Market Watch: Charlotte Rental Market Update August 2025

[Kasey Hardt]

Charlotte's Rental Market Update for August 2025.

Regional Snapshot

• Active Rentals: 2,033 (+8.1% YoY)
• Leased Properties: 907 (-8.5% YoY)
• Average Rent: $2,143 (+0.7% YoY | +1.7% YTD)

Supply is climbing, leasing dipped slightly, but rents are still edging up—a healthy sign for landlords.

Best Rental Areas Per Data

• Waxhaw, NC – Luxury rents at $2,811 (+2.7%)
• Fort Mill, SC – Strong growth, avg rent $2,569 (+9.3%)*
• Davidson, NC – Consistent demand, rents up 10.8%
• Lake Wylie, SC – Waterfront demand, rents at $2,725 (+1.7%)*
• Union County, NC (Monroe & Matthews) – Surge in rental activity with stable pricin​g.

*As a reminder, South Carolina has higher property tax/investment property. North Carolina does not have different taxes.

Emerging Opportunities

• Lincolnton, NC – Affordable rents at $1,454, rising nearly 10%
  • ​Population Increase: As of July 2023, Lincolnton's population was estimated at 12,128, reflecting a 9.3% growth since April 2020 .(Census.gov)
  • Employment Growth: Between 2022 and 2023, employment in Lincolnton grew by 3.98%, increasing from 4,830 to 5,020 employees .(Data USA)
  • Key Industries: The leading employment sectors are Manufacturing (1,351 employees), Health Care & Social Assistance (595), and Accommodation & Food Services (454) .(Data USA)
  • Affordability: The cost of living in Lincolnton is about 7% lower than the national average, with housing costs being particularly affordable at 31% below the national average .(HomeSnacks)
  • Economic Stability: The presence of diverse industries provides a stable economic base, which can be favorable for long-term real estate investments.
  • Transportation: The average commute time is approximately 24.2 minutes, facilitating access to employment centers in and around Charlotte .(Census.gov)

• Kannapolis, NC – Leasing up, rents steady at $1,630
  • Anchored by the $100M+ investment in the North Carolina Research Campus, a biotech research hub.
  • Kannapolis Train Station, straight shot to uptown!
  • Please Click Here and Here for additional information on current and future developments in Kannapolis!
  • Stadium & Entertainment: Atrium Health Ballpark brings foot traffic and drives short-term rental appeal.
  • Attraction Growth: Proximity to breweries, trails, and new retail makes it increasingly desirable for both renters and buyers.

Investor Takeaway:

High-demand suburban & lifestyle-driven markets are commanding top rents, while affordable pockets like Kannapolis and Lincolnton offer strong growth potential. If you’re looking to expand your portfolio or reposition for stronger cash flow, now is a great time to explore these areas​!