Creative Ways Buyers Afford Homes in 2025

A realistic composite image showing four creative paths to homeownership. Top left: a couple reviewing blueprints outside a fixer-upper. Top right: two smiling women holding a key in front of a home with a “Sold” sign. Bottom left: a man researching homes on a laptop. Bottom right: a modern suburban home at sunset. Blue arrows connect each scene to illustrate different strategies.

If high home prices, steep interest rates, or uncertainty about “being ready” to buy have you feeling stuck, you are not alone.

According to the 2025 NextGen Homebuyer Report, nearly 60% of Gen Z and Millennial buyers still believe homeownership is possible. Yet, only 19% believe now is the right time to buy. That gap has pushed many Triangle-area homebuyers in places like Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Apex to think outside the traditional homebuying box.

Here are four of the most popular alternative strategies buyers are using in the Triangle, NC housing market in 2025, along with tips to help you decide if one might be right for you.

1. Buying a Fixer-Upper in the Triangle

Used by: 42% of buyers surveyed
Best for: Handy buyers looking for more space at a lower cost
Avoid if: You need move-in-ready or have a limited renovation budget

A home that needs work can be the ticket into a Raleigh, Cary, or Chapel Hill neighborhood you thought was out of reach. In many Triangle markets, fixer-uppers sell for 10 to 30 percent less than similar move-in-ready homes.

Advantages:

  • Lower upfront cost

  • Faster equity growth potential

  • Full customization opportunities

Drawbacks:

  • Renovation expenses can escalate quickly

  • Permits and inspections may slow progress

  • Financing can be harder with certain loan types

If you are considering a fixer-upper in Wake County or Durham County, ask your agent about renovation loan programs like the FHA 203(k) that roll upgrade costs into your mortgage.

2. Co-Buying With Friends or Family in the Triangle

Considered by: 21% overall, 32% of Gen Z buyers
Best for: Trusted partners ready to pool resources
Avoid if: You have unclear agreements or mismatched financial goals

Co-buying is surging in popularity across the Triangle, especially in competitive areas like Apex, Holly Springs, and Fuquay-Varina. Buyers team up with siblings, friends, or partners to afford a home together. Done correctly, it can double your buying power and split your expenses in half.

Advantages:

  • Shared down payment and monthly mortgage costs

  • Bigger budget for a larger home or better location

  • Built-in support network

Drawbacks:

  • Requires a clear legal agreement

  • Conflicts can impact finances and relationships

  • An exit plan must be set in advance

Before moving forward, consult a North Carolina real estate attorney to discuss options for taking title, and have serious discussions with respect to an agreement for covering financial responsibilities, equity splits, and what happens if one party wants to sell.

3. House Hacking in the Triangle

Used by: Nearly 19% of buyers
Best for: Buyers open to being landlords or sharing space
Avoid if: Privacy is a top priority

House hacking means purchasing a property with built-in rental income potential, such as a duplex in Durham, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Raleigh, or a finished basement in Cary you can rent out short-term or long-term. The rental income can offset part or even all of your mortgage.

Advantages:

  • Could possibly generate income

  • Helps cover mortgage costs

  • Turns your home into a long-term investment

Drawbacks:

  • Local regulations may limit rentals

  • Shared spaces may affect privacy

  • Requires additional insurance and planning

Check Raleigh, Cary, and Durham rental ordinances before banking on income. Some cities in the Triangle restrict or ban short-term rentals, while others require permits.

4. Relocating to a More Affordable Area in North Carolina

Considered by: 47% of buyers surveyed
Best for: Remote workers, flexible buyers, and those priced out locally
Avoid if: You are tied to a specific job location, school district, or community

Remote work has opened new possibilities for Triangle-area homebuyers. Nearly half of younger buyers are exploring more affordable cities and suburbs in North Carolina where their money goes further, such as Clayton, Garner, or parts of Johnston County.

Advantages:

  • More space for your budget

  • Lower property taxes and living costs

  • Faster wealth building potential in certain markets

Drawbacks:

  • May require changing jobs or adapting to a longer commute

  • Limited amenities or slower appreciation in some regions

  • Harder to view homes in person when buying from afar

Work with your Triangle real estate agent to identify emerging neighborhoods just outside the hot spots of Raleigh and Durham. You might find hidden gems with strong growth potential.

Final Take: Creative Homebuying Works Best With Expert Guidance

In 2025, homeownership in the Triangle, NC real estate market is far from one-size-fits-all. Whether you choose a fixer-upper in Cary, join forces with a co-buyer in Durham, explore house hacking in Raleigh, or relocate to a more affordable North Carolina suburb, the key is having a plan and the right guidance.

If you are ready to explore creative homebuying strategies in the Triangle, let's connect. I can help you weigh your options, crunch the numbers, and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget.

Thanks for reading!

Brandon Yopp