Brunswick County just posted its busiest September for home sales in years. According to the Brunswick County Association of REALTORS® (Oct. 29, 2026), 579 homes sold in the county in September, the strongest September since 2020. Outside of 2020, it was the best September for sales in 20 years. If you own in Leland, Southport, Shallotte, Oak Island, or anywhere in between and you’ve been wondering whether to list before spring, here’s what the numbers say and how we’d read them.
The September Numbers at a Glance
Here’s how September 2026 compared with September 2025 in Brunswick County, based on the association’s report:
- Homes sold: 579, up 3.9% from 557.
- New listings: 806, up 8.3% from 744.
- Median sales price: $385,000, up 2.7% from $375,000.
- Average sales price: $494,526, up 0.3% from $493,248.
- Total sales volume: about $286.3 million, up 4.2%.
- Days on market: roughly 80 to 85 days, about five days faster than a year earlier.
- Absorption rate: steady at nearly five months, which the association described as a relatively balanced market.
Through the first nine months of 2026, 5,092 homes sold in the county, up 6.8% from the same stretch of 2025. Year-to-date sales volume topped $2.56 billion, and the year-to-date median price rose 4.0% to $387,075. WilmingtonBiz (Oct. 30, 2026) also covered the report.
What “Balanced” Means in Brunswick Right Now
A supply of around five months means buyers have real choices, but homes are still selling at a healthy clip. More listings came on the market than a year ago, and more homes sold too. That’s a different picture from the frenzy years, when almost anything sold in a weekend, and different from a buyer’s market, where homes pile up unsold.
For sellers, the takeaway is simple: demand is there, but buyers are comparing. The homes that sell quickly are the ones that are priced right from day one and show well.
Well-Priced Homes Are Still Moving Fast
One detail in the report stood out to us. In September, 224 homes sold within 30 days. That includes 124 resales and 100 newly built homes. Those quick-selling resales sold for nearly 99% of list price on average, and they ranged from $135,000 to more than $2 million, spread throughout the county. In other words, fast sales aren’t limited to one price point or one town.
You’re Competing With Builders
New construction is a big part of the Brunswick market, from Leland and Winnabow down through the Shallotte and Ocean Isle Beach areas. When 100 new homes sell in under a month, resale sellers need to think about how their home stacks up. Buyers will often compare your home to a new one down the road with a builder warranty and, at times, builder-paid closing cost help or rate incentives.
What This Means If You’re Selling This Fall or Winter
- Price to the current market, not last year’s. The average price barely moved year over year, up 0.3%, while the median rose 2.7%. Don’t assume a big jump in value. A fresh comparative market analysis built on the last 60 to 90 days of sales near you is the best starting point.
- Plan for a realistic timeline. With typical days on market in the 80s, give yourself room. If you need to close by a certain date, list with that cushion in mind.
- Fix what buyers will flag. Coastal buyers pay close attention to roofs, HVAC, moisture, and drainage. Handling small repairs before listing keeps negotiations simpler later.
- Consider incentives instead of price cuts. With the 30-year fixed rate averaging 7.24% for the week ending Oct. 29, according to Freddie Mac, monthly payment matters to buyers. A seller-paid rate buydown can sometimes do more for a buyer than a price reduction. We broke down the math in our post on seller rate buydowns.
- Don’t write off the holidays. The association’s CEO, Cynthia Walsh, said the September numbers point to continued strength heading into the typically slower fall and winter months. Fewer listings during the holidays can mean less competition for the sellers who do list.
What It Means for Buyers
Buyers have more homes to pick from than a year ago, and many listings are sitting long enough to leave room for negotiation. At the same time, the best homes in each price range are still going quickly. Get pre-approved, know your must-haves, and be ready to move when the right home comes up. If you’re new to the county, our guide to buying in Brunswick County under $400K is a good place to start.
A Quick Word on the Bigger Picture
Brunswick voters also approved a $349.6 million school bond on Nov. 3, which will fund new schools for the growing county. We covered what that means for homeowners in our post on the school bonds and property tax amendment. Steady sales, more new homes, and new school construction all point to a county that keeps drawing new residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brunswick County a buyer’s or seller’s market right now?
Neither, really. The association reported an absorption rate of nearly five months in September and called it relatively balanced. Conditions vary by town and price range, so look at your specific neighborhood.
Did home prices go up in Brunswick County?
Modestly. The September median rose 2.7% to $385,000, and the average rose 0.3% to $494,526 compared with September 2025.
When will October numbers come out?
The association typically publishes its monthly report several weeks after the month ends. We’ll share the October numbers once they’re released.
Should I wait until spring to sell?
Not necessarily. Spring brings more buyers but also more competing listings. If your home is ready and priced well, fall and winter can work in your favor.
Thinking About Selling in Brunswick County?
Every street in Brunswick County has its own story, and the countywide numbers are only the beginning. If you’d like a pricing plan for your home based on recent sales near you, we’re happy to help. Contact Aspyre Collective and let’s talk about your timing and goals.
