08/31/2026
Area Housing Market Update: July 2026
August 31, 2026
https://www.intracoastalrealty.com/blog/area-housing-market-update-july-2026/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUCnapwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6Z9HTCYO3VU8PCqDehw2ALbM3uJVBCdV_-24ERkNDditMAR43KF-VpM_vZDw_aem_YbMAA9_lMYbMnVOTL-T7Yw
The latest housing data for the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) points to an active and resilient real estate market. Across Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties, closed sales, pending sales, new listings, and median sales price all increased compared with the same period last year.
According to data compiled from Hive MLS, 1,267 homes closed during the month, a 7.46% increase from 1,179 a year ago. Pending sales also showed positive momentum, rising 7.30% to 1,250, suggesting that buyer activity remains healthy heading into the next month.
More Homes Are Coming to Market
Sellers are participating as well. New listings increased 7.45% year over year, climbing from 1,422 to 1,528. The increase gives prospective buyers more properties to consider while also creating greater competition among sellers.
The combination of rising listings and rising sales is an encouraging sign. Rather than activity being driven solely by a shortage of available homes, buyers and sellers are both continuing to engage with the market.
Home Prices Continue to Rise
Perhaps the most notable figure in this month’s snapshot is the median sales price of $430,000, up from $399,900 during the same period in 2025. That’s an increase of 7.53% year over year.
While individual communities and price points can perform very differently, the regional increase demonstrates continued strength in home values across southeastern North Carolina. Broader housing sources also show that conditions can vary considerably within the region, reinforcing the importance of looking beyond MSA-wide numbers when making a real estate decision.
What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers?
For buyers, increasing new listings mean more choices and potentially more opportunity to compare homes and negotiate. But with pending and closed sales also increasing, desirable properties that are positioned appropriately can still attract significant buyer interest.
For sellers, the rise in median sales price is encouraging, but today’s market still rewards accurate pricing and strong presentation. More inventory means buyers can be selective, making professional marketing, property condition, and an informed pricing strategy increasingly important.
Local Expertise Matters
The Wilmington-area market isn’t moving in just one direction. Conditions can differ significantly between Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties, and even from one neighborhood or price range to another.
That’s where local market knowledge makes a difference. Whether you’re considering buying, selling, or simply want to understand what your home may be worth in today’s market, an Intracoastal Realty professional can help you interpret the numbers and make your next move with confidence.
Data source: Hive MLS.
The latest housing data for the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) points to an active and resilient real estate market. Across Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties, closed sales, pending sales, new listings, and median sales price all increased compared with the same period last....
