North Carolina is in the middle of a major housing shift — and the Triad (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Burlington, Kernersville, and surrounding areas) may benefit more than any other region in the state.

A new piece of legislation, HB 926, is aimed at removing barriers that have made it harder and more expensive to build affordable housing. And while the bill is still evolving, the message is clear:

👉 North Carolina wants more housing.
👉 The General Assembly wants less red tape.
👉 Cities will no longer be allowed to block or delay certain types of residential development.
👉 And this could be HUGE for buyers, renters, investors, and local communities across the Triad.

Let’s break down what HB 926 is, how zoning is changing, and how it could unlock new opportunities for affordable housing and investment in our region.

1. What Is HB 926? (Plain English)

HB 926 is a proposed piece of legislation pushing for statewide zoning reform in North Carolina.

Its goals are simple:

• Increase housing supply

• Reduce unnecessary local zoning restrictions

• Make affordable housing easier and faster to build

• Allow more density where it makes sense

• Prevent cities from using excessive rules that slow down construction

It would essentially tell municipalities:

“You cannot create extra design, building, or zoning requirements that go ABOVE what the state already allows — especially if those restrictions make housing more expensive or harder to build.”

This ties the hands of cities who historically blocked:

• Duplexes

• Triplexes

• Townhome clusters

• Smaller-lot single-family homes

• Multi-unit structures in suburban areas

• Workforce housing projects

• Affordable units in prime locations

The result?
More opportunity for builders + more supply + more affordability.

2. Why Did NC Introduce HB 926?

Because for years, cities and towns have:

• Added design requirements

• Imposed stricter zoning

• Delayed rezonings and variances

• Upcharged builders with additional local rules

• Blocked or discouraged affordable developments

Meanwhile:

• Housing prices increased

• Rents skyrocketed

• Supply lagged behind demand

• Commuters got pushed farther away from job centers

• Affordable homeownership became harder

• First-time buyers were priced out

HB 926 aims to level the playing field and override local obstacles that keep housing from being built.

3. How the Triad Could Benefit More Than Anywhere Else

The Triad sits in the perfect position to capitalize on this change.

A. We have land.

Compared to Charlotte or the Triangle, the Triad has far more undeveloped or underdeveloped land that’s zoned (or nearly zoned) for residential growth.

B. We have demand.

JetZero. Toyota battery. Boom Supersonic. FedEx. Logistics. Medical campuses. Aviation.
Jobs = people.
People = housing demand.

C. We have affordability.

The Triad is still one of the most affordable metro regions in the entire state. Builders WANT to build here — especially if zoning gets easier.

D. We have the need.

First-time buyers, renters, families, and essential workers desperately need options under $300K.

E. Investors are already active here.

And when zoning becomes friendlier to:

• Duplexes

• Small multifamily

• Townhome clusters

• ADUs

• Cottage courts

…investors will build portfolios faster and easier.

In short:
HB 926 could be the spark that accelerates the Triad’s affordability and development.

4. The Types of Housing HB 926 Could Help Unlock

If passed, HB 926 could make it easier to build:

✔️ Duplexes on single-family lots

A major win for affordability AND investors.

✔️ Triplexes and quadplexes

The “Missing Middle Housing” that NC desperately needs.

✔️ Small-lot single-family homes

Homes under 1,500 sq ft that are perfect for first-time buyers.

✔️ Townhomes and rowhomes

Low-maintenance, low-cost ownership models.

✔️ Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Backyard cottages, in-law suites, rental units.

✔️ Cottage court communities

Clusters of small, energy-efficient homes.

✔️ Smaller, denser infill developments

Great for revitalizing neglected neighborhoods.

✔️ Affordable multifamily projects

Under current zoning, many projects get delayed or blocked. HB 926 would reduce those roadblocks.

This is the type of housing NC needs most — especially in the Triad.

5. What This Means for Buyers

If HB 926 pushes cities to loosen restrictive zoning, buyers could see:

✔️ More homes under $300K

✔️ More starter-homes

✔️ More options in desirable areas

✔️ Lower long-term housing cost

✔️ More modern, energy-efficient construction

✔️ Shorter commute times with infill development

Buyers currently priced out could finally step into homeownership.

6. What This Means for Sellers

More building doesn’t mean your home will lose value.

In fact, sellers benefit because:

• More buyers will enter the market

• Areas near new development often see rising values

• Neighborhoods receive infrastructure & economic improvement

• Increased population boosts local business growth

This is a win for sellers looking to list in the next 1–3 years.

7. What This Means for Investors & Wholesalers

This is where the opportunity EXPLODES.

HB 926 could unlock:

• Buildable small lots

• Split parcels

• Duplex/Triplex conversions

• Infill multifamily development

• ADU opportunities

• Affordable housing partnerships

• Higher density = more cash flow

Investors will gain:

• More exit strategies

• More off-market development plays

• More value-add potential

• Easier approvals

• Faster timelines

Wholesalers will gain:

• More buyers

• More deal structures

• More land acquisition opportunities

And yes — I work with wholesalers who are fully compliant, attorney-supported, transparent, and operating legally under NC law.

8. What This Means for Renters

Renters stand to benefit from:

• More rental home options

• Lower rents due to increased supply

• Brand-new rental communities

• More affordable single-family rentals

• Better competition and quality standards

Housing choice = housing stability.

9. When Could These Zoning Shifts Happen?

HB 926 is active and gathering traction.
Even if it’s amended or restructured, the direction is clear:

North Carolina wants:

• More units

• More affordability

• More density

• More efficient zoning

• Less municipal obstruction

Cities will have no choice but to align.
Even before the bill fully passes, many municipalities are already rethinking their zoning policies in anticipation.

Final Thoughts: HB 926 Could Be a Game-Changer for the Triad

The Triad area is uniquely positioned to grow — and grow affordably — if statewide zoning reform unlocks development that cities have been slow to allow.

For buyers:
More opportunities to finally get into a home.

For sellers:
Neighborhood growth and increasing property values.

For investors:
A massive opportunity to build cash flow, create affordable housing, and leverage newly buildable land.

For communities:
A stronger, more stable, more inclusive housing supply.

And for you?
This is the time to stay informed, stay strategic, and stay ready.

If You Want to Take Advantage of These Changes, Let’s Talk

Whether you’re a:

• Buyer

• Seller

• Wholesaler

• Landlord

• Developer

• First-time investor

I’ll help you understand how HB 926 and zoning reform could impact your next move — and how to capitalize on it.

📲 Call or text: (336) 567-5843
Brokered by Real Broker, LLC — NCREL #312309
Jessica J. Baldovinos | @JessicaJBRealtor

Book a strategy call:
👉 https://calendly.com/jessicajbrealtor