Posted: March 27, 2025 | Industry News
Chatham County is quickly becoming one of North Carolina’s hottest real estate markets—and the numbers don’t lie. In a county once known more for its farmland and rolling timberland than sprawling subdivisions, large-scale land purchases are happening at a staggering pace. The latest in a string of major deals? A developer-backed group just spent over $11 million to acquire more than 58 acres of property near Old US 1 Highway and Rush Road.
That kind of price tag catches anyone’s attention. According to public records, the buyer is The Conservancy Real Estate Group, an LLC connected to developer Andrew Ross. While Ross hasn’t offered public comment on his vision for the land, a look at recent filings with Chatham County gives us a clear indication of what’s ahead.
Plans submitted last year reveal that Ross and his team are preparing to build a residential community called The Conservancy at Jordan Lake. The proposed development includes 163 residential lots, with lot sizes ranging between 4,875 and 10,416 square feet. On average, homeowners can expect about 6,500 square feet per lot—right in line with modern suburban lot sizes aimed at accommodating growing families and professionals looking to settle outside the hustle of the Triangle.
The investment doesn’t stop at the $11 million land purchase. In documents submitted to county officials, a letter from the development’s attorney notes that the total estimated cost to build out the entire community—including the infrastructure, utilities, and roads—will be around $45 million. Construction is expected to carry through to late 2026.
This development is just one more example of how Chatham County is at the heart of North Carolina’s growth story.
The Conservancy Real Estate Group isn’t the only player making big moves in Chatham County. Just a few weeks before Ross’s purchase closed, another major deal made headlines. An LLC named Fearrington Land Holdings, connected to Texas-based investor Joe Williams, acquired roughly 370 acres off Parker Herndon Road, near the established Briar Chapel community. That sale came in at nearly $15 million and involved seven parcels zoned for residential development.
For a rural county with just under 84,000 residents, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, these kinds of multi-million dollar transactions point to a clear trend—Chatham County is primed for growth, and developers are eager to stake their claim.
If you’re a landowner in Chatham County or the surrounding area, it’s worth paying attention. These sales aren’t just headline-worthy—they’re a sign of increasing demand for rural and developable land. Whether you’re considering selling, holding, or simply want to know what’s happening in your backyard, it’s clear that buyers are willing to pay a premium for land in this region.
At Carolina Forestry & Realty, we’ve worked with landowners across North Carolina for decades, helping them navigate decisions like these—whether that means assisting with timber evaluations, land sales, or conservation options. Chatham County is one of many places in North Carolina where rural land is becoming a key part of the state’s rapid population growth and development strategy.
If you’re curious about how these land sales could impact your property’s value or your long-term plans, we’re always happy to help.
