December 2025 Market Trends

Welcome to our latest rental market trends update, where we examine the current landscape for investment properties and rentals. As we provide the trends of the present month, we will also share comparisons with the same period in previous years. This market analysis focuses on Single Family Homes, Condos, and Townhomes in the dynamic Charlotte area. Whether you own rental properties or are considering entering the market, our analysis offers valuable insights into year-over-year trends.

In the ever-changing rental market, understanding shifts in demand, pricing, and property availability is crucial for property owners and managers. Join us as we break down the data to offer insights into the rental market’s current state, providing essential context for those managing or investing in rental properties. Whether you’re focused on growing your portfolio, optimizing returns, or staying informed, we hope this overview proves valuable.

Median Days on Market

Median days on market in the Charlotte area has gradually increased from extremely fast conditions in 2022 to a more measured pace by late 2025. What once took just four to five days to sell has shifted into the low-20-day range, reflecting a market that is no longer rushed but still very active. For renters and prospective buyers, this trend creates more breathing room to evaluate options, compare neighborhoods, and make confident decisions without the pressure of immediate bidding wars.

For landlords and property owners, the longer marketing window signals a healthier, more sustainable environment rather than weakening demand. Homes are still moving within weeks, not months, which points to continued interest and liquidity, while the added time allows for better pricing strategy, stronger tenant screening, and smoother transaction execution. Overall, the data shows a Charlotte market that has transitioned from frenetic to balanced, supporting stability for owners and improved choice and clarity for renters.

Months Supply of Homes

Months supply in the Charlotte area has steadily climbed from historically tight conditions in early 2022 to a much more normalized level by late 2025. Inventory hovered below one month at the start of 2022, a clear sign of scarcity, before gradually rising through 2023 and settling into the mid-1 to low-2 month range across most of 2024. By November 2025, months supply reached roughly three months, marking a shift away from the ultra-competitive environment that defined the earlier part of the cycle.

Even with this increase, Charlotte remains below the five- to six-month threshold typically associated with a balanced market. That means supply has improved meaningfully without tipping into oversupply. For buyers and renters, this trend translates to more options and less urgency. For sellers and property owners, it reinforces the importance of realistic pricing and thoughtful positioning, as the market now rewards strategy over speed. Overall, the data points to a healthier, more stable inventory environment that supports sustainable activity rather than boom-and-bust behavior.

Homes for Sale

Homes for sale in the Charlotte area show a clear and sustained upward trend over the past four years, reflecting a steady rebuilding of inventory after the extreme lows of early 2022. Listings started just above 3,000 homes at the beginning of 2022 and rose consistently through that year, peaking near 4,500 by December. Inventory continued climbing into early 2023, briefly topping 5,100 homes, before leveling off and modestly declining through late 2023 as market activity adjusted to higher interest rates and affordability pressures.

Beginning in early 2024, inventory growth resumed and accelerated through 2025. By November 2025, homes for sale reached roughly 8,600, nearly triple the levels seen at the start of 2022. This expansion aligns with the rising months supply trend and signals a market that is transitioning toward greater balance. While demand remains present, buyers now face a market with significantly more choice and less urgency, while sellers must compete more directly on price, condition, and marketing to stand out.

Sales Price

Median sales prices in the Charlotte area continue to show long-term resilience, even as the pace of appreciation has normalized. From early 2022 through the end of that year, prices climbed rapidly, rising from $340,000 to just under $392,000 as demand outpaced supply. In 2023, the market entered a cooling and consolidation phase, with median prices largely holding steady in the low-to-mid $390,000s. Rather than signaling weakness, this period reflects a healthy recalibration after the rapid run-up of the prior year, allowing incomes and buyer expectations to partially catch up.

From 2024 into 2025, prices resumed a more measured upward trajectory. The median price crossed the $400,000 mark in mid-2024 and continued edging higher through 2025, reaching approximately $411,000 by November. For landlords, this steady appreciation supports long-term equity growth while reinforcing the value of holding rental assets in a maturing market. For renters, slower price growth combined with rising inventory suggests improving leverage and stability, reducing the pressure of sharp price spikes while still pointing to a market with durable underlying demand and economic strength.

Summary

The Charlotte housing market continues to move toward a more balanced and sustainable rhythm. Median days on market and months of supply have steadily increased, signaling that listings are staying active longer and buyers have more options to consider. This shift reflects a normalization from the ultra-competitive conditions of recent years rather than a loss of demand. With homes no longer selling at breakneck speed, renters considering a move and landlords evaluating acquisitions both benefit from clearer pricing signals, more thoughtful decision-making, and reduced pressure to act immediately.

At the same time, inventory growth has been significant and consistent, with the number of homes for sale more than doubling since early 2022. This expansion has helped ease competition while supporting stable transaction activity across the region. Despite these changes, median sales prices have remained resilient, continuing a gradual upward trend and reaching the low $400,000s in 2025. For landlords, this combination of rising inventory and steady price appreciation reinforces Charlotte’s strength as a long-term investment market. For renters, increased supply and slower market velocity create improved negotiating power and a wider range of housing choices, pointing to a healthier, more accessible market overall.

If you’re a property owner looking to maximize your rental potential, now is an ideal time to explore how professional property management can enhance your investment strategy. Reach out to learn more about how we can help you adapt to these evolving market conditions and make the most of your rental properties.