Drive through Hampstead or browse listings in Wilmington, and the change is visible. For the first time in years, “For Sale” signs are staying up longer than a weekend. The panic-buying era of 2024 is over, but does this mean the market is flooding?

As we move into 2026, the inventory landscape in New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, and Brunswick counties has shifted from a scarcity crisis to a complex game of “quality vs. quantity.” The answer isn't a simple “yes, there are more homes.” It’s about where those homes are and why they are sitting.

Myth vs. Reality: The “Crash” in Demand

The Myth: “Homes are sitting on the market for 70+ days because buyers have disappeared.”

The Coastal Reality: Buyers haven't left; they have just regained their sanity. In late 2025, the average days on market (DOM) in the Wilmington MSA crept up to 77 days. This isn't a crash; it is a return to a healthy, balanced market. The frenzy of “waiving inspections” is gone. Today's buyers are taking their time to inspect roofs, negotiate repairs, and verify insurance costs.

The “Two-Speed” Inventory Split

Not all neighborhoods are feeling the relief of new inventory. In 2026, we are seeing a distinct split in the market:

The Balanced Zones (Wilmington & Jacksonville): In New Hanover and Onslow counties, inventory has reached a healthy 4–5 months of supply. Buyers here finally have leverage. You can view a home on a Saturday and not feel pressured to write an offer before Sunday brunch.

The Bottlenecks (Brunswick County): Conversely, popular retirement hubs like Leland and Southport remain tight. The demand from retirees fleeing the Northeast continues to outpace the resale inventory, keeping prices firm and bidding wars alive for turnkey properties.

The “Invisible” Supply: New Construction in Pender

In Surf City and Hampstead, a wave of new construction is hitting the market in Q1 2026. However, much of this inventory is “invisible” to the casual observer because it exists as “presales” or spec homes that haven't broken ground yet.

Strategic Insight: Builders are currently offering aggressive incentives (rate buydowns, closing costs) to move these units before their fiscal year ends. If you are struggling to find a resale home, 2026 is the year to look at new builds in the Topsail school district.

The “Tax & Insurance” Catalyst

Why are more existing homes hitting the market now? Two major financial dates are driving decisions:

Tax Revaluations: Pender and Onslow counties both have tax revaluations effective January 1, 2026. Many long-time owners are seeing their tax bills jump significantly and are choosing to cash out their equity rather than absorb the higher holding costs.

Insurance Hikes: With another ~7.5% statewide insurance rate increase scheduled for mid-2026, owners of older homes (pre-2005) with aging roofs are finding it harder to sell. These homes are lingering on the market, inflating the inventory numbers, while wind-mitigated homes sell quickly.

Your Next Step

More inventory means more choice, but it also means more noise. You need to distinguish between a home that is sitting because it's overpriced and a home that is an opportunity waiting for a smart offer.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we don't just send you listings; we analyze the “why” behind the “for sale” sign. We are experts in listening and communicating people's wants into homes that work for them. Let’s identify the opportunities in this new market that match your financial goals.