For years, the Hampstead Bypass has been the "unicorn" of Pender County—a mythical creature that everyone talked about but no one had actually seen. In 2026, that changes.

The dirt is moving, the noise walls are rising, and for the first time, we can see the physical shape of the road that will transform US Highway 17. For residents and investors in Hampstead, Surf City, and Topsail, this project is no longer a distant plan; it is an active construction zone.

But with construction comes questions. When will it actually open? How bad will the traffic be during the work? And most importantly: What does this mean for my home value right now?

Here is your expert progress report and property value forecast for the year ahead.

The Timeline: Where We Stand in 2026

The project is split into two distinct phases, and they are currently at very different stages of life.

The Northern Section (NC 210 to North of Hampstead):
Status: Advanced Construction. If you’ve driven past Topsail High School or Hoover Road recently, you’ve seen the progress. In 2026, this section is moving into the "visual" phase—paving, drainage, and the installation of noise walls are underway.
Target: On track for completion by late 2027.

The Southern Section (NC 140 to NC 210):
Status: Just Beginning. The contract for this final leg was awarded in late 2025, and 2026 will be the year of "heavy lifting." Expect massive earthmoving equipment and clearing crews between Sidbury Road and the NC 140 interchange.
Target: Scheduled to open in 2030, completing the full loop.

The "Construction Dip" vs. The "Completion Spike"

In real estate, major infrastructure projects typically follow a "J-Curve" regarding property values.

The Announcement Phase: Values spike on speculation.
The Construction Phase: Values flatten or dip for homes adjacent to the work due to noise, dust, and uncertainty.
The Completion Phase: Values surge as commute times drop and accessibility improves.

In 2026, we are firmly in Phase 2. For homes within earshot of the heavy equipment—especially along the Hoover Road and factories corridors—we may see temporary hesitation from buyers. The dust is flying, and the aesthetic isn't pretty yet. But across the broader Hampstead market, the data tells a different story.

2026 Projections: The "Accessibility Premium"

Even though the bypass isn’t open, savvy buyers are already pricing in the future convenience.

The "Interchange Winners": Properties near the future interchanges (NC 210 and Hoover Road) are becoming prime targets. Investors know that once that ramp opens, a 45-minute commute to Wilmington becomes 20 minutes. Expect neighborhoods like Castle Bay and Olde Point to hold value strongly.

The US 17 Commercial Corridor: As through-traffic shifts to the bypass, US 17 will evolve into more of a "Main Street." Commercial interest is already increasing, supporting residential values in nearby communities like Wyndwater.

Pender's Tax Revaluation: New tax values effective January 1st have largely “baked in” the bypass’s anticipated benefits. Buyers in 2026 are likely paying prices that reflect that future uplift.

What This Means for You

Sellers: If you’re selling near the construction zone, be upfront. Market the future quiet of the bypass—which will remove semi-trucks from US 17—rather than the current bulldozer noise.

Buyers: 2026 is your opportunity window. You can still buy at “construction prices” before the completion spike of 2027/2028. If you can tolerate a year or two of orange cones, you’re positioning yourself for major appreciation.

Navigating the Zone

The Hampstead Bypass is going to change everything—from your morning commute to your net worth. But the impact varies street by street.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we have the detailed overlay maps. We know exactly which backyards will back up to a noise wall and which neighborhoods will have easy interchange access without the noise. Don't guess about the road’s path; let us show you precisely how the pavement affects your property.