LUXURY MARKET REPORT Coastal NC | Q2 2026
contents Q2 Market Report | June 2026
COMMUNITY UPDATES Bald Head Southport Wilmington
FORECAST A Market In Transition
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A Ma r ket in Tra nsition: Growing Inventory and Resilient Demand The North Carolina coastal real estate market entered the second quarter of 2026 with noticeably higher inventory levels across nearly every major market and price point, providing buyers with significantly more options than were available a year ago. From Wilmington and Topsail Island to Southport, and the Brunswick County beaches, active listings have risen substantially while pending sales have remained moderate, signaling a market that is becoming more balanced after several years of limited supply. The greatest inventory growth is occurring in the $600,000 to $1 million segment, where nearly every coastal market now has considerably more homes available than in previous years. Despite the increase in available inventory, sales activity remains healthy across much of the region. Several markets, including Figure Eight Island, Porters Neck, Hampstead, Southport, Bald Head Island, and the luxury segments of Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle, recorded yearover-year gains in closed sales during the second quarter. Wilmington, the region's largest market, posted strong transaction volume with 227 sales in the $600,000 to $1 million range, exceeding 2025 levels, while many coastal communities experienced increased activity in the $1 million to $2 million segment. These trends suggest that buyer demand remains present, particularly for well-priced properties in desirable waterfront and lifestyle-oriented locations. The luxury market above $2 million presents a more mixed picture. Exclusive destinations such as Bald Head Island, Holden Beach, and Wrightsville Beach continue to generate steady highend sales, while other markets are experiencing longer absorption periods as inventory expands. Overall, the data reflects a market transitioning from the rapid appreciation and inventory shortages of recent years toward a healthier equilibrium. Buyers are benefiting from increased selection and negotiating opportunities, while sellers continue to find success when pricing aligns with current market conditions. As inventory builds and sales remain resilient, the North Carolina coastal market appears positioned for stable and sustainable activity through the remainder of 2026.
BALD HEAD ISLAND
The southeastern tip of North Carolina has historically been a popular vacation spot for decades. The mix of historical significance as one of one of the earliest military settlements at the entrance of the Cape Fear and the coastal beauty has made this area highly desirable. Bald Head’s unique atmosphere, exclusivity and ban on cars has also contributed to it becoming a popular destination. Bald Head Island experienced strong growth in 2026 compared to 2025, with closed sales increasing across all price ranges. Total sales rose from 14 homes in Q2 2025 to 31 homes in Q2 2026, led by significant gains in the luxury market. The $2M+ segment saw the most dramatic increase, with sales quadrupling from 3 to 12 homes, while the $1M–$2M range increased from 8 to 13 sales. Inventory remains concentrated in the higher price points, with 35 active listings above $1 million. The rise in both sales activity and pending transactions suggests continued strong demand for Bald Head Island’s luxury coastal properties despite increased inventory levels.
SOUTHPORT
The southeastern tip of North Carolina has historically been a popular vacation spot for decades. The mix of historical significance as one of one of the earliest military settlements at the entrance of the Cape Fear and the coastal beauty has made this area highly desirable. Bald Head’s unique atmosphere, exclusivity and ban on cars has also contributed to it becoming a popular destination. The Southport real estate market experienced strong growth in the second quarter of 2026, with closed sales increasing substantially in the $600K–$2M price ranges compared to 2025. Sales in the $600K–$1M segment climbed from 44 to 62 homes, while the $1M–$2M market more than doubled from 9 to 21 sales, reflecting robust buyer demand. Inventory remains healthy with 110 active listings across all price points, and pending sales suggest continued market momentum. While the luxury $2M+ segment saw a slight decline in closed sales, dropping from 4 to 1 home, the overall market remains strong, driven by increased activity in the mid- and upper-tier price ranges.
WILMINGTON
Wilmington is a historic port city along the Cape Fear River that features three gorgeous beaches. The historic artistic culture is complemented by the small beach town aesthetic offered by toprated pristine beaches at Wrightsville Beach, historic Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach. The art, music, food, architecture, history, and natural beauty keep Wilmington in the running as top places to move in the U.S. The Wilmington real estate market remained active in 2026, with strong sales volume despite mixed performance across price ranges. The $600K–$1M segment led the market, with closed sales increasing from 213 homes in 2025 to 227 in 2026, reflecting continued demand for uppermidrange properties. Sales in the $1M–$2M and $2M+ segments declined slightly, with closed transactions falling from 75 to 68 and from 24 to 23, respectively. Inventory remains healthy across all price points, totaling more than 300 active listings, while 113 pending sales indicate sustained buyer activity. Overall, Wilmington continues to exhibit a balanced market with strong demand and ample inventory, particularly in the $600K–$1M price range.
COASTAL MARKET FORECAST The North Carolina coastal real estate market demonstrated resilience and overall growth in the second quarter of 2026, with most markets reporting increased sales activity compared to the second quarter of 2025. The strongest gains were concentrated in the $1 million and higher price ranges, reflecting continued demand for luxury and waterfront properties. Markets such as Bald Head Island, Southport, Oak Island, Topsail Island, and Atlantic Beach/Emerald Isle posted notable year-over-year increases in closed sales, while Wilmington remained the region’s volume leader with nearly 320 closed transactions across all price points. Inventory levels expanded in nearly every market, providing buyers with more options than in recent years while maintaining healthy sales momentum. Luxury home demand remained a defining trend across the coast. The $1M–$2M segment experienced substantial growth in many markets, including Atlantic Beach/Emerald Isle, Oak Island, Southport, Bald Head Island, and Carolina & Kure Beach. High-end sales above $2 million also strengthened in several areas, particularly Bald Head Island, Holden Beach, Oak Island, and Carolina & Kure Beach. Wrightsville Beach and Landfall continued to dominate the luxury sector, with 51 active listings and 51 closed sales above $1 million during the quarter. These trends suggest affluent buyers continue to view North Carolina’s coastal communities as desirable destinations for both primary and second-home ownership. While luxury properties drove much of the market’s growth, the $600K–$1M segment remained the foundation of coastal housing activity. Wilmington, Ocean Isle & Sunset Beach, Figure 8 Island/Porter’s Neck/Hampstead, Southport, and Topsail Island all recorded strong sales volumes in this range, supported by substantial inventory and healthy pending sales. A few markets, including Holden Beach and Carolina & Kure Beach, experienced modest declines in lower-priced sales, but these decreases were largely offset by gains in higher price brackets. Overall, Q2 2026 reflected a balanced and active coastal market characterized by increasing inventory, steady buyer demand, and continued strength in premium waterfront and resort-oriented communities.
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