February 2026 Raleigh Luxury Real Estate Market Update

The spring market is heating up across SW Raleigh, and the January 2026 data shows strong momentum building in the luxury sector. Buyer activity is picking up compared to the last few months of 2025, bringing fresh energy to luxury homes in Raleigh and the Triangle. Here’s a breakdown of what we’re seeing in each key market.

Cary Luxury Market Update

Cary continues to deliver as one of the strongest luxury markets in the area. The median price hit $1,075,000, up 13% from last year, while homes spent an average of 35 days on the market. Active listings stand at 64 homes, a 40% increase year-over-year.

Inventory has decreased slightly over the past two months, but Cary remains highly competitive. Buyers are willing to pay premium prices for the location and lifestyle, which drives continued price growth. The rate of appreciation will vary depending on the specific neighborhood, but the overall trend points to sustained strength throughout 2026.

Apex Luxury Market Update

Apex has always been a strong market in the Triangle area, and January’s numbers back that up. The median price reached $954,000, up 13% versus last year. Homes are taking about 39 days to sell, and while that’s up 47% compared to last year, the number should improve as we move deeper into spring.

Active listings jumped to 78 homes, up 143% from last year. Inventory in Apex has been climbing over the past two months, which gives buyers more options than they had in November and December. This explains why homes are taking a bit longer to sell, but prices are still climbing. Well-priced and well-prepared homes continue to sell quickly, while overpriced properties sit longer. Trish expects 5-8% appreciation this year, which is healthy for a luxury market that attracts so many relocation buyers.

Holly Springs Luxury Market Update

Holly Springs continues to impress with consistent performance. The median price sits at $925,000, up 4.5% versus last year, and homes are only spending about 10 days on market. There are currently 27 luxury homes available, which points to tight inventory.

The market is being fueled by expansion in biotech and healthcare jobs in the area. This growth is attracting more people to Holly Springs and creating steady demand that outpaces supply. Communities like 12 Oaks and Sunset Ridge are seeing homes go under contract in days or less than a week, and the area will likely remain a seller’s market throughout 2026.

Raleigh Luxury Market Update

Raleigh’s luxury market is building serious momentum heading into 2026. The median price reached $1,075,000, up 9% versus last year, and homes are selling faster than before. Days on market dropped to under a month, down 27% compared to last year, while active listings stand at 281 homes.

The contrast between January 2026 and the last two months of 2025 is clear. Homes are moving faster and prices continue to climb even as inventory remains tight. This sets up another strong cycle for Raleigh’s luxury market, with continued appreciation expected in popular neighborhoods across the city.

What Do These Numbers Mean?

The January data reveal something important about where the SW Raleigh luxury market is headed. While Apex is seeing a shift toward more balanced conditions with 7 months of supply, markets like Holly Springs (2.7 months), Cary (1.8 months), and Raleigh (2.5 months) remain firmly in seller territory. The contrast shows that even within the same region, luxury markets can behave differently based on inventory dynamics and local job growth. 

For buyers, this means opportunities are emerging in Apex while competition stays fierce in Cary and Holly Springs. For sellers, pricing strategy matters more than ever, especially in areas where inventory is climbing. The spring market is here, and understanding these nuances will make all the difference in navigating your next move.