The Cary NC Ultra-Luxury Market: What You Need to Know

Cary, NC, has long been recognized for its quality of life, excellent planning, and thoughtful development. Over the past decade, it has also gained attention for something else—its growing ultra-luxury home market. From gated communities offering resort-style amenities to architectural standouts with modern and traditional finishes, the local landscape has started to reflect the tastes of a high-net-worth buyer base looking for space, quality, and proximity to research hubs and top-tier amenities.

The Cary, NC, ultra luxury market is most visible in several distinct pockets across town. One of the most prominent areas is MacGregor Downs, a well-established neighborhood that continues to command attention thanks to its golf course views, large custom homes, and mature landscaping. It’s long been considered a pillar of Cary real estate, and today, it competes at the upper end of the pricing spectrum due to consistent demand and the neighborhood’s strong architectural integrity.

Preston is another community that holds weight in the high-end space. With winding streets, proximity to the country club, and lakefront lots, this development offers properties that combine space with lifestyle perks. Here, larger homes with updated interiors and well-designed outdoor living spaces are setting the tone for what buyers expect from this tier.

Newer developments like Montvale at Copperleaf and Destin are attracting attention from those looking for a modern build with expansive square footage, cutting-edge design, and access to the American Tobacco Trail. These neighborhoods reflect a shift in taste: cleaner lines, bold materials, and flexible floor plans that accommodate both quiet living and large-scale entertaining.

Homes in the Cary, NC, ultra luxury market share common threads in craftsmanship and layout. Kitchens tend to be the showpiece—spacious, bright, and fully equipped with premium appliances such as Sub-Zero, Wolf, or Thermador. Waterfall islands, quartzite counters, and oversized walk-in pantries are now expected features.

Open-concept layouts dominate, but with more nuanced use of transitional spaces. Builders are using ceiling treatments, natural wood beams, and mixed materials to define rooms without fully enclosing them. Mudrooms, butler’s pantries, and sculleries are also returning, offering practical elegance in daily routines.

Outdoor living has become just as important as interior design. Covered porches with retractable screens, summer kitchens, and custom pools are standard inclusions in many newly built or renovated properties. Thoughtful landscaping, often with irrigation and lighting systems, completes the vision.

Buyers entering the Cary, NC, ultra luxury market are generally well-informed and value long-term investment potential. Many are relocating from out-of-state markets like California, New York, and Florida. They're seeking homes that deliver privacy, style, and convenience in one package.

A growing number of buyers prioritize smart home systems, energy efficiency, and flexible living options that allow for multigenerational use or guest accommodations. Work-from-home capabilities remain relevant, and dedicated office spaces with custom millwork, integrated lighting, and acoustic treatments are being prioritized. There's also an increasing interest in wellness features. Home gyms, infrared saunas, and spa-quality bathrooms have become key differentiators in newer listings.

Inventory in this market is relatively limited compared to larger metro areas, which adds to the appeal for those seeking exclusivity. Custom homes can take months—sometimes more than a year—to design and build, meaning many buyers turn to resale properties that already meet their criteria.

Pricing in the ultra-luxury segment typically starts around two million and can climb above five million depending on location, acreage, and amenities. Resale properties that have been thoroughly updated tend to move faster, particularly if they feature timeless design and strong outdoor components.

While Cary continues to appreciate steadily, it hasn’t experienced the same volatility seen in some coastal or high-density markets. This adds an additional layer of security for buyers who want to make a calculated investment.

For buyers who prefer to build, Cary offers a growing roster of boutique builders that focus exclusively on high-end construction. These firms bring in-house architects and designers to the process, guiding clients through each step from land acquisition to final trim.

Design-build firms operating in the area understand the local aesthetic and the practical needs of buyers relocating from markets with different climates and architectural preferences. Whether it’s ensuring proper site drainage or installing energy-efficient windows for summer heat, these professionals bring the local expertise needed to produce long-lasting homes.

While homes in the ultra-luxury tier stand on their own, many of Cary’s premier neighborhoods are enhanced by their surrounding amenities. Golf and country club memberships offer a built-in social network and add year-round value. Fitness centers, pickleball courts, and walking trails promote active living without the need to leave the neighborhood.

Buying in Cary’s top-tier real estate market requires insight, timing, and access. That’s where the right guidance makes a difference. Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby's International Realty brings years of experience helping clients find, evaluate, and purchase homes across the full spectrum of the Cary market, including the most exclusive properties.

Whether you're seeking a turn-key estate with a view or planning a custom build from the ground up, their local expertise ensures you’ll make confident, informed decisions every step of the way. When you’re ready to explore the possibilities in Cary’s most sought-after neighborhoods, contact Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby's International Realty.