The start of a new year always brings excitement, anticipation, and some anxiety for what’s ahead. As a tradition, the New Year gives many people a starting point to define clear goals. We assess 2025, then see what trends stick in 2026!
Resale Homes: BALANCE
Previously owned homes make up the majority of our market, and have the opportunity to steal market share from new construction. Price and condition are as important as ever. Of course, location trumps all other attributes!
Luxury Market: BOOM
Red hot, especially in Buena Vista and Sherwood Forest, as well as some county properties which offer acreage and recreational opportunities. Demand is strong, supply remains low.
Luxury New Construction: BALANCE
Soaring new construction prices have cooled the previously red-hot market. Days on market are up, but prices don’t seem to be coming down. Look for builders to make more conservative choices, especially in the luxury new construction speculative home space.
Under $600,000 New Construction: BALANCE
Do you see “new homes” signs everywhere? I do! The national builders have bought up a lot of land. Buyer beware. Sometimes, quality is compromised. Always have a home inspection!
First Time Buyer: BALANCE
Hang in there! Compromise on things you can change, like paint, landscaping, light fixtures, and flooring. DON’T compromise on location.
Investor: BALANCE
Investors continue to scour the market, looking for opportunities. Although rent prices are high, the rate of rent increases seems to be slowing. The influx of new construction will affect tenants, and seller/lender incentives will incentivize long-term renters to consider purchasing. Rent prices will stabilize.
Commercial Market: BALANCE
Cindy Christopher, owner of Christopher Commercial, indicates that Winston-Salem has always been resilient, and that 2026 will be a good year. “Commercial leasing continues to improve, and there is very little Class A space available in Winston-Salem, besides the downtown towers which will spill over into older, secondary space. Cap rates have changed very little, and the investment market remains active. Same with retail. It will be interesting to see what happens with multi-family. Several WS projects have been put on pause because of interest rates but demand for apartments remains strong and several new projects are in the works. The Winston-Salem downtown continues to struggle, but hopefully the amphitheater will be a shot in the arm.”
2026 Final Prediction: BALANCE
“Inventory” (number homes for sale) remains higher than in recent years. Demand remains high as well. Appreciation has slowed, and sellers who acknowledge this will sell quickly. I think we are on the verge of seeing too much new construction. But, that’s not what the headlines say. They are counting homes; I am taking location and quality into consideration.
Real estate is local. Location matters. Quality matters. As Henry Jones, Sr. says, “choose wisely.”
Cheers. Go Deacs. Golf season is close!
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty
Tori Boysen
Broker
336-345-3499
tori.boysen@bhhscarolinas.com
toriboysen.com
