Sell Your Commercial Property in Hillsborough, NC

Hillsborough's commercial real estate market operates at the intersection of historic preservation and Triangle metropolitan growth. The town's Churton Street downtown — a remarkably well-preserved colonial and antebellum commercial district — has attracted a critical mass of restaurants, artisan shops, and creative businesses that make it a Triangle dining and day-trip destination. Durham is 15 minutes east, Chapel Hill is 15 minutes south, and I-85/I-40 provides interstate connectivity. This Triangle adjacency means Hillsborough's commercial properties draw customers from a metro area of 2+ million while maintaining authentic small-town character.

The town's commercial inventory is tiny and structurally constrained by the historic district's preservation requirements and Orange County's limited commercial zoning. Churton Street storefronts, the Eno River Arts Mill, and scattered commercial properties along US-70 and NC-86 constitute most of the available space. UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus provides healthcare employment and medical office demand. Orange County government offices (county seat) add institutional stability. The artisan food economy — farm-to-table restaurants, specialty food producers, and the Saturday farmers' market — generates commercial demand connected to the local agriculture and food culture.

Hillsborough's buyer pool is highly specialized: Triangle residents investing in the community, Durham and Chapel Hill operators expanding into a market with lower entry costs and authentic character, and lifestyle investors drawn to the town's combination of history, food culture, and rural beauty. Cap rates reflect the scarcity premium — Hillsborough's commercial inventory is so limited that properties rarely come to market, and when they do, buyer interest is strong. For sellers, the key is communicating the Triangle adjacency and irreplaceable character that make Hillsborough commercial properties unique.

Retail & Downtown

Churton Street's restaurant and artisan retail cluster has made Hillsborough one of the Triangle's most talked-about dining destinations. Farm-to-table restaurants, craft cocktail bars, artisan bakeries, and specialty shops create a walkable commercial experience that draws visitors from Durham, Chapel Hill, and beyond. Properties with Churton Street frontage, outdoor dining potential, and historic character command premiums reflecting the street's destination appeal. The Saturday farmers' market and seasonal events generate additional foot traffic that benefits surrounding businesses.

Office & Government

UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus and Orange County's population generate healthcare demand served by medical offices along US-70 and in the downtown area. The proximity to UNC Health's Chapel Hill main campus means some Hillsborough medical providers operate as satellite locations serving patients who prefer the town's setting to Chapel Hill's congestion. Primary care, behavioral health, and wellness practices align with the community's health-conscious culture. Medical properties near the hospital campus provide income stability in this small but stable market.

Industrial & Flex

The Eno River Arts Mill and scattered studio and creative spaces throughout Hillsborough serve the town's artisan and creative economy — potters, woodworkers, artists, and food producers who need workshop, studio, and small production space. This creative economy demand is unique to Hillsborough within the Triangle and reflects the town's identity as a haven for artisans and makers. Properties suitable for creative production, particularly those with character architecture and community visibility, fill a niche that attracts tenants specifically seeking the Hillsborough creative brand.

Dual Expertise

Most CRE agents don't understand business valuations. Most business brokers don't do real estate. John does both, giving you a complete picture of your property's value.

No Wasted Time

Pre-qualified buyers. Realistic pricing from day one. Clean financials and marketing materials that attract serious offers, not tire-kickers.

Confidential Process

Your tenants, employees, and competitors won't know you're selling until you're ready. Every step is managed with discretion.

Success-Based Fee

You pay nothing upfront. John's fee is earned only when your property sells. Your interests are fully aligned.