Residential Real Estate Inventory in the Triangle Area

Navigating Residential Inventory in the Raleigh / Wake County Region

If you're keeping an eye on the residential real estate market in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, and surrounding Wake County, you're likely seeing a shifting landscape. Inventory, pricing, buyer behavior, and competition are all in flux in 2025. In this post, we’ll walk through key trends, interpret what they mean for buyers and sellers, and offer a look ahead to how inventory might evolve.

Current Landscape: Inventory & Market Conditions

Wake County & Raleigh Region

• Inventory is expanding: Wake County’s total listing count reached 6,274 in October 2025, up from earlier months in 2025. FRED

• Months of supply: In Raleigh specifically, the area is considered a seller’s market, but supply is loosening. According to one market source, Raleigh currently has around 2.5 months of inventory, indicating tight conditions but more breathing room than during the height of the demand surge. Loan Pronto

• Inventory growth year-over-year: Across the Triangle (which includes Wake, Durham, Orange, etc.), active listings have increased by nearly 30% year-over-year, giving buyers more choices. Axios

• Home sale pacing: In Raleigh, homes are now taking longer to sell. The median days on market rose to 44 days, compared to ~30 days previously. Redfin

• Price adjustments: Median listing prices in Raleigh have dipped; one data point shows a ~7% year-over-year decline. Realtor Another source notes that homes still sell at ~99.2% of list price. Loan Pronto

• New listings & pending activity: In the Cary area, for example, new listings have increased (271 newly listed vs 211 year-ago), and pending contracts have also risen. marketminute.longandfoster.com

• Pending listing count: In Wake County, the year-over-year pending listing count is slightly negative (–5–6 %), suggesting some pullback in new offers. Trading Economics+1

Local Highlights: Cary, Wake Forest & Surrounding Cities

Cary, NC

Cary is still very competitive. The median home price is in the ballpark of $598,000 (up ~3 % YoY). Redfin Homes in Cary typically generates 2 offers on average, and the market moves relatively quickly (median of ~44 days). Redfin Because of its desirable amenities, schools, and proximity to employment hubs, Cary tends to maintain stronger demand even when broader trends cool.

Wake Forest, NC

Wake Forest has seen more nuanced movement:

• Recent data shows the median sold price in June 2025 was around $521,125, which is about 3 % lower than a year earlier. Rocket Mortgage

• The median listing home price in August 2025 was ~$550,000, up ~4.3 % YoY. Realtor

• Some sources show average home values around $518,745, reflecting a slight (~1.9 %) dip over the past year. Zillow

• The market is categorized as “somewhat competitive,” with average listing durations around 45 days and multiple offers still possible. Redfin

• In the Wake Forest / Rolesville area, the median sale price recently hit ~$499,990, up ~2% year-over-year. marketminute.longandfoster.com

Wake Forest remains appealing due to its growth, suburban character, and relatively better affordability compared to closer-in Raleigh neighborhoods. propertyspecificrealty.com

Interpreting the Trends: What’s Driving Inventory Shifts?

Several forces are shaping inventory and market dynamics:

1. Higher interest rates
   As mortgage rates remain elevated (e.g., in the 5–7 % range), many potential buyers are either slowing their pace or pausing altogether. This dampens urgency and demand pressure.

2. Seller hesitation & price expectations
   Some sellers remain anchored to peak-era price expectations, resisting downward adjustments. Others are opting to delist rather than renegotiate.

3. New construction injection
   Developers have been more active, adding supply, especially in suburban corridors. That contributes to a modest relief in scarcity.

4. Seasonal & cyclical adjustment
   Markets are normalizing from the hyper-competitive pandemic-era surge. It’s natural to see more balance return as demand and supply find equilibrium.

5. Geographic demand shifts
   As close-in neighborhoods become pricier, buyer interest is pulling outward—placing more emphasis on communities like Wake Forest, Fuquay-Varina, and further reaches of Wake County.

What Buyers & Sellers Should Know

For Buyers

• More room to negotiate than in the past few years. Sellers may be more receptive to reasonable offers, contingencies, and repairs.

• Inventory is better, but not unlimited. In hot submarkets or desirable school zones, competition still exists.

• Timing matters. In early 2025, supply is higher than last year — buyers entering now may find better options than late spring.

• Be prepared with financing. Given slower buyer activity, being a “ready buyer” can help you stand out.

For Sellers

• Price it wisely. Overpricing is riskier now, days on market are longer, and buyers are more cautious.

• Staging, condition, and marketing matter more. Presentation can tip a listing over the edge in a more balanced environment.

• Actively monitor comps. Local neighborhood comps are more relevant than broad averages.

• Be realistic about offers. Accept that multiple-offer bidding wars are less common.

Looking Ahead: Inventory Trajectory & Market Direction

• Inventory will likely keep inching upward, especially in the first half of 2025, as new builds come online and more sellers adjust to market conditions.

• Price corrections may continue, but steep declines are unlikely—more likely is plateauing or moderate downward adjustment in weaker submarkets.

• Value will increasingly lie in areas just beyond the core—towns like Wake Forest, Fuquay-Varina, and expanded Wake County corridors will gain more attention.

• Balance may return. Instead of a pure seller’s market, 2025 may look more like a balanced or slight seller-leaning market.

Final Thoughts

For years, buyers in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, and throughout Wake County were frustrated by ultra-low inventory, bidding wars, and rapid price escalation. In 2025, the market is gradually shifting—inventory is growing, prices are stabilizing or edging slightly downward, and both buyers and sellers are recalibrating expectations.

While conditions remain favorable in many neighborhoods, the advantage is no longer so heavily tilted in sellers’ favor. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply watching the market, understanding localized microtrends—school districts, neighborhood conveniences, commute, and condition—will be more critical than ever.