Quarterly Research Report

Raleigh Housing Stability Report

Quarterly analysis of distressed property trends, eviction patterns, and market friction points in the Raleigh metropolitan area.

Executive Summary

This quarterly report examines housing stability indicators across the Raleigh metropolitan area, with particular focus on distressed property trends, eviction patterns, and market friction points that affect household mobility and community stability.

Housing instability in the Raleigh region is shaped by overlapping pressures including rising costs, information gaps, and time-sensitive decision-making. This report outlines common risk pathways and practical safeguards based on documented patterns.

Distressed Properties

Analysis of properties in pre-foreclosure, foreclosure, or distressed status across Wake County.

Eviction Patterns

Tracking eviction filings, outcomes, and displacement patterns across zip codes.

Market Friction

Examination of barriers preventing smooth housing market transactions.

Key Findings

Distressed Property Trends

  • Pre-foreclosure filings increased 23% year-over-year in Wake County
  • Average time in foreclosure extended to 14 months, up from 9 months in 2024
  • Properties 90+ days delinquent represent 2.4% of all mortgages

Eviction Filing Patterns

  • Eviction filings concentrated in 6 zip codes representing 68% of cases
  • Rental eviction rate of 4.2% annually, above national average of 3.0%
  • 67% of filings occur for amounts under $3,000

Market Friction Points

  • Title complications block 12% of potential transactions
  • Inspection contingencies trigger renegotiation in 34% of deals
  • Financing contingencies fail in 18% of purchase agreements

Displacement Indicators

  • Cost-burdened renters increased to 67% of all renters
  • Median move distance increased 34% as affordability drives relocation
  • Households spending over 50% income on housing up 28%

Observations

1 Extended Foreclosure Timelines

The extension of average foreclosure timelines from 9 to 14 months creates extended uncertainty for neighborhoods, municipalities, and the households themselves. Properties in limbo for extended periods often fall into disrepair, affecting surrounding property values and neighborhood quality.

2 Geographic Concentration of Eviction Risk

Eviction filings concentrate in specific zip codes, creating neighborhoods of concentrated instability. This geographic pattern suggests structural factors including limited affordable housing supply, higher rates of cost-burden, and reduced access to legal resources for tenants facing eviction.

3 Small Balance Evictions

The concentration of eviction filings under $3,000 suggests that many filings are for relatively small balances that may result from late fees, small damage claims, or lease violations. Early intervention at these stages may prevent displacement and associated costs.

4 Title Complications as Market Barrier

Properties with title complications that cannot be sold represent inventory that exists but cannot be transacted. This creates a form of invisible supply constraint, where market value exists but market function is impaired.

Public Impact

For Municipal Officials

Housing instability affects municipal revenues, service demands, and long-term community development. Understanding distressed property patterns and eviction concentrations supports informed policy development.

  • Zip code-level data for targeted intervention
  • Foreclosure timeline impacts on blight
  • Eviction pattern analysis for service planning

For Community Organizations

Service providers and community organizations benefit from understanding housing instability patterns to coordinate resources effectively and target intervention efforts.

  • Geographic concentration mapping
  • Timing patterns for proactive outreach
  • Cross-sector coordination data

For Housing Providers

Landlords and property managers navigate market conditions affected by housing instability. Understanding broader patterns supports better decision-making.

  • Market vacancy and turnover patterns
  • Affordability context for rent-setting
  • Eviction outcome data

For Researchers & Journalists

Independent data supports evidence-based reporting and research on housing systems affecting Raleigh communities.

  • Documented data sources and methodology
  • Trend analysis for longitudinal research
  • Cross-institution comparability

Request This Report

Access the complete quarterly analysis with detailed methodology, full data tables, and institutional briefing available for qualified organizations.

Data Sources & Methodology

This report draws on public records including Wake County Register of Deeds data, North Carolina Court System eviction records, U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data, and Federal Reserve Economic Data. Methodology is documented in The Public Lyceum's Research Methodology framework.

View Full Research Methodology