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Slowing Market Indicates Stability
The North Carolina coastal real estate market in Q3 2025 reflects a season of steady strength, measured growth, and increasing balance across nearly every major region Expanding inventory is meeting continued buyer demand, signaling a shift from the intense seller’s market of recent years toward a more sustainable and dynamic environment
From Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach to Oak Island, Bald Head Island, and the Brunswick County beaches, activity remains strong, with buyers remaining highly engaged despite a broader range of available listings The $600K–$1M segment continues to anchor much of the transactional volume across the coast, while the $1M–$2M and $2M+ price ranges show impressive traction particularly in luxurydriven markets such as Ocean Isle, Oak Island, and Bald Head Island, where high-end sales have surged year over year
While elevated supply has introduced slightly longer market times and more negotiation flexibility, absorption rates remain healthy and pricing continues to hold firm in most markets. This trend reflects both the enduring desirability of coastal North Carolina and the region’s ability to attract a diverse range of buyers, from primary homeowners to second-home investors
Overall, Q3 2025 points to a maturing and balanced marketplace one where confidence remains high, opportunities are expanding, and demand for the coastal lifestyle continues to drive strong long-term growth heading into 2026.
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH & LANDFALL
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 markets in Q3 2025 show a mix of stability and softening compared to Q3 2024 The $600K–$1M segment remains steady with 11 active listings, 12 pending sales, and 10 closed indicating consistent buyer interest at the entry luxury tier The $1M–$2M range, however, shows a decline in closed sales from 23 in 2024 to 15 in 2025 a 35% decrease paired with 23 active listings and only 8 pending, suggesting slower absorption and longer market times At the top end, the $2M+ category is experiencing growing momentum, with 17 pending and 15 closed sales versus 37 active listings While inventory levels have expanded notably at higher price points, strong pending activity indicates sustained buyer demand in the luxury sector, positioning Wrightsville Beach and Landfall for a more balanced, yet competitive, high-end market moving into Q4
WILMINGTON
Wilmington is a historic port city along the Cape Fear River that features three gorgeous islands The historic artistic culture is complemented by the small beach town aesthetic offered by top-rated pristine beaches at Wrightsville Beach, historic Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach.
The art, music, food, architecture, history, and natural beauty of Wilmington make it the #1 place to move in the US
The Wilmington real estate market reflects steady activity across most price ranges, though with signs of softening at the higher end The $600K–$1M segment continues to dominate, with 177 active listings and 180 closed sales virtually unchanged from 178 in 2024 showing consistent demand and a balanced market In the $1M–$2M range, closed sales rose slightly from 50 to 52 However, the $2M+ luxury tier shows a notable slowdown: closed transactions dropped from 21 to 10, a 52% decrease, indicating longer days on market and greater competition among sellers Overall, Wilmington’s mid-range market remains strong, but elevated inventory and softer absorption in the top tier signal a gradual shift toward a more balanced and selective buyer’s market
CAROLINA & KURE BEACH
With its proximity to Wilmington, the ferry to Southport, and the limited inventory and price appreciation 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 smalltown 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 markets in the third quarter show a clear increase in inventory alongside solid buyer activity, particularly in the mid-range price brackets The $600K–$1M segment remains the strongest, with 109 active listings and 50 closed sales, a modest gain from 46 in 2024 The $1M–$2M range has also gained traction, with closed sales rising from 9 to 15, a 67% increase, suggesting growing confidence among upper-tier buyers However, the $2M+ market remains limited, with only 2 closed transactions this quarter and minimal pending activity Overall, Carolina and Kure Beach are experiencing an active but inventory-heavy market, where increased supply is giving buyers more options while maintaining steady absorption across most segments
TOPSAIL ISLAND
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 real estate market in Q3 2025 shows healthy activity across most price points, with rising inventory and steady buyer engagement The $600K–$1M segment remains the most active, with 65 listings and 36 closed sales nearly matching last year’s 34 indicating consistent demand despite increased supply In the $1M–$2M range, closed transactions rose from 17 in 2024 to 21 in 2025, a 24% year-over-year increase, supported by 14 pending sales and a robust 67 active listings The $2M+ luxury segment, though smaller in volume, is showing slight growth with five closings compared to three the previous year, and inventory at 18 homes suggests expanding opportunities for high-end buyers Overall, Topsail Island’s market remains strong and balanced, with growing inventory meeting sustained demand across all tiers particularly in the upper-middle and luxury ranges
OCEAN ISLE & SUNSET BEACH
Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach are two popular islands in the furthest southwest 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 sunsets the southeast-facing island offered and its rare views of the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean
The Ocean Isle and Sunset Beach markets in Q3 2025 demonstrate strong activity across all price ranges The $600K–$1M segment remains the most active, with 73 homes listed and 58 closed up slightly from 55 in 2024 showing steady buyer demand The $1M–$2M range shows particularly strong momentum, with closed sales climbing from 15 to 24, a 60% year-over-year gain The $2M+ luxury category, while smaller in volume, has also strengthened, with four closed sales versus one last year and inventory rising to 12 properties Overall, Ocean Isle and Sunset Beach are experiencing a healthy, upward-trending market characterized by rising inventory and growing absorption
OAK ISLAND
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, but 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
The Oak Island real estate market in Q3 2025 remains active and balanced, with notable gains in mid- and upper-tier sales alongside rising inventory The $600K–$1M segment continues to lead activity, with 105 active listings and 61 closed sales just slightly below last year’s 64 indicating steady buyer demand despite an 18% increase in available homes. The $1M–$2M category has shown strong year-over-year growth, with closed sales more than doubling from 13 to 28, supported by 61 active listings and 8 pending, reflecting expanding buyer interest in higher-end coastal properties
The $2M+ segment remains modest, with only two closings compared to four in 2024 Overall, Oak Island’s market is showing resilience, with robust midrange activity driving stability, while increasing inventory gives buyers more leverage heading into late 2025
HOLDEN BEACH
Holden Beach, a favorite South Brunswick Island, southwest of Wilmington, 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, started a commercial fishery on the island in 1924 and surveyed a section which he called Holden Beach Resort
The Holden Beach real estate market in Q3 2025 reflects steady, balanced activity across all price categories, with moderate inventory and a healthy pace of sales The $600K–$1M range shows 15 active listings and 6 closed sales down slightly from 9 in 2024 suggesting stable demand despite limited pending activity. The $1M–$2M segment continues to perform well, with 17 homes on the market and 13 closed transactions, nearly doubling last year’s 7 a strong 86% year-over-year increase that highlights buyer confidence in this tier The $2M+ category remains small but consistent, with 3 closings matching or slightly exceeding past performance Overall, Holden Beach’s market is characterized by manageable inventory levels and growing strength in the upper price range, signaling continued appeal for high-end coastal buyers even as the broader market balances supply and demand
FIGURE EIGHT, PORTER'S NECK, & HAMPSTEAD
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
The Figure 8 Island, Porter’s Neck, and Hampstead markets in Q3 2025 reflect stable activity and expanding inventory, particularly in the mid- to high-end price ranges The $600K–$1M segment remains the most active, with 74 homes listed and 49 closings nearly identical to last year’s 48 indicating consistent demand despite higher supply levels The $1M–$2M range shows moderate growth, with 12 homes closed versus 10 in 2024, alongside 23 active listings and 3 pending, suggesting a slower absorption rate but continued buyer engagement At the luxury end, $2M+ properties saw a slight dip in closed transactions, falling from 6 to 2, though 15 active listings suggest more opportunities for discerning buyers entering the market Overall, the region continues to perform steadily, balancing new inventory with solid buyer interest, while the luxury segment is adjusting to longer market times
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 shows strong mid-range activity with rising inventory and sustained buyer engagement, particularly in the $600K–$1M segment This range leads the market with 82 active listings and 44 closed sales, while pending contracts (13) indicate a steady flow of buyer interest despite expanded supply The $1M–$2M category has gained significant traction, with closed sales more than doubling, reflecting growing demand in the upper tier Meanwhile, the $2M+ market remains limited, with just two closings versus three last year and minimal pending activity Overall, Southport’s market is characterized by healthy turnover and increased inventory, suggesting a more balanced environment where both buyers and sellers can benefit from stable pricing and expanding opportunity
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
The Bald Head Island real estate market shows healthy activity across all price categories, with strong momentum in the upper-end segments The $600K–$1M range remains limited, with only 5 active listings and no closed sales this quarter compared to 4 in 2024, indicating a shortage of inventory at this level The $1M–$2M tier continues to anchor the market, with sales up 17% from last year and 23 active listings The $2M+ luxury segment has gained notable traction, with 8 closed sales versus just 3 in 2024, marking a 167% year-over-year increase and underscoring the island’s appeal to affluent buyers seeking high-end coastal properties Overall, Bald Head Island’s market is performing strongly, with significant growth in luxury sales and a balanced increase in inventory supporting continued stability and demand
ATLANTIC BEACH & EMERALD ISLE
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
The Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle markets in Q3 2025 remain healthy and well-balanced, with solid sales activity across all price points and growing inventory The $600K–$1M range continues to dominate, with 45 active listings and 31 closed sales slightly below last year’s 33 reflecting stable demand despite expanded supply The $1M–$2M category shows strong upward momentum, with closed transactions increasing from 16 to 20, a 25% gain year over year, supported by 32 active listings and 12 pending sales that indicate steady buyer interest The $2M+ luxury tier remains a smaller but consistent segment, with three closings compared to two in 2024, and inventory holding at 18 active listings Overall, Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle continue to attract high-end buyers while accommodating increased inventory, suggesting a competitive yet steady market heading into the end of 2025
COASTAL MARKET FORECAST
The North Carolina coastal real estate market in Q3 2025 remains strong overall, with continued buyer demand, expanding inventory, and resilient performance across nearly all major coastal regions While activity varies by price segment and location, the data reflects a market that is recalibrating toward balance after several years of rapid appreciation and limited supply Across the board, markets such as Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach & Landfall, Oak Island, and Ocean Isle & Sunset Beach are seeing elevated listings, steady absorption, and healthy luxury sales, underscoring sustained confidence in coastal investment and lifestyle demand
In Wilmington, the $600K–$1M market continues to dominate, with 180 homes sold virtually unchanged from 2024 signifying consistent mid-range demand However, increased inventory in the $1M–$2M and $2M+ brackets, up roughly 50% year over year, points to a moderating pace and more negotiating room for buyers Wrightsville Beach & Landfall show similar patterns: the $1M–$2M range saw closed sales drop 35% from 23 to 15, while $2M+ transactions held steady at 17 closings, slightly above last year’s 15 These trends reflect ongoing luxury interest but also longer market times as supply builds
Further south, Oak Island and Ocean Isle & Sunset Beach stand out as some of the most active submarkets, showing robust growth in the $1M–$2M tier Oak Island’s sales more than doubled from 13 to 28, while Ocean Isle & Sunset Beach rose 60% to 24 closings evidence of strong buyer confidence in the upper coastal range. Similarly, Carolina and Kure Beach continue to lead the midmarket, with 50 homes closed in the $600K–$1M range and rising upper-tier activity Holden Beach and Southport also demonstrate expanding strength: Southport’s $1M–$2M closings climbed 125%, while Holden Beach’s same tier nearly doubled, showing broad-based resilience across Brunswick County’s waterfront markets
Luxury-focused destinations such as Bald Head Island, Figure 8 Island, Porter’s Neck, and Hampstead continue to perform impressively despite higher inventory Bald Head Island’s $2M+ closings surged 167% year over year, while Figure 8 and Porter’s Neck maintained consistent luxury absorption even as listings expanded. Meanwhile, Topsail Island remains balanced, with stable demand across all price points and a notable 24% uptick in $1M–$2M sales
Overall, Q3 2025 marks a transition toward equilibrium across North Carolina’s coastal markets Increased inventory particularly in the $1M+ segments is providing buyers with more options after years of constrained supply, while steady closings across all regions affirm continued confidence in the state’s coastal real estate Mid-range homes between $600K and $1M remain the backbone of sales volume, but the surge in luxury activity underscores the long-term desirability of North Carolina’s waterfront markets As the year closes, the region appears well-positioned for sustainable growth heading into 2026, with healthy demand, greater price transparency, and a maturing balance between supply and absorption
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