Market Watch- Charlotte October 2025

[Kasey Hardt]

Below is your October 2025 Charlotte market update — including exciting infrastructure news​ and a snapshot of the tightest rental markets across the region.

​Infrastructure Spotlight: Charlotte’s Rail Trail Bridge Project

Construction is officially underway on the long-anticipated Rail Trail Pedestrian Bridge over I-277, a $16–21 million project that will connect Uptown Charlotte to South End via a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge.

Quick facts:

• -The bridge will span ~280 feet across I-277, linking the Brooklyn Village (Stonewall) Station area in Uptown to the Charlotte Rail Trail under the East Morehead Street bridge.
• -Expected completion: Spring 2028
• -Funded through a mix of City, State, and private contributions, showing strong public-private commitment to urban mobility and development.
• -Features include modern architecture, lighting, and landscaped approaches to enhance trail connectivity and walkability.

Why it matters for investors:

• -Connectivity boost: The bridge links two of Charlotte’s highest-growth districts — Uptown and South End — creating seamless pedestrian and bike access between residential, retail, and employment hubs.
• -Transit proximity premium: Direct connection to the Lynx Blue Line increases desirability for renters seeking car-free living.
• -Value growth corridor: Neighborhoods along the Rail Trail and adjacent areas may see higher rental demand, stronger appreciation, and lower long-term vacancy rates.
• -Signal of momentum: Major infrastructure projects like this highlight continued investment in Charlotte’s urban core — a positive signal for long-term property values.

If you own or are targeting properties near South End, Uptown, Dilworth, or South Tryon, this project positions you ahead of future demand growth once the bridge opens.

Charlotte-Area ZIPs With the Lowest Vacancy Rates (October 2025)

These submarkets are showing vacancy rates below 10%, reflecting strong tenant demand and rental stability:

ZIP Code	​Vacancy Rate
28092​	4%
28012	5%
28052	6%
28677	7%
28081	8%
28115	8%
28134	8%
28216	8%
28036	9%
28037	9%
28027	9%
28105	9%
28217	9%
28078	9%

What this means:

• -Markets with ≤ 10% vacancy signal tight rental conditions and healthy absorption.
• -Top performers: 28092 (Lincolnton) and 28012 (Belmont) are exceptionally tight at 4–5%, indicating very strong rental demand and limited supply.
• - Submarkets like Huntersville (28078), Cornelius (28036), and Mooresville (28115) continue to show consistent occupancy and rent growth.
• -Investor takeaway: Consider these ZIPs for long-term holds or mid-term rentals where tenant demand is proven and turnover risk is lower.

Investor Insight

Charlotte continues to demonstrate the fundamentals investors look for:

-Expanding infrastructure that connects key economic zones

-Steady population and job growth

-Sub-10% vacancy rates in most surrounding markets

**The Rail Trail Bridge adds another layer of appeal to the city’s core — connecting lifestyle, transit, and development in a way that supports both rental and appreciation upside.