Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways Rising costs are crushing small landlords: Property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs have increased dramatically while eviction backlogs create months of lost income High Point vacancy rates are above state average: At 8.2% vacancy versus 6.9% statewide, landlords face more competition and longer periods between tenants Court delays are creating financial hardship: Eviction cases can take 6-10 months, forcing landlords to pay all expenses with no rental income Many experienced landlords are cashing out: Rather than deal with increased complexity and costs, property owners are selling to cash buyers and exiting the rental business entirely

High Point, NC Landlords Are Cashing Out: What the Rental Market Chaos Means for Property Owners

Look, I've been buying properties in North Carolina for over two decades, and I'm getting more calls from High Point landlords than ever before. These aren't your typical "I want to upgrade" calls either. These are exhausted property owners who are ready to throw in the towel completely.

Here's the deal: High Point's rental market is going through some serious growing pains right now, and a lot of landlords are deciding they'd rather take their money and run than deal with what's coming next.

The Numbers Tell the Real Story

Let me break down what's actually happening in High Point's rental market as of early 2026:

The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in High Point has jumped to around $1,150 per month, up from $980 just two years ago. That's a 17% increase that's putting serious pressure on tenants. At the same time, vacancy rates are sitting at about 8.2% — higher than the state average of 6.9%.

But here's what those numbers don't tell you: landlords are dealing with operating costs that have gone through the roof. Property taxes in Guilford County increased by an average of 12% last year alone. Insurance? Don't get me started. I talked to one landlord last week who saw his property insurance triple on a duplex near downtown.

The Eviction Backlog Nobody's Talking About

This is where things get really messy. High Point, like most of North Carolina, is still dealing with a massive eviction backlog from the pandemic years. The Guilford County court system has been working through cases, but it's slow going.

I had a landlord call me just last month — owns four rental houses in the Emerywood area — who's been trying to evict a non-paying tenant for eight months. Eight months! During that time, he's collected zero rent but still had to pay the mortgage, taxes, and insurance. He's hemorrhaging about $1,400 a month on that one property alone.

The court delays aren't anyone's fault really, but they're killing small landlords who don't have deep pockets to absorb months of lost income. These aren't big property management companies with hundreds of units — these are regular folks who bought a rental property for their retirement and are watching their savings disappear.

Why So Many High Point Landlords Are Walking Away

I've seen this pattern before, but never at this scale. Here are the main reasons landlords are selling their rental properties to companies like HOMESELL USA instead of finding new tenants:

Rising Operating Costs

It's not just insurance and taxes. Maintenance costs have skyrocketed too. A plumber that used to charge $75 an hour now charges $125. Materials are still expensive from supply chain issues. A simple HVAC repair that cost $300 two years ago now runs $500 or more.

Tenant Screening Challenges

The rental application process has gotten complicated. New regulations mean more paperwork, longer approval times, and landlords are nervous about making the wrong choice. When you can only afford one bad tenant, every decision feels like it could sink you.

Changing Tenant Expectations

Today's renters expect property management-level service from individual landlords. They want 24/7 maintenance requests, professional landscaping, updated appliances, and quick responses to every issue. That's fine if you own 200 units, but if you own two rental houses and work a full-time job, it's overwhelming.

The Types of Rental Properties We're Buying

At HOMESELL USA, we're seeing a specific type of rental property coming to market in High Point:

Older homes in established neighborhoods — These are typically 1960s-1980s houses in areas like Emerywood, Westchester, and Brentwood. They're solid properties but need updating to compete with newer apartments and townhomes.

Small apartment buildings — Duplexes and triplexes where the maintenance has gotten ahead of the owner. Maybe the roof needs work, or the HVAC systems are failing, and the owner doesn't want to put $15,000-20,000 into repairs.

Houses with difficult tenants — Properties where the landlord is dealing with non-payment, property damage, or lease violations and they just want out of the whole situation.

What This Means for High Point's Housing Market

When rental properties get sold to investors or converted back to owner-occupied homes, it reduces the rental inventory. With High Point's population growing — the city added about 2,800 residents in 2025 — that creates even more pressure on the remaining rental stock.

I'm seeing rents continue to climb, which pushes more tenants toward homeownership if they can qualify for a mortgage. But it also leaves fewer options for people who can't buy, creating a real affordable housing crunch.

The properties that HOMESELL USA buys from landlords usually get renovated and either sold to families or to more experienced investors who can handle the challenges better. Either way, they typically come back to the market in better condition.

If You're a High Point Landlord Considering Your Options

Look, being a landlord isn't for everyone, and there's no shame in deciding it's not worth the stress and financial risk. I've talked to plenty of property owners who got into rentals thinking it would be easy passive income, only to discover it's neither passive nor easy.

Whether you sell to us or someone else, here's what you need to know: the market for rental properties is still strong in High Point. Experienced investors are buying because they see the long-term potential in the area. The furniture industry may not dominate like it used to, but High Point's location between Greensboro and Winston-Salem keeps demand steady.

If you're thinking about selling your rental property, get a realistic assessment of what it's worth and what repairs it needs. Factor in your holding costs if you list it traditionally — mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance while it sits empty.

The cash sale route makes sense for a lot of landlords right now, especially if you're dealing with problem tenants, needed repairs, or you just want to move on with your life. We buy properties in any condition and handle all the paperwork, so you can close fast and move forward.

The Bottom Line

High Point's rental market changes are creating opportunities for some and headaches for others. If you're a landlord who's feeling overwhelmed by rising costs, difficult tenants, or the complexity of property management, you're not alone. Plenty of smart, successful people are choosing to exit the rental business right now.

The key is making the decision that's right for your situation, not what worked for someone else or what you thought you wanted five years ago. Markets change, and sometimes the smart move is changing with them.

If you're a High Point landlord who's ready to cash out and move on, give Uncle Charles a call. I've helped hundreds of property owners navigate these exact situations. No pressure, no judgment — just straight answers about your options and what makes sense for your specific circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are so many High Point landlords selling their rental properties?

Landlords are facing a perfect storm of rising operating costs, eviction backlogs, higher tenant expectations, and increased regulations. Many are finding the stress and financial risk outweigh the potential profits, especially smaller landlords with just a few properties.

How long does it take to evict a non-paying tenant in High Point?

Due to court backlogs, evictions in Guilford County can take 6-10 months or longer, depending on the specific circumstances and court scheduling. During this time, landlords still have to pay all property expenses while collecting no rent.

Can I sell my rental property with tenants still in it?

Yes, we regularly buy rental properties with existing tenants. Whether they're good tenants, problem tenants, or non-paying tenants, we can structure a purchase that works. We handle all the tenant issues after closing.

What types of rental properties are you buying in High Point?

We buy all types — single-family rentals, duplexes, small apartment buildings, houses with problem tenants, properties needing major repairs, and landlords who just want out of the business entirely. Condition doesn't matter.

Is it better to sell to a cash buyer or list with a realtor?

It depends on your situation. If you need to sell quickly, have problem tenants, or the property needs significant repairs, a cash sale usually makes more sense. You avoid months of holding costs, repairs, and the uncertainty of the traditional market.