Raleigh rents edged up in Q3 2026 while concessions held near 60% and the rent-vs-buy gap widened to $1,439 a month, the largest since Q4 2023.
Every unit type rose or held quarter over quarter, led by single-family at +1.3%, though 3-bedroom and single-family rents remain 16.4% and 13.8% below a year ago.
Concessions eased slightly to 59.7%, still about 20 points above the national median, while overall days on market held at 22.
Expectations of falling rents dropped to 3% from 15% in Q2, but 17% of managers now report fewer applicants, up from 7%.
Buying costs $1,439 more per month than renting, up $113 from Q2 and the widest gap in data going back to Q4 2023.
Download the full national analysis including rent-vs-buy and sentiment data across every tracked metro: Q3 2026 National Rental Market Report
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Rental data used in this report are sourced and catalogued directly by Rental Beast, unless otherwise noted. Rental Beast listing data covers a range of rental property types and owner types operating within the long-term rental market (generally considered to be leases with a minimum of three months). Single-family rentals are considered to be properties with 4 or fewer units. Multifamily is more than 4 doors. Unless otherwise noted, our analysis uses the Raleigh-Cary, NC metropolitan statistical area (MSA) as the geographical unit.
Rents are calculated based on these listings. Days on market (DOM) and concession analysis are based on these listings, with some data sources excluded due to DOM and concession info being unavailable or deemed to be unreliable. Concessions are incentives that entice renters to sign a lease (e.g., one month free, a gift card, etc.). Our sentiment survey is based on phone conversations during Q3 2026 with rental building and community managers and property managers. Questions and answer choices:
DISCLAIMER. This report attempts to provide reliable and useful information; however, there is no guarantee that the information or other content in this document is accurate, current or suitable for any particular purpose. All content is subject to change without notice. All content is provided on an “as is” basis, with no warranties of any kind whatsoever. Rental data used in this report are sourced and catalogued directly by Rental Beast, unless otherwise noted. Our analysis uses MSA as the geographical unit and is not reflective of all-U.S. measures. Information from this document may be used with proper attribution.
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