What February’s Numbers Mean for Chapel Hill Homeowners
If you own a home in Chapel Hill, here’s something worth knowing over your morning coffee: your home is likely worth more than it was a year ago. The median home value in Chapel Hill is sitting around $600,000 right now — and while the market has cooled slightly from the frenzy of a few years ago, values have continued to climb steadily.
But here’s what’s really interesting heading into spring.
Mortgage rates have finally dipped below 6% for the first time in over three years. The average 30-year fixed rate is hovering right around 5.97% as of this week, down from nearly 7% just a year ago. That’s a meaningful shift. For a $500,000 home, the difference between a 7% rate and a 6% rate saves you roughly $330 per month — or almost $4,000 a year.
What does that mean for Chapel Hill specifically?
If you’re thinking about selling: Spring is historically when Chapel Hill homes sell fastest and for the highest prices — July listings typically sell at or above asking price. But with rates coming down, more buyers are entering the market now, ahead of the traditional spring rush. Listing in February or March could mean less competition from other sellers and more motivated buyers at your door.
If you’re thinking about buying: You’re in a better position than buyers were a year ago. Lower rates mean more purchasing power, and homes are spending a bit more time on the market than they did during the peak — giving you room to breathe, negotiate, and make a thoughtful decision rather than a panicked one.
If you’re staying put: This is a great time to understand your home’s current value, even if you’re not going anywhere. Whether it’s for refinancing, a home equity line of credit, or simply knowing where you stand, having an accurate picture of your home’s worth matters.
One more thing worth watching: Chapel Hill continues to attract buyers relocating from Washington D.C., New York, and Fayetteville — people drawn to our schools, our community, and frankly, our quality of life. That steady demand is part of what keeps our market resilient even when the national headlines sound gloomy.
Bottom line: The Chapel Hill market is in a solid, healthy place heading into 2026. Not overheated, not stalling — just steady. And that’s exactly the kind of market where smart decisions pay off.
Have a real estate question? Want to know what your home might be worth right now? Reach out to me anytime — I’d love to help.
Meri Lynch | Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston
(919) 559-4523
