Wilmington NC Real Estate Market Report: September 2026
The short version: In September 2026, New Hanover County single-family prices held close to last year while homes took a little longer to sell, and Pender and Brunswick counties posted strong year-over-year gains in median price. Inventory stayed tight in New Hanover and Pender, while Brunswick and the local condo market gave buyers noticeably more choices.
Every month our team digs into the county reports from Cape Fear REALTORS® so you don't have to. Below are the numbers that matter most for single-family homes, plus our take on what they mean if you're buying or selling right now.
New Hanover County (Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina & Kure Beach)
| Single-Family | Sept 2025 | Sept 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median sales price | $485,481 | $478,123 | -1.5% |
| Closed sales | 251 | 240 | -4.4% |
| Days on market | 46 | 51 | +10.9% |
| % of list price received | 97.4% | 98.1% | +0.7% |
| Homes for sale (inventory) | 850 | 832 | -2.1% |
| Months of supply | 3.3 | 3.2 | -3.0% |
New Hanover is steady rather than hot. The median dipped slightly from last September, but year-to-date the median is up 2.0% to $494,910. Sellers are still getting 98.1% of list price, a bit better than a year ago. With just 3.2 months of supply, well-priced homes remain in demand. They are simply taking about five more days to go under contract.
Condos and townhomes tell a different story. The county's condo/townhouse median held at $399,999 (+0.3%), but inventory jumped 15.8% to 513 units and supply rose to 6.2 months. Buyers in that segment have more to choose from and more room to negotiate.
Pender County (Hampstead, Rocky Point, Burgaw)
| Single-Family | Sept 2025 | Sept 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median sales price | $465,000 | $539,900 | +16.1% |
| Closed sales | 115 | 103 | -10.4% |
| Days on market | 62 | 53 | -14.5% |
| % of list price received | 97.9% | 98.9% | +1.0% |
| Homes for sale (inventory) | 462 | 411 | -11.0% |
| Months of supply | 4.5 | 3.8 | -15.6% |
Pender was the standout this month. Homes sold faster and closer to asking, and inventory shrank 11%. The 16.1% jump in median price is eye-catching, but with about 100 sales a month a single month can swing. The steadier year-to-date number is a 5.4% rise to $499,950. Hampstead and the US-17 corridor continue to draw buyers looking for more space within reach of Wilmington.
Brunswick County (Leland, Southport, the South Brunswick Islands)
| Single-Family | Sept 2025 | Sept 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median sales price | $410,000 | $444,953 | +8.5% |
| Closed sales | 421 | 448 | +6.4% |
| Pending sales | 437 | 476 | +8.9% |
| Days on market | 73 | 75 | +2.7% |
| % of list price received | 98.0% | 98.4% | +0.4% |
| Homes for sale (inventory) | 2,474 | 2,477 | +0.1% |
| Months of supply | 6.4 | 5.3 | -17.2% |
Brunswick is the busiest of the three counties by volume. Closings and pending sales were both up, and the median rose 8.5%. Supply has tightened from 6.4 to 5.3 months, but with nearly 2,500 single-family homes on the market, buyers still have real choice, and homes are averaging 75 days to sell. Brunswick condos and townhomes softened, with a median of $279,240 (-11.2%) and 6.5 months of supply.
What This Means If You're Buying
- New Hanover single-family: Inventory is still tight, so the best homes won't wait. Get pre-approved first, but know that a slightly longer market time can give you room on homes that have been listed a few weeks.
- Condos and townhomes: This is where buyers have the most leverage right now in both New Hanover and Brunswick. Ask about seller-paid closing costs or rate buydowns.
- Pender: Homes are moving faster and closer to list price. If Hampstead or Rocky Point is on your list, be ready to act and write a clean offer.
- Brunswick: More choice and longer market times mean you can compare neighborhoods, builders and HOA costs before deciding.
What This Means If You're Selling
- Pricing matters more than ever. Homes are still selling at about 98% of list price across all three counties, but that's for homes priced right. Overpriced homes are the ones adding to those longer days-on-market numbers.
- Expect a slightly longer timeline in New Hanover and Brunswick. Plan for a few extra weeks, and make sure your home shows at its best from day one.
- Condo sellers face more competition. With supply above six months, presentation, pricing and flexibility on terms can make the difference.
- Pender sellers are in a strong spot, with lower inventory, faster sales and higher prices than last fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a buyer's or seller's market in Wilmington right now?
For single-family homes in New Hanover County, it still leans toward sellers, with 3.2 months of supply. Condos and townhomes, at 6.2 months, are closer to balanced and give buyers more negotiating room.
Are home prices going down in Wilmington?
Not meaningfully. New Hanover's single-family median was down 1.5% in September compared to a year ago, but the year-to-date median is up 2.0%. Pender and Brunswick medians both rose.
How long does it take to sell a house in the Wilmington area?
In September, single-family homes averaged 51 days on market until sale in New Hanover, 53 in Pender and 75 in Brunswick.
Where does this data come from?
From the Cape Fear REALTORS® monthly county market reports, which use North Carolina Regional MLS data. Median and average prices don't account for seller concessions.
Want to know what your home is worth in this market? Call the Jennifer Bullock Team at RE/MAX Executive, 910-547-8535.
Data: Cape Fear REALTORS® county market reports.
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