: Predictive scenarios on rates, prices, and affordability.
• Same-As-Cash Mortgage Approval: Compete like cash—without the stress.
• Strategic Guidance: Kevin & Logan walk you through “what-ifs,” not sales pitches.
• Education: The Martini Mortgage Podcast turns trends into action steps.

Steps to Get Ready for the 2026 Market

1. Run your personalized affordability model.
   • Request our complimentary 2026 Homeownership Readiness Review.
2. Understand your buying window.
   • We map 3 scenarios across rate ranges and income growth.
3. Get Same-As-Cash Approved.
   • Act like a cash buyer—even when financing.

TL;DR: 2026 Is About Strategy, Not Luck

The 2026 housing market forecast points to balance—where informed, strategic buyers gain leverage. Raleigh’s fundamentals remain strong, and the best window may be brief.

Whether mortgage rates settle near the high-5s or hover around ~6%, control what you can: your plan, your approval, and your advisor.

📞 Book your complimentary strategy call
📘 Download the North Carolina Mortgage Guide

2026 Housing Market Forecast: Raleigh Homebuyer FAQ

Logan Martini

Martini Mortgage Podcast

Living in Raleigh