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Charlotte Housing Market

By Chuck McShane

Charlotte home prices plateau as sales slow and inventory expands

The spring homebuying season got off to a slow start in Charlotte, with April sales down 3.9% year over year. Price growth plateaued at 0.3% annually, even as inventory expanded by nearly 12%.

Charlotte home sales fall after strong 2025

Charlotte home sales fell 3.9% in April, one of the weakest performances in the Southeast. While continued softness in townhome sales contributed to the decline, the negative year-over-year performance can be partially explained by slowing job growth.

Despite several headquarters’ relocation announcements, year-over-year job growth has slowed from a peak of 1.4% in July 2025 to 0.9% in March 2026. The 3,378 homes that sold in April 2026 remain on par with April 2024.

Orlando was the only Southeastern market to post a steeper sales decline, down 6.4%. Peer cities such as Nashville saw sales grow 1.6%, and in-state rival Raleigh saw 7.2% growth.

Collapsing townhome demand weighed on sales. Townhome sales were down 6.1% annually, compared to a 3.5% drop in single-family sales.

Charlotte inventory growth continues to outpace the nation

Charlotte’s for-sale housing inventory increased in April, led by suburban listings growth and lingering townhome inventory. The 11.9% increase was nearly double the national growth rate of 6.3%, lifting inventory to nearly 14,000.

Single-family homes make up the bulk of inventory, at nearly 11,000 homes, driven by listings growth in suburban areas such as Gastonia, Fort Mill, and Concord.

Still single-family inventory growth was the slowest among property types at 9.6% annually. Townhome listings grew nearly 22% over the year to an all-time high of more than 2,300 units. Townhomes are staying on the market longer, a median of 83 days, while the median single-family home was on the market for 62 days. The gap in sales velocity has grown over the past four years. By comparison, the two property types spent roughly the same median days, between 41 and 42 days, on the market in April 2022.

Townhome discounts weigh on Charlotte price growth

Charlotte median home prices were effectively flat in April 2026 at $411,250, up 0.3% annually, well below the 1.7% national growth rate. Charlotte price growth was roughly on par with Southeastern markets such as Raleigh, up 0.3%, and Atlanta, up 0.4%.

Single-family home prices remained resilient, rising to $440,000, a 2.3% annual growth rate that matched the national rate. Townhome prices, on the other hand, fell 4.1% to $350,000.


This KPI chart shows median sales price, active listings, and total home sales in the Charlotte market in April 2026.
Buyers closed on 3,378 home sales in Charlotte in April 2026 as the median home price reached $411,250 and inventory grew to 13,878 active listings.


Charlotte Sale Prices

The median home sale price in Charlotte increased by 0.3% compared to the same time last year, while the national median price rose by 1.7%.

Charlotte ranks 23rd for annual median home sale price change among the top 40 US markets

Charlotte median home prices rose by $1,250 year over year on a nominal basis in April to $411,250. Meanwhile, the national median home price increased by $6,500 to $390,000.

Charlotte median home sale price is above the nation's

Charlotte was the 21st highest-priced housing market among the top 40 largest markets last month. The Charlotte median home price of $411,250 was 5.4% above the national median home price. Charlotte's median home price in April compares to the market's peak of $427,250 recorded in June of 2025.

Charlotte single-family prices increase, while townhome prices fall

The median price of Charlotte single-family homes rose $10,000 over the past year to $440,000, while the median townhome price declined 4.1%, and the median condo price rose 1.9%.


This KPI summary highlights Charlotte’s $411,250 home price, 0.3% annual growth, and mid-tier national ranking among major U.S. markets.
Charlotte’s April sale price reached $411,250, which ranked 21st nationally, while annual growth remained limited at 0.3%, or $1,250, below the U.S. pace of 1.7%.


This bar chart tracks Charlotte April home prices from 2018 to 2026, showing stabilization around $411,250 after rapid earlier growth.
Charlotte’s April sale price reached $411,250 in 2026, effectively unchanged from $410,000 in 2025 following significant gains earlier in the cycle.


This area chart shows Charlotte’s annual dollar and percent price trends from 2018 through 2026, highlighting a pronounced slowdown to minimal growth.
Charlotte’s annual price growth slowed sharply from its 2021 and 2022 peak, flattening by 2026 and aligning with April’s modest 0.3% increase, or $1,250.


This bar chart shows April price growth trends and key indicators, with 2026 rising 0.3% while single-family homes outperform townhomes.
April price appreciation slowed to 0.3% in 2026, down from a peak of 21.2% in 2022, while single-family homes averaged $440,000 with 2.3% growth and townhomes declined 4.1% to $350,000.


This metro comparison chart shows April 2026 home prices, with Charlotte at $411,250 positioned mid-pack among peer markets.
At $411,250, Charlotte ranked 21st among metros, below Richmond at $416,163 and Austin at $434,628, but above Atlanta at $401,416.


This horizontal bar chart shows April 2026 annual percent changes, with Charlotte at 0.3%, trailing higher-growth markets led by Cleveland at 8.1%.
Charlotte recorded 0.3% annual growth, placing 23rd, below the U.S. average of 1.7% and well behind faster-growing markets such as Cleveland at 8.1%.


This KPI summary highlights Charlotte sales prices by property types. It shows single-family home prices rose 2.3% on a year-over-year basis in April while townhome prices fell.
Single-family home prices in Charlotte continued to rise modestly in April 2026, growing $10,000 or 2.3% on a year-over-year basis to $440,000. Townhome prices fell about $15,000, or 4.1%, to $350,000. Condo prices rose 1.9% to $315,000.


This chart compares Charlotte home prices by property type, with single-family at $440,000 outperforming townhomes at $350,000 amid declining growth.
Single-family homes averaged $440,000 with 2.3% growth, while townhomes averaged $350,000 and declined 4.1%, widening the performance gap between property types.


Charlotte Inventory

The number of active listings in Charlotte increased by 11.9% in April compared to the same time last year, while national active listings rose by 6.3%.

Charlotte's inventory of homes for sale continues to grow

Charlotte active listings rose by 1,477 year over year in April to 13,878 active listings. Charlotte ranked 14th, on a percentage basis, for the annual change in the number of homes for sale among the top 40 U.S. markets in April.

Charlotte active listings are above pre-pandemic levels

Charlotte active listings were above their pre-pandemic levels in the month of April. Charlotte active listings were 14% above the April 2019 total of 12,172.

Charlotte townhome inventory grows faster than single-family inventory

Charlotte single-family active listings grew by 9.6% to 10,800 in April. In comparison, townhome active listings rose by 21.8% to 2,346, and condo active listings increased by 17.9% to 732.


This KPI dashboard summarizes Charlotte listings at 13,878 with 11.9% growth and a gain of 1,477, ranking mid-tier nationally.
Charlotte recorded 13,878 listings in April 2026, reflecting 11.9% annual growth and an increase of 1,477 listings. That ranked Charlotte 17th in total inventory and 14th in growth among U.S. markets.


This bar chart shows Charlotte listings rising toward 14,000 by April 2026, indicating a sustained increase in housing inventory.
Active listings in Charlotte have increased steadily to nearly 14,000 as of April 2026, illustrating a clear upward trend in available housing supply over recent years.


This area chart tracks annual listing growth, showing Charlotte posting roughly 11% growth in 2026 following prior volatility.
Charlotte’s annual inventory growth remained positive at approximately 11% in April 2026. The pace of annual inventory growth has remained relatively stable since November 2025, but is slower than last year.


This column chart shows April listing growth trends, with Charlotte increasing 11.9% in 2026 after stronger gains in prior years.
April listing growth reached 11.9% in 2026, down from 30% in 2025, indicating continued but moderating inventory expansion following rapid gains.


This horizontal bar chart compares metro listing totals, with Charlotte at 13,878, showing its position among mid-sized U.S. housing markets.
At 13,878 listings, Charlotte ranked below larger markets such as Houston at 42,808 and Atlanta at 34,081, and was positioned in the middle tier nationally.


This metro bar chart shows listing increases, with Charlotte adding 1,477 listings, placing it in the middle range of U.S. markets.
Charlotte added 1,477 listings year over year, middle of the pack among major metros, but behind markets such as Houston, at 4,381 and Atlanta, at 4,176.


This KPI panel shows listing growth by property type, with townhomes leading at 21.8% compared with slower single-family increases.
Townhome inventory growth led all other property types at 21.8%, followed by condos at 17.9%, while single-family listings increased at a more moderate 9.6% pace.


This bar chart compares listings by property type, with townhomes growing 21.8%, significantly faster than single-family inventory in Charlotte.
Single-family listings totaled 10,800 with 9.6% growth, while townhomes reached 2,346 and expanded 21.8%, outpacing growth across other housing types.


Charlotte Home Sales

The number of home sales in Charlotte decreased by 3.9% in April compared to the same time last year, while national home sales rose by 0.6%.

Charlotte home sales decline

Charlotte home sales declined by 136 year over year on a nominal basis in April to 3,378. For context, 3,514 sales closed in Charlotte in April 2025.

Charlotte's annual home sales activity change ranks 32nd nationally

Charlotte ranked 32nd for the annual change in home sales out of the top 40 U.S. markets in April on a percentage basis. This year's April decrease of 3.9% compares to the 4% year over year increase in April 2025.  

Townhome sales in Charlotte fall more steeply than single-family homes

Charlotte single-family sales decreased by 3.5% in April to 2,759. In comparison, townhome sales fell by 6.1% to 491, and condo sales fell by 2.3% to 128.


This KPI dashboard shows Charlotte home sales at 3,378 with a 3.9% decline, ranking mid-tier nationally but lagging U.S. growth.
Charlotte recorded 3,378 home sales, reflecting a 3.9% decline year over year, ranking 16th in total sales but 32nd in growth, trailing the U.S. increase of 0.6%.


This bar chart shows Charlotte home sales from 2018 to 2026, with volumes stabilizing near 3,300 after declining from earlier peaks.
Home sales volumes remained below prior peaks, with April 2026 activity stabilizing near 3,300 sales, reflecting a slower market compared to earlier cycle highs.


This area chart shows annual percent change in Charlotte home sales, with a 3.9% decline in 2026 following volatile trends.
Caption: Charlotte’s annual sales trend turned negative again in April 2026, declining about 3.9%, the fourth-consecutive month of year-over-year declines.


This column chart shows April home sales change, with Charlotte declining 3.9% in 2026 after modest gains in the prior year.
April sales declined 3.9% in 2026, reversing gains of 4% in 2025.


This horizontal bar chart compares metro home sales, with Charlotte at 3,378, placing it in the middle of major U.S. markets.
Charlotte recorded 3,378 April home sales, ranking mid-tier among major metros, below Chicago, at 8,816 and Dallas-Fort Worth, at 8,370, but ahead of markets such as Orlando, at 3,199.


This metro comparison chart shows annual sales change, with Charlotte declining 3.9%, underperforming several faster-growing peer markets.
Charlotte posted a 3.9% decline in April home sales, placing it among weaker-performing metros and below markets such as Raleigh at 7.2% growth.


This KPI panel shows Charlotte home sales by property type, with single-family, townhome, and condo sales all declining in 2026.
Sales declines were broad-based, with single-family sales, at 2,759, down 3.5% annually; townhome sales, at 491, down 6.1%; and condos, at 128, down 2.3%.


This bar chart compares Charlotte sales by property type, with single-family far exceeding townhome and condo transactions in 2026.
Single-family homes accounted for the most activity at 2,759 sales, far exceeding 491 townhome sales and 128 condo sales, highlighting the dominance of single-family demand.


For questions and commentary about this report:

Chuck McShane, Senior Director of Market Analytics at CoStar and Homes.com, based in Charlotte, is available for interviews to provide expert insights on this data and the broader residential real estate market.

Chuck McShane

Senior Director of Market Analytics

Homes.com

cmcshane@costar.com

Homes.com releases preliminary figures on housing trends on a monthly basis. Although these numbers may change slightly once all transactions are accounted for, they provide an early indication of home price appreciation, inventory changes, and sales volume in Charlotte during April 2026.

For most markets, geographical coverage consists of the Census-defined Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA). Data for San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York is at the Metropolitan Division level.

Definition of Sale Prices

Median home price is the midpoint sale price of homes closed during each month. This data includes homes that are detached, attached, and condominiums. Detached homes are single-family units. Attached homes are townhomes, rowhouses, and duplexes. The condominium classification includes co-ops.

Definition of Inventory

Inventory is the number of unique active listings that were for sale during each month. This data includes homes that are detached, attached, and condominiums. Detached homes are single-family units. Attached homes are townhomes, rowhouses, and duplexes. The condominium classification includes co-ops.

Definition of Home Sales

The total number of closed home sales on the MLS during the month. This data includes homes that are detached, attached, and condominiums. Detached homes are single-family units. Attached homes are townhomes, rowhouses, and duplexes. The condominium classification includes co-ops.

About the Homes.com Market Analytics Team

The Homes.com Market Analytics group is a team of experienced analysts embedded in nearly 30 markets across North America. These experts reside in and regularly visit the markets they cover, providing local expertise and a national perspective on all sectors of real estate: residential, office, industrial, retail, and multifamily.

About Homes.com Analytics Data

The Homes.com analytic data is compiled by the CoStar Analytics team, the largest and most experienced analytics team in the real estate industry. The team consists of over 50 economists, analysts, and data scientists, who collectively have more than 900 years of real estate experience and over 30 advanced degrees. Analysts on the team live in and around the markets they cover, enabling them to build deep local knowledge and unique insights.

The data set being used by the team is one of the most comprehensive and robust in the industry. It spans all 393 metropolitan markets, 542 micropolitan markets, and over 35,000 local neighborhoods in the U.S. The data set is sourced from almost 500 Multiple Listing Service (MLS) providers around the country, as well as public record data from each market, and is supplemented by proprietary data collected by CoStar's team of over 2,000 researchers. It includes a complete inventory of all homes in the U.S., including homes for sale, homes for rent, new construction homes, as well as sale comps and rent comps.

Writer
Chuck McShane

Chuck McShane is a Senior Director of Market Analytics at CoStar and Homes.com for the Charlotte Region and South Carolina. In this role, he provides data-driven analysis of commercial and residential real estate market conditions in the region and contributes to the CoStar Economy series on national economic trends. Chuck regularly presents to CoStar clients and industry groups, and his insights have been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and other media outlets. Before joining CoStar, Chuck led the research team at the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Charlotte Chamber, where he developed industry studies and advised office and industrial site selection and expansion projects. He holds a doctorate in public policy from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

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