Raleigh Luxury Real Estate 2025: Is It a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market for $1M+ Homes?
For years, sellers in the U.S. housing market—especially those with million-dollar properties—have enjoyed the upper hand. In Raleigh’s thriving $1M+ luxury real estate market, that advantage has been particularly strong, fueled by limited inventory and high demand from relocating executives, entrepreneurs, and investors. But as 2025 unfolds, signs are emerging that the broader market is shifting. While national data suggests momentum is inching toward a buyer’s market, the story for Raleigh’s high-end homes is more nuanced—and understanding that difference is key whether you’re preparing to purchase or sell a luxury property in Raleigh, NC.
Three National Indicators Point Toward a Buyer’s Market
Recent Realtor.com research highlights three key shifts in the U.S. market:
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More Homes Hitting the Market – New listings climbed 7% in the year to May 2025, with 465,096 homes entering the market that month alone.
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Longer Selling Timelines – Median days on market increased from 45 to 51 days, a 13% jump.
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Increased Price Reductions – Price cuts rose 32% year-over-year, with 372,964 properties seeing reductions in May 2025.
These trends—more inventory, slower sales, and more flexibility on price—signal growing leverage for buyers in the overall market.
Raleigh’s $1M+ Market: A Different Story
National numbers don’t tell the whole tale, especially in Raleigh’s luxury real estate sector.
According to Realtor.com’s High-End Housing Market Trends & Outlook, properties priced at over $1 million have remained remarkably resilient. Between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025:
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Time on market for luxury homes edged down, not up.
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Price reductions stabilized rather than spiking.
That means sellers of million-dollar homes in Raleigh still hold much of the negotiating power—though longer timelines in some cases may offer opportunities for well-prepared buyers.
What This Means for Raleigh Luxury Buyers
If you’re searching for a home in Raleigh, you’ll find a more strategic environment in 2025 than in recent years. While sellers remain confident, the slight easing in market velocity may open the door to favorable negotiations—particularly for buyers able to move quickly, offer clean terms, or purchase with cash.
What This Means for Raleigh Luxury Sellers
If you’re considering selling a high-end property in Raleigh, you still benefit from strong demand, steady pricing, and a luxury market that continues to outperform the broader housing sector. That said, success requires more than just listing the home—it demands sophisticated marketing, exceptional staging, and a global reach to connect with the right buyer pool.
The Bottom Line
While the national market is gradually leaning toward buyers, Raleigh’s home market remains balanced—with a slight tilt toward sellers. Buyers have more opportunity to negotiate than in recent years, but sellers of luxury properties can still expect strong interest and solid returns.
In other words, it’s a strategic market—one where preparation, timing, and the right representation make all the difference.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Raleigh, NC, I’d be happy to guide you through a tailored approach that maximizes your position in today’s market. From identifying rare opportunities to crafting a listing that captivates high-net-worth buyers, I specialize in delivering results in Raleigh’s most prestigious neighborhoods.
