Raleigh’s Projected Growth in Luxury Real Estate

Raleigh’s Projected Growth in Luxury Real Estate

The Raleigh area is no stranger to tech companies. Research Triangle Park was built in 1959, and it has been a national technological hotspot for decades, especially when paired with the concentration of local universities.

Mansion Global’s recently published article, “A Population Boom, a Tech Boom—Raleigh, North Carolina, Shows No Sign of Slowing Down,” speaks to Raleigh’s luxury real estate expansion and its connection to the tech industry’s success.

The article explains how Raleigh’s population grew by 11.4% between 2018 to 2023, and a recent survey by United Van Line listed Raleigh in the top five inbound destinations with 20% more people moving into the city than out. These population growth trends are expected to continue.

The Downtown Raleigh Alliance wrote in their annual report that the construction of residential units (about 3,000 under construction and plans for 7,000 over the next 10 years) is shifting the downtown landscape into “dense, walkable neighborhoods” with 94% occupancy rates.

Mansion’s Global article highlights how the influx of younger, successful tech professionals, founders, executives, and entrepreneurs are an important factor in the growth.

“The luxury real estate market in Raleigh is increasingly appealing to a broader range of high-net-worth individuals, for whom proximity to downtown areas and tech hubs like RTP is critical,” said Jim Wiley, president of Beacon Street Development.

In particular, popular areas for luxury home development and redevelopment include:

  • the historic Hayes Barton neighborhood, where Birney Park housing development is currently under construction, with condominium prices ranging from $1.8 million to $3 million and City Homes prices ranging from $3 million to $4 million. Additional construction is planned through 2027.
  • the Warehouse District, with high-rise condos and upscale amenities.
  • North Hills and the Midtown district, with walkable, mixed-used development that’s attractive to young tech workers, according to Kruger. He also explained the increase of pricey single-family properties here. “Everything in this corridor is $2 million-plus new-construction homes, and whereas a $2 million house near downtown is 2,500 square feet on a tenth of an acre in north Raleigh, it could be 5,000 to 6,000 square feet on an acre lot,” he said.
  • Cary, which – home to many local tech giants and New York transplants alike – is seeing the same, tall narrow modern homes and luxury condos of Downtown Raleigh in its own downtown, said Kruger.

Demand for luxury homes is also expected to stay high. Downtown Raleigh Alliance reported that the median $427-per square-foot list price has risen 31% since 2020 in Downtown Raleigh, and new development sells out quickly.

Additionally, a luxury market report from Long & Foster Real Estate said that in July 2024, new $1 million home listings in the Durham-Raleigh-Chapel Hill triangle rose more than 44%, while sales at that price level increased 7% from a year earlier. Similarly, in July 2024, Zillow said that Raleigh’s median luxury price of $1.5 million was a 7% increase over July 2023.

As you navigate luxury real estate in Raleigh, Cary, and the Triangle area, let the team at Barker Realty be your guide. A local real estate company since 1984, we can help you find success in both your commercial and residential real estate goals. Contact us today.

Best Places to Buy Rental Property: Wake County

Best Places to Buy Rental Property: Wake County

Barker Realty, Property Management, Wake County
Barker Realty, Inc. – serving Wake County since 1984.

It’s no secret that Wake County’s growth has exploded over the last 15 years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Raleigh alone grew by about one million residents between 2010 and 2020.

With that, Wake County has become an area ripe with opportunity for rental investment properties. When searching where to buy rental property, we suggest comparing factors like crime rate and safety, walkability, schools, low vacancy rates, public transportation, and signs of growth – along with financial considerations, of course. 

Barker Realty has provided real estate expertise in Raleigh, Cary, and the surrounding areas for 40 years. Here’s where we think are the best places to buy rental property in Wake County today. 

Top 5 Places to Buy Rental Property in Wake County:

  1. Cary
  2. Fuquay- Varina
  3. Midtown, Raleigh
  4. Garner
  5. Cameron Park, Raleigh

Cary

USA TODAY Homefront recently named Cary the best city to rent in the county. It took first place in the overall study because of its affordability, low crime, good schools, high-paying job market, and access to recreation. It also ranked in the top five for “Best City for Renters with Pets” and “Best City for Single Renters.”

As a rental property investor, Cary is one of the more expensive areas in Wake County, but it shouldn’t stop you from considering this city. The long-term value could really pay off. 


Fuquay-Varina

WRAL reported in November 2024 that Fuquay-Varina is one of the state’s fastest-growing municipalities, with the population more than doubling since 2010. With plans to grow the downtown and new elementary schools being built, property owners can expect more rental options.


Midtown, Raleigh

North Hills and Midtown have been a prime spot for real estate for many years. Endless restaurants, shops, events, as well as a variety of housing options, make the area an exciting place to live. The City of Raleigh continues to have big plans for Midtown, and a big focus for the project is walkability. You can bet there will be investment properties worth considering. 


Garner

Garner has seen incredible growth that makes it an interesting option for investment property owners. World Population Review found that Garner’s population has increased 17.15% since the last census in 2024. It also states that almost 40% of Garner’s population rents instead of owning homes.

Garner will also include two stops in the upcoming Greater Triangle Commuter Rail, better connecting it to the rest of the Triangle. 


Cameron Park, Raleigh

Cameron Park (also known as Forest Park) in Raleigh is one of the city’s most sought-after areas. It’s close to downtown and walkable, and is near many parks, events, and good schools. If you can snag an investment property in this area, you could reap the benefits for many years.

Other places to consider buying rental property in Raleigh include: Historic Oakwood, Mordecai, Five Points, and Glenwood South.

Barker Realty partners with our clients to bring mutual success through rental property investments. From marketing to managing, our team can help you make the most out of your investment wherever you decide to purchase in Wake County. Contact us today to learn more.