Raleigh, North Carolina has a rich history going back over 250 years, so it’s not surprising that there are historic homes for sale in Raleigh. The state capital since 1791, some of the homes date back to that era and have distinctive Colonial and Federalist styles.
Have you considered living in a historic home? From a real estate point of view, there are pros and cons to becoming a historic homeowner. On the plus side, buying a home in a historic district means you’ll usually join a community of folks interested in preserving the history of the area and taking care of the neighborhood - great for ongoing real estate property values!
In general, the resale value of homes in historic neighborhoods is higher. Finally, there may be tax credits available to you depending on which “type” of historic district you’re part of.
In Raleigh, there are two types of designations for historic areas and homes: Raleigh Historic Districts and the National Register of Historic Places. These designations have different requirements and benefits.
The Raleigh Historic Districts consist of eight local historic districts, each with its own unique ambiance: Blount Street, Boylan Heights, Capitol Square, Moore Square, Oakwood, Prince Hall, Glenwood-Brooklyn, and Oberlin Village.
Historic Oakwood, the Oak City’s oldest neighborhood, is north and east of downtown Raleigh and features beautiful homes built in the late 19th century. The older Oakwood homes were built in a variety of architectural styles, including Victorian, Bungalow, Craftsman, and Traditional.
The oldest house in Raleigh lies in Mordecai, a community made up of several different neighborhoods: Oakdale, Historic Mordecai, East Mordecai, Pilot Mill, and Capitol Park.
Other historic homes can be found in three prominent Raleigh suburbs that were developed in the early twentieth century: Forest Park, Boylan Heights, and Glenwood-Brooklyn.
Each of these neighborhoods features the hallmarks of pedestrian-friendly planning: tree-lined streets, sidewalks, alleyways, and smaller lots. A second wave of suburban development brought about neighborhoods in the Five Points area, including the prestigious Hayes Barton.
The Moore Square and Prince Hall historic districts encompass some of Raleigh’s historically black neighborhoods, with roots that are planted firmly in the Reconstruction era. Shaw University, established in 1865, attracted newly freed slaves and other blacks. It is one of the oldest HBCUs in the country along with Saint Augustine University (founded in 1867), also located downtown.
Homes in Prince Hall are modest one and two-story homes, featuring styles such as Craftsman, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival hybrids, Neoclassical, and Minimal Traditional. Historic neighborhoods include Idlewild, College Park, and South Park.
Other neighborhoods near downtown Raleigh that developed in the 1940s through 1960s include Cameron Village, Battery Heights, Longview Gardens, and Rochester Heights. These neighborhoods feature mostly ranch-style and split-level houses, as well as some Colonial, Minimal Traditional, and Cape Cod. Some of the floor plans in these houses are original to the style; other homes have been modernized and updated with more open concepts.
As a homeowner in a historic district, any exterior changes made to the house may be subject to design review by the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission.
And while many local review boards have a reputation for being heavy-handed in vetoing changes, the reality is that most applications are approved. As is so often the case, it’s the tiny percent of difficult approval cases that make the news and make people think that it’s impossible to change their homes in historic districts.
Raleigh also boasts many areas on the National Register of Historic Places, administered under the National Park Service in conjunction with state governments. The National Register names both neighborhoods and individual homes to the National Register; these properties are not subject to any restrictions unlike those in local historic districts.
There are a few benefits to owning a National Register home. Owners are eligible for a 20% federal investment tax credit that can be claimed against the cost of a certified rehabilitation of an income-producing historic building.
In addition, there is a 20% state investment tax credit for income-producing historic properties, and a 30% state credit for non-income-producing historic properties. For more information about these real estate tax credits, please visit NCDCR for the information on tax credits.
Below is a complete list of historic homes in Raleigh. Whether you’re looking for a listing firm or someone to help you find that perfect home, please contact us if you have questions about any of the real estate listings, or about the Raleigh area in general.
Central Raleigh location, this 1bed/1bath Ranch is waiting for new homeowners. Fresh paint, new carpet and vinyl, brand new bathroom and kitchen, light fixtures, AC and m...
This adorable ranch is being updated with new floors, cabinetry, and paint- just to name a few. This property is also a good investment property! Open floor plan from kit...
Renovated condo in desirable downtown Raleigh! City views and walkable to restaurants and bars. Condo includes one bedroom, one flex room, bathroom, kitchen and living ro...
Currently tenant occupied please don't go and show! Great investment for investor or if you dream to build your dream custom home. Property sold as is.
Seller financing for homebuyers or investors available! Here we have a fantastic 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath home. Smaller room downstairs can function as an additional bedroom or...
Two adjacent properties for sale in desirable neighborhood off Whitaker Mill Road. Close proximity to Five Points, Dock 1053, Iron Works, with easy access to downtown Ral...
Immaculate cottage, seamlessly blending contemporary amenities with historical charm, nestled in downtown Raleigh just a stroll away from Transfer Food Hall, Chavis Park ...
Offering $5000 credit to buyer to use as they wish. Thoughtfully renovated Historic Home in move in ready condition. Blocks from Historic Oakwood and downtown Raleigh, th...
Historic building that qualifies for a 50% tax discount in a gated community less than 2 miles from downtown Raleigh - HOA dues include pool, a large fitness center, 2 do...
Multi- Unit home in the heart of Downtown Raleigh. Unique Historic Oakwood home is being used as 4 apartments. 3630 total sq feet. All units occupied by month- to -month...
Don't miss out on this incredible investment opportunity at 24 Dixie Trail! Located in the heart of Raleigh on the steps of NC State University, this 2-story gem, built i...
STUNNING 2-story sensational two plus bedroom LOFT condo, Downtown Ral Historic Cotton Mill. Tall ceilings! Exposed brick! Wood beams & columns! Gorgeous Hardwood floors!...
It has been said that the feeling of home can't be bought; rather a place where memories are made and love resides. As she approaches her 100th birthday, this home has be...
Charming renovated bungalow in the heart of Historic Oakwood with an in ground pool! Built over a hundred years ago this home lives like a modern oasis with all the charm...
Fabulous Five Points Craftsman Bungalow with easy walk to Underwood, Roanoke Park, Rialto, Third Place, Lilly's Pizza & access to downtown! Enjoy the grand front covered ...
PRICE IMPROVEMENT! Introducing a timeless gem inside Raleigh's coveted Beltline! This beautifully renovated 1940s home, completely upgraded in 2023, offers a perfect blen...
Step into a world of timeless charm with this all-brick bungalow in Anderson Heights! Meticulously maintained and cared for by one owner, this home exudes warmth and char...
Stunning Historic Oakwood home for sale. Full of light with glowing heart pine floors, unique features including three sets of French doors opening to the wraparound porc...
Discover the epitome of cottage perfection in one of Raleigh's most sought-after historic neighborhoods – Forest Park, formerly known as Cameron Park. This timeless gem e...
**Motivated Sellers** This is your chance to own a piece of history while enjoying the conveniences of modern living. This timeless Queen Anne Colonial Home is an exquisi...
MOTIVATED SELLERS! This is priced to sell! Your urban oasis awaits in Hayes Barton! Enjoy the convenience of strolling to Five Points, Village District or Glenwood Villag...
This classy home boasts 9ft ceilings, an elegant foyer with quarter-turn staircase, great circular flow, and a cozy den/home office with heart-of-pine paneling and built-...
Drop a pin at the epicenter of Five Points and you will find 1615 Glenwood waiting for you... Rich with character, classic architecture, and lush, verdant gardens. This i...
Own a piece of Raleigh's history in Mordecai. Originally built in the early 1920's, this handsome Neo-Georgian style home provides the architectural brilliance of the ear...
Grand Victorian Elegance in Historic Oakwood. This is your chance to live downtown in a beautiful renovated 3 or 4 bedroom on the corner of S. Bloodworth and Morson acro...
Timeless elegance meets modern luxury in this impeccably renovated home located in a truly iconic neighborhood. Meticulous craftsmanship is showcased in every corner, mar...
Charm abounds in this rare 1926 bungalow nestled under majestic oak trees and sited on a deep, .7-acre lot. Features include all formals, master suite, large kitchen with...
Built in 1928, over 1 Acre Raleigh landmark is a testament to enduring charm. A stunning entrance welcomes you, setting the tone for the grandeur within. The recently ren...
Urban estate nestled amidst the foliage of the desirable Hayes Barton community in ITB. The lot size and stunningly landscaped gardens offer a unique opportunity to acqui...
Listings provided courtesy of Triangle MLS, Inc. of NC, Internet Data Exchange Database. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2023 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. Data last updated .