Sales comparison approach using 3 comparable sales within 0.1 miles sold in last 12 months. Adjusted for end-unit premium and interior upgrades. Assessed value of $303,021 aligns with market estimate.
End-Unit Townhome with Private Patio and Upgraded Interior
This end-unit townhome at 852 Cupola Dr stands out immediately for its private patio and fenced backyard — an uncommon bit of outdoor privacy in a popular planned community. Inside, the first floor welcomes you with hardwood flooring and an open living area anchored by a gas-log fireplace, while the kitchen showcases stainless steel appliances and 42-inch cabinetry that make daily cooking and entertaining effortless. An attached rear storage shed provides useful, tucked-away space for bikes and seasonal gear.
Upstairs, the master suite soars with vaulted ceilings, a walk-in closet, and a garden-style tub that invites long soaks. The thoughtful closet and storage layout across the two levels helps the home feel larger than its 1,354 square feet. A second bedroom and 2.5 baths provide comfortable separation for guests or a home office, and central HVAC plus forced-air gas heating keep the interior comfortable year-round.
As an end unit, this home benefits from extra window exposure and a sense of space both inside and out. The private patio and fenced yard are ideal for morning coffee, container gardening, or a safe space for pets. The community itself — Renaissance Park — includes amenities residents use daily: a community pool, fitness center, and tennis courts are all within a short walk. Two assigned parking spaces and low-maintenance landscaping make this a straightforward lock-and-leave option for professionals, NCSU affiliates, or buyers seeking a manageable pied-à-terre with strong rental prospects.
Location is a practical part of the story: downtown Raleigh is roughly four miles away, and North Carolina State University about 3.5 miles, placing restaurants, cultural attractions, and job centers within easy reach. The home was built in 2010 and has been kept in good condition; assessed and sale history indicate stable value, and recent comparable sales within the neighborhood support a competitive price range. Buyers should note HOA fees and that the assigned middle school has a below-average rating; for many, the lifestyle, amenities, and proximity to downtown will outweigh those considerations.
Whether you’re looking for an owner-occupied primary home that’s low upkeep or an investment with solid rental demand, this end-unit townhome blends practical details and desirable community access into a compelling Raleigh opportunity.
See the properties helping shape the valuation.
Comparable sales
- 3 SF larger
- Similar lot size
- Same year built
- 10 SF smaller
- Similar lot size
- 2 years older
- 65 SF larger
- Similar lot size
- 2 years older
A 2010 end unit on 0.05 acres.
Building
Site & utilities
Renaissance Park
Researched nearby locations
Location
852 Cupola Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603
Renaissance Park blends suburban ease with urban access. The community centers around a clubhouse, pool, fitness facility, and tennis courts—amenities that encourage an active, social lifestyle without leaving the neighborhood. Commuters benefit from quick access to Tryon Road and short drives to downtown Raleigh and NC State; nearby parks like Pullen and Lake Wheeler expand outdoor options. The area attracts professionals, students, and small families seeking manageable maintenance and community programming in a walkable, amenity-rich setting.
Very good access to community recreation with an on-site pool, fitness center and tennis courts, plus nearby parks including Pullen Park and Lake Wheeler Park within roughly 5 miles for trail and water-based activities.
A factual market snapshot around 852 Cupola Dr.
Renaissance Park occupies a balanced-to-leaning-seller market within the broader Raleigh-Cary MSA. Inventory sits at approximately 2.5 months—below the long-term equilibrium and consistent with a market where well-priced townhomes receive attention quickly. Average days on market in the area are near 30 days, reflecting steady buyer activity rather than frenetic competition. Median sale prices for the immediate area measure around $365,000, though townhome-specific comparables within Renaissance Park have traded in the $280k–$300k range over the last 12 months, placing this property squarely in a high-demand price tier for similar product.
One-year appreciation is modest (~5%), with longer-term gains (~25% over five years) suggesting solid neighborhood fundamentals. Townhomes here perform well because of proximity to downtown Raleigh and NCSU, plus community amenities that attract both owner-occupants and renters. Low inventory and consistent rental demand (estimated gross rental yield near 7.2% on comparable units) make this a reasonable purchase window for investors and primary buyers who value access and convenience. Buyers should be prepared for competitive offers on well-maintained end units; sellers can expect interest and reasonable sale cadence if pricing reflects recent comp activity.
Planned Development
Zoning
Research-indicated uses
- Residential
- Townhomes
Assessment data and recorded transactions.
Assessed value is kept visually separate from the CompCasa market-value estimate.
Tax assessment
Sale history
Rental references from the research record.
Context only—not an investment recommendation or guarantee of achievable rent.
Supporting lease references
- 59 SF larger
- 41 SF larger
What the research supports — and what is still worth verifying.
Key findings
- Last sold in 2022 for $295,000 ($217/SF)
- Assessed value in 2025: $303,021 (land $80K, improvements $223K)
- Comparable sales within 0.1 miles in last 12 months range $280K–$300K
- Community amenities include pool, fitness center, and tennis courts
- Proximity to downtown Raleigh (4 mi) and NCSU (3.5 mi)
Still worth verifying
Routine buyer due diligence items; these are not known defects.
- Confirm lot dimensions and boundaries
- Verify HOA fees and inclusions
- Review community association rules and regulations
- Professional home inspection
- Confirm school district assignments
What stands out about this property.
Interior Features
- Hardwood floors on first level
- Gas-log fireplace in living room
- Stainless steel kitchen appliances
- 42-inch kitchen cabinets
- Vaulted ceilings in master suite
- Walk-in closet in master
- Garden tub in master bath
- Central AC and forced-air gas heating
- 2.5 bathrooms
Exterior & Lot
- End-unit townhome
- Private patio and fenced backyard
- Rear attached storage shed
- Level lot (0.05 acres / 2,178 SF)
- Low-maintenance landscaping
- Two assigned parking spaces
Location & Neighborhood
- Renaissance Park community
- Community pool, fitness center, and tennis courts
- Approximately 4 miles to Downtown Raleigh
- About 3.5 miles to NC State University
- Proximity to Lake Wheeler Park and Pullen Park
Walkability & Recreation
- Walkability Rating: 65/100 — Some Walkable Amenities
- Renaissance Park Community Center (0.2 mi)
- Pullen Park (4.5 mi) and Lake Wheeler Park (5 mi)
- Nearby green spaces and neighborhood walking routes
- Easy access to Tryon Road and major commute corridors
Sources & research confidence.
See where the property research came from and how confidence varies by field.