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Slowing Market Indicates Stability
Across North Carolina’s coastal markets, fourth quarter data shows a clear shift from the highly compressed, seller-driven conditions of recent years toward a more balanced and segmented environment Inventory has risen meaningfully in nearly every submarket and price range, particularly between $600K and $2M, giving buyers more options and time to be selective While overall transaction volume remains healthy, closed sales are increasingly uneven by location and price point, signaling that demand is still present but more price-sensitive and intentional Entryto-mid price ranges continue to anchor activity in many communities, while luxury segments are performing best in historically premium areas such as Wrightsville Beach, Landfall, and Bald Head Island
At the same time, the data highlights how local dynamics matter more than ever Markets like Wilmington, Ocean Isle, and Carolina Beach continue to generate strong volume, while others show slower absorption and rising competition among sellers. Higher-end sales have proven resilient in select enclaves, but across the region, success is increasingly tied to realistic pricing, property condition, and differentiation rather than market momentum alone. Taken together, these trends suggest that the North Carolina coastal real estate market is normalizing transitioning into a phase where informed strategy, local expertise, and disciplined expectations are essential for both buyers and sellers navigating the year ahead.
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
Wrightsville Beach and Landfall remains firmly oriented toward higher price points but is showing clearer signs of normalization Activity is concentrated in the $1M–$2M and $2M+ segments, where closed sales increased year over year, indicating continued demand for premium properties despite rising inventory The $1M–$2M range, in particular, shows healthy absorption, with closed sales closely tracking active listings, suggesting balanced conditions for well-priced homes In contrast, the $600K–$1M segment remains limited and slowermoving, underscoring the scarcity of lower-priced inventory in these desirable submarkets Overall, the data points to a resilient upper-end market where buyer demand remains strong, but pricing accuracy and property quality are important as supply continues to build
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 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 U S
Wilmington remains the region’s volume leader but is clearly normalizing after the exceptionally strong conditions of prior years The $600K–$1M segment continues to dominate activity, with high inventory and strong sales, though closed transactions declined year over year, signaling softer demand and longer absorption times In the $1M–$2M range, closed sales rose sharply compared with Q4 2024 despite elevated active listings, indicating resilient demand among higher-end buyers and improved confidence in this segment The $2M+ market shows increased inventory but a notable drop in closed sales year over year, underscoring growing selectivity among luxury buyers Overall, Wilmington’s data points to a more balanced market environment, where buyers have greater negotiating power and sellers must be strategic on pricing and presentation to compete effectively
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 data for the fourth quarter active at the entry-to-mid price points but increasingly constrained by higher-end inventory The $600K–$1M segment dominates market activity, with a large pool of active listings and steady closed sales that slightly exceeded last year, indicating consistent demand despite growing supply In the $1M–$2M range, inventory remains elevated while closed sales more than doubled year over year, suggesting improved buyer confidence and successful absorption of higher-priced homes By contrast, the $2M+ segment remains thin and slow-moving, with minimal active, pending, or closed activity, highlighting price sensitivity at the luxury end in this submarket Overall, the data points to a market that is stabilizing and becoming more balanced, where affordability-driven demand leads and higher price tiers require sharper pricing and strong property positioning to convert listings into sales
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
Topsail Island remains active but is clearly experiencing slower momentum compared with Q4 2024 Inventory is elevated across all price points, particularly in the $1M–$2M segment, where active listings substantially outnumber closed sales, signaling increased competition among sellers Closed transactions declined year over year in the $600K–$1M range, indicating softer demand at more accessible price points, while the $1M–$2M segment saw a modest increase in closings, suggesting selective strength among higher-end buyers The $2M+ market remains very limited, with minimal sales activity despite growing inventory Overall, the data reflects a market that is rebalancing, with buyers exercising greater discretion and sellers needing realistic pricing and strong property presentation to drive successful outcomes
OCEAN ISLE & SUNSET BEACH
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 sunsets the southeast-facing island offered and its rare views of the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean
Ocean Isle and Sunset Beach remains active and comparatively strong, particularly in the $600K–$1M and $1M–$2M segments The $600K–$1M range leads the market with high inventory and a significant increase in closed sales year over year, indicating robust demand and improved buyer confidence at this price point In the $1M–$2M segment, closed sales also rose compared with Q4 2024, suggesting continued absorption of higher-priced homes despite elevated active listings The $2M+ market remains limited, with modest inventory and only a handful of transactions, underscoring a more selective luxury buyer pool Overall, the data reflects a relatively healthy and balanced coastal market, where strong mid-range demand is offsetting higher inventory levels and supporting steady sales momentum
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, 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
The 2025 data for Oak Island points to a North Carolina coastal real estate market that is active but clearly more inventory-heavy than in 2024 The $600K–$1M segment continues to anchor market activity, with a large number of active listings, though closed sales declined year over year, indicating slower absorption and increased competition among sellers In the $1M–$2M range, inventory remains elevated while closed sales edged slightly higher than last year, suggesting steady but selective demand at higher price points The $2M+ segment remains very limited in both supply and sales activity, reinforcing that luxury demand in Oak Island is narrow and highly price-sensitive Overall, the data reflects a market in transition toward balance, where buyers have more options and negotiating power, and successful sales increasingly depend on realistic pricing and strong property positioning
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 fourth quarter data reflects a market that is active but clearly more competitive and pricesensitive than a year ago Inventory remains elevated across all price ranges, particularly in the $600K–$1M and $1M–$2M segments, where active listings outnumber pending and closed sales Closings in the $600K–$1M range increased year over year, signaling steady demand for more attainable coastal homes, while the $1M–$2M segment saw fewer closings compared with Q4 2024, pointing to a slowdown at higher price points The $2M+ market remains thin, with limited inventory and only a handful of transactions, reinforcing the selective nature of luxury demand in this area Overall, the data suggests Holden Beach is moving toward a more balanced market, where buyers have greater choice and sellers must be well-priced and wellpositioned to convert listings into sales
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
Figure Eight Island, Porter’s Neck, and Hampstead is active but is adjusting to higher inventory levels and more selective buyer behavior The $600K–$1M segment continues to drive overall activity, with a substantial number of active listings and strong closed sales, though closings trailed slightly behind 2024, signaling a modest cooling In the $1M–$2M range, inventory is elevated while closed sales increased year over year, indicating improved absorption of higherpriced homes despite limited pending activity The $2M+ segment remains smaller and slowermoving, with only a handful of transactions, underscoring continued price sensitivity at the luxury level outside the most exclusive enclaves Overall, the data points to a more balanced market environment, where buyers have greater choice, sellers face increased competition, and accurate pricing and property quality are increasingly critical to achieving successful sales
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
Southport is real estate market that is active but showing signs of cooling and increased competition compared with 2024 The $600K–$1M segment continues to drive the market, with elevated inventory and closed sales roughly in line with last year, suggesting steady demand but slower absorption as buyers gain more choice In the $1M–$2M range, active listings remain relatively high while closed sales dipped year over year, indicating softer demand at higher price points and longer marketing times The $2M+ segment remains very limited, with minimal inventory and only one closed sale 2025, underscoring a narrow and cautious luxury buyer pool Overall, Southport’s data points to a market transitioning toward balance, where pricing strategy and property condition are increasingly important to convert listings into sales
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 data for Bald Head Island is increasingly inventory-heavy but showing stronger buyer activity than the prior year, particularly in higher price ranges Active listings are concentrated in the $1M–$2M and $2M+ segments, reflecting continued seller confidence and the island’s luxury-oriented profile Closed sales in the $1M–$2M range nearly doubled year over year (17 in Q4 2025 versus 9 in Q4 2024), signaling renewed demand in the core luxury market, while $2M+ closings also increased meaningfully (9 versus 5) The $600K–$1M segment remains thin and slow-moving, with minimal pending and closed activity, underscoring limited supply and selective demand at lower price points Overall, Bald Head Island’s market suggests a healthy, upper-end–driven rebound, where well-positioned luxury properties are trading despite elevated inventory and modest pending activity
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 fourth quarter data for Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle shows a North Carolina coastal real estate market that remains active but is clearly shifting compared with 2024 Inventory is elevated across all price ranges, particularly in the $600K–$1M and $1M–$2M segments, where active listings significantly outpace closed sales, suggesting increased supply and more buyer leverage Closings in the $600K–$1M range declined year over year (24 in Q4 2025 versus 27 in Q4 2024), while the $1M–$2M segment remained relatively stable, indicating resilience in the mid-luxury market The $2M+ segment stands out with a notable increase in closed sales compared to last year (6 versus 2), pointing to renewed strength at the high end despite limited pending activity Overall, the market reflects a normalization phase: slower turnover in core price ranges, growing inventory, and selective strength in luxury properties, consistent with a more balanced, negotiation-friendly environment for buyers
COASTAL MARKET FORECAST
Including Wrightsville Beach and Landfall further reinforces the broader story of a North Carolina coastal real estate market that is stabilizing while becoming increasingly segmented by location and price point Across the region, Q4 2025 inventory levels are noticeably higher than last year, particularly in the $600K–$2M ranges, giving buyers more leverage and time to evaluate options Sales activity remains healthy overall, but it is no longer uniform, with performance varying sharply between communities and highlighting the growing importance of micro-market dynamics
Historically, the pending to active numbers drop to their lowest point in the dead of winter so some of that typically sees some seasonal rebound moving into the warmer months With mortgage rates and the cost of money having dropped somewhat heading into the new year, this should spur some increased activity in the mid-market, as well as in leveraged new construction
Mid-range pricing continues to drive the bulk of transactions in many areas Markets such as Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Ocean Isle, Oak Island, and Topsail Island still see the greatest volume between $600K and $1M, though year-over-year closed sales in this segment are mixed In several communities, closings have softened compared to Q4 2024 as affordability pressures and buyer caution increase, while others remain steady due to strong local demand. The widening gap between active listings and closed sales suggests longer marketing timelines and a clear need for strategic pricing
The $1M–$2M segment stands out as a relative bright spot across multiple coastal markets Wilmington, Topsail Island, Bald Head Island, and especially Wrightsville Beach and Landfall show solid absorption in this range, with closed sales meeting or exceeding last year’s pace despite higher inventory This trend points to continued confidence among higher-net-worth buyers who are motivated by lifestyle, location, and long-term value rather than short-term market conditions Wrightsville Beach and Landfall, in particular, demonstrate how established, premium neighborhoods can sustain strong demand even as the broader market normalizes
At the luxury end, the $2M+ segment remains selective and uneven Wrightsville Beach, Landfall, and Bald Head Island continue to see consistent high-end activity, while other markets show increased inventory with relatively limited sales Buyers in this tier are patient and discerning, placing a premium on uniqueness, condition, and waterfront or amenity-driven value Properties that meet these criteria continue to transact, while others face extended exposure
Taken together, the data reflects a coastal North Carolina market that is no longer driven by urgency but by precision Buyers are deliberate, sellers must be realistic, and success is increasingly defined by local expertise and thoughtful strategy As the market moves forward, communities like Wrightsville Beach and Landfall highlight where demand remains strongest, while other areas illustrate the broader transition toward balance and normalization across the region
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