LUXURY
Q2 Market Report | June 2026
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Wrightsville Beach & Landfall
Wilmington
Carolina & Kure Beach
Topsail Island & Surf City
Ocean Isle & Sunset Beach
Oak Island
Holden Beach
Figure Eight Island, Porter's Neck, & Hampstead
Southport
Bald Head
Atlantic Beach & Emerald Isle
FORECAST
A Market In Transition
PODCAST & VIDEOS
From market forecasts, interviews, and house marketing ideas, join the team at Ivester Jackson I Christie's for latest in Carolinas luxury real estate content.
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
Wrightsville Beach is the furthest eastern part of Wilmington and one of the most popular beaches on the East Coast Just a few minutes inland sits the prestigious Landfall community This is a flagship gated golf course community in Wilmington, situated between Wrightsville Beach and the intracoastal waterway
The Wrightsville Beach and Landfall real estate market remained strong in the second quarter of 2026, particularly in the luxury segments that define the area Closed sales in the $1M–$2M range remained robust at 33 homes, only slightly below the 35 sales recorded in 2025, while the $2M+ market edged up from 17 to 18 sales. The $600K–$1M segment also posted a modest gain, increasing from 8 to 9 closed sales Inventory is concentrated in properties priced above $1 million, with 51 active listings in the $1M+ categories and 20 pending sales, indicating continued buyer interest Overall, the market reflects stable demand for high-end coastal and luxury properties despite increased inventory levels
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
With its proximity to Wilmington, the ferry to Southport, and the limited inventory of Wrightsville Beach, the Pleasure Island areas of Carolina and Kure Beach have become a highly sought after coastal destination. Long known for its relaxed vibe and small-town beach atmosphere, this area’s real estate market has seen major jumps in property values as well as unit sell-through
The Carolina and Kure Beach real estate market remained active in the second quarter, with strong inventory levels and increased sales in the higher price ranges While closed sales in the $600K–$1M segment declined from 67 in 2025 to 58 in 2026, sales activity strengthened in the $1M–$2M and $2M+ categories, where closed transactions rose from 13 to 21 and from 1 to 4, respectively. Inventory remains highest in the $600K–$1M range with 115 active listings, providing buyers with more options Pending sales across all price points indicate continued buyer interest, while the growth in luxury-home sales suggests sustained demand for premium coastal properties
Topsail Island is a barrier island almost an hour north of Wilmington Although folklore has it that the island was named Topsail because pirate ships hid behind the island with their topsails visible from the sea, the name came from New Topsail Inlet. Topsail Island has long been a vacation spot favorite and Surf City is one of the most popular cities on Topsail Island
The Topsail Island market continues to remain strong, with sales increasing across all price ranges compared to 2025 Closed sales in the $600K–$1M segment rose from 30 to 40 homes, while the $1M–$2M market increased from 25 to 31 sales The luxury $2M+ segment also improved, with closed sales rising from 4 to 6 homes. Inventory levels are robust, particularly in the $1M–$2M range with 88 active listings, providing buyers with a wider selection of properties With 33 pending sales across all price points and year-over-year gains in closed transactions, the market continues to demonstrate healthy demand and sustained interest in coastal real estate
Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach are two popular islands in the southernmost corner of North Carolina Ocean Isle was named in 1949 by Virginia Williamson whose husband, Odell Williamson, purchased the land as a resort development project. Sunset Beach not only encompasses both a mainland and an island, but it earned its name in 1955 by Manson C Gore who was impressed by the rare views of the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean
The Ocean Isle and Sunset Beach real estate market demonstrated solid performance in 2026, with increased sales activity and healthy inventory levels across all price ranges Closed sales in the $600K–$1M segment rose from 52 homes to 64, while the $1M–$2M market remained stable with 23 sales compared to 22 the previous year The luxury $2M+ segment held steady with 7 closed sales in both years Inventory remains strongest in the $600K–$1M range, with 78 active listings and 32 pending sales, indicating continued buyer demand Overall, the market reflects balanced conditions with steady appreciation for coastal properties and sustained interest across multiple price points
Oak Island is one of the larger South Brunswick Islands southwest of Wilmington Oak Island became inhabited in the early 19th century after Fort Caswell was constructed in 1838. It grew slowly, and by the 1930s, it had become a popular beach and hunting destination Today, it is combined with several other towns and Caswell remains a separate entity on the end of the island, mainly in use for conventions and large events
In 2026,, the Oak Island real estate market remained active, with strong performance in the higherpriced segments despite a slight decline in sales under $1 million. Closed sales in the $600K–$1M range dipped modestly from 62 homes in 2025 to 60 in 2026, while sales in the $1M–$2M segment increased significantly from 22 to 33 homes The luxury $2M+ market also strengthened, with closed sales rising from 2 to 5 homes Inventory levels remain healthy, with 149 active listings across all price ranges, and pending sales indicate continued buyer interest Overall, Oak Island continues to experience steady demand, particularly for properties priced above $1 million
Holden Beach, a favorite South Brunswick Island, was voted number one family-friendly beach several years in a row and remains one of the more restful and residential islands Benjamin Holden in 1756 bought four mainland tracts and the island between his plantation and the ocean and John Holden, Ben's grandson, surveyed a section which he called Holden Beach Resort in 1924
The Holden Beach market showed mixed results in the second quarter, with stronger activity in the luxury segment but fewer overall sales in the mid-priced ranges compared to the second quarter of 2025 Closed sales in the $600K–$1M range declined from 18 to 13 homes, while the $1M–$2M segment eased from 16 to 13 sales. In contrast, the $2M+ market saw significant growth, with sales increasing from 2 to 6 homes, reflecting continued demand for high-end coastal properties Inventory remains relatively balanced across price points, with 55 active listings and 10 pending sales, suggesting a stable market with opportunities for both buyers and sellers
Figure Eight Island, Porter's Neck, and Hampstead are north of Wilmington Porter's Neck and Hampstead are two emerging markets that are developing a robust luxury market, while Figure Eight Island remains one of the region’s flagship upscale communities with some of the most significant coastal estate homes in the Carolinas
Just north of Wilmington, the Figure 8 Island, Porter’s Neck, and Hampstead market remained strong in 2026, with sales activity increasing in the mid-priced segments despite a slight slowdown at the luxury end Closed sales in the $600K–$1M range rose from 55 to 69, while the $1M–$2M segment increased from 13 to 17 sales. The $2M+ market experienced a modest decline, with closed sales decreasing from 7 to 4 homes Inventory remains healthy across all price points, totaling 124 active listings, and pending sales suggest continued buyer demand Overall, the market reflects steady growth and strong activity, particularly in the $600K–$2M price ranges
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
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
One of the most popular destinations for vacationers, Atlantic Beach, and Emerald Isle rest on North Carolina's northern barrier islands below the Outer Banks Emerald Isle is famous for its pristine, emerald-colored beaches and Atlantic Beach, north of Emerald Isle, is near popular Morehead City and across from the famous historic port town of Beaufort, NC
Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle showed a notable increase in activity during second quarter of 2026 compared to the second quarter 2025, particularly in the luxury segment Closed sales rose from 59 homes in 2025 to 63 homes in 2026, driven by strong gains in the $1M–$2M price range, where sales increased from 18 to 29 homes Inventory also expanded significantly, with 129 active listings across all price points, led by 65 homes in the $600K–$1M range The $2M+ market remained steady with 8 closed sales in both years, while pending sales were limited, suggesting buyers continue to absorb available inventory despite increased supply Overall, the market reflects healthy demand, especially for higher-priced coastal properties
