Chatham County Real Estate Market Update: Rising Prices, Market Uncertainty & What It Means for You

by Stephanie + Ryan Ford

As we move into 2025, the Chatham County real estate market is experiencing rising home prices alongside economic uncertainty that could impact both buyers and sellers. In this update, we’ll break down Chatham County real estate trends, how mortgage rates, federal funding freezes, and potential tariffs could shape the housing market, and what buyers and sellers need to know.

Market Highlights: Prices Up, Sales Slowing

Home Prices Surge – January 2025 saw a 24.5% increase in the median sales price to $716,000, up from $599,031 in December 2024. The average sales price jumped 29.1% to $809,037.
Fewer Homes Sold – While prices are up, sales dipped slightly with 67 homes closing in January, down from 71 in December (-5.6% month-over-month). Some of this reflects typical seasonal slowing, but rising home prices and mortgage rates may also be contributing to buyer hesitation.
Homes Taking Longer to Sell – The average days on market increased from 30 days in December to 44 days in January, indicating that buyers are becoming more selective as affordability pressures grow.

This combination of soaring home prices, fewer sales, and longer days on market suggests that while Chatham County real estate remains competitive, buyers are carefully weighing their options amid economic uncertainty.

Chatham County Housing Market Update January 2025

Economic Factors Influencing the Market

Federal Funding Freeze & Local Impact

An executive order issued in late January 2025 has temporarily frozen federal funding, impacting research institutions in the Triangle region, including Duke University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and RTI International. While this freeze is currently being challenged in court, the uncertainty surrounding it could impact local job security, research grants, and future hiring trends—factors that often play a role in Chatham County housing demand.

Mortgage Rates & Affordability

Mortgage rates remain a key concern for buyers in Chatham County and across the Triangle real estate market. Forecasts for 2025 suggest that rates may stay above 6%, with some analysts predicting an average of 5.9% by year’s end. While this is slightly lower than last year’s peak, affordability remains a major challenge, limiting how much buyers can afford.

Tariff Uncertainty & Construction Costs

Proposed tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber and confirmed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports could increase construction costs if applied. Builders in Chatham County are watching these policies closely, as higher material costs could drive new home prices even higher and slow down housing inventory growth.

What This Means for Buyers & Sellers in Chatham County

For Sellers:

Chatham County home prices are up, making this a favorable time to sell, but longer days on market suggest buyers are more selective.
Competitive pricing is key, especially as higher mortgage rates impact buyer affordability.
Homes that are well-maintained and priced right will still attract strong offers.

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For Buyers:

Affordability remains a challenge, but mortgage rates may stabilize in the second half of 2025.
If you’re waiting for home prices to drop, keep in mind that low housing inventory and rising construction costs could keep Chatham County home values strong.
New construction costs may increase, so buyers considering new homes should act before potential tariffs impact pricing further.

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Looking Ahead: Stay Informed, Stay Strategic

The Chatham County real estate market is shifting, and buyers and sellers need to stay informed. Whether you’re thinking about selling your home in Pittsboro, buying in Chatham County, or investing in Triangle real estate, working with experienced professionals like Ryan Ford and Stephanie Ford of Triangle Real Estate Journal can help you make the best decisions.

📢 Thinking about buying or selling in 2025? We’re here to help you navigate the changing Chatham County housing market with expert guidance.

📲 Call or text Ryan Ford at (919) 724-7010 or visit Triangle Real Estate Journal to get started today!