Election Day results are in, and two of the biggest local decisions for Cape Fear homeowners passed on Nov. 3, 2026: school bonds in both New Hanover and Brunswick counties, plus a statewide constitutional amendment that opens the door to limits on local property tax increases. All results are unofficial until the county canvasses, but the margins were clear. Here’s what passed, what it costs, and what it means if you own a home here or plan to buy one.
New Hanover County: $320.5 Million School Bond Approved
As the StarNews reported on Nov. 3, New Hanover County voters approved the $320.5 million school bond for New Hanover County Schools. According to the county’s official bond disclosure page, the money is expected to fund:
- A new 1,000-student middle school on the SEA-Tech campus off Sidbury Road to replace Trask Middle School, with the current Trask building becoming part of Laney High School to add high school capacity.
- A new 650-student elementary school in the Riverlights community to replace Mary C. Williams Elementary.
- A new elementary school on the existing Pine Valley Elementary campus.
- An eight-classroom addition at Porters Neck Elementary.
- Phase 1 of the New Hanover High School master plan, plus districtwide safety, technology, and building systems upgrades.
What it costs New Hanover homeowners
The county estimates the bond will require a property tax increase of about half a cent per $100 of assessed value. That works out to roughly $5 a year per $100,000 of value, or about $20 a year on a $400,000 home. The reason it’s that low: The Endowment has committed up to $116 million over ten years toward the county’s debt payments. Without that grant, the county says the increase would have been about 1.75 cents per $100. The bonds will be issued in three series over five to seven years, and the StarNews notes the improvement plan is set to begin in 2028.
Brunswick County: $349.6 Million School Bond Approved
In Brunswick County, voters approved the $349.6 million school bond 45,076 to 36,960, roughly 55% to 45%, according to unofficial results reported Nov. 3 by the State Port Pilot and the Brunswick Beacon. The county’s official canvass is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 13.
Per the State Port Pilot and the StarNews, the plan includes:
- A new high school along the U.S. 17 corridor between North Brunswick and South Brunswick high schools, the largest single project.
- A new elementary school for up to 900 students in the northern part of the county.
- Land purchases and future site development for new schools.
- An extension of Governor’s Road to give Town Creek Middle School a second entrance and exit.
- New intercoms districtwide, middle school gym bleachers, and athletic upgrades.
For Leland, Winnabow, and the broader U.S. 17 corridor, where new neighborhoods have been filling in fast, this is the long-term answer to crowded schools. We covered both plans before the vote in our posts on Brunswick County’s school bond and New Hanover County’s school bond.
Statewide: Voters Approve a Path to Property Tax Limits
North Carolina voters also approved the constitutional amendment on local property taxes with about 60% support, as reported Nov. 4 by WUNC and NC Newsline. The key detail is that the amendment doesn’t set a cap itself. It directs the General Assembly to pass laws limiting how much local governments can raise their total property tax levies. NC Newsline reports lawmakers will likely work out those details in 2027.
That matters here because counties and towns in all three of our counties are growing quickly and have big upcoming costs, from schools to water and sewer. It also matters in places with revaluations on the horizon, like Brunswick County’s 2027 revaluation. Until the legislature acts, nothing changes on your tax bill because of this amendment.
What This Means for Homeowners and Buyers
If you own a home
Plan for a modest bump from the school bonds once debt payments begin. In New Hanover, the county’s estimate is small thanks to The Endowment’s grant. Brunswick owners should watch county budget discussions for the tax impact as bonds are issued. Over time, new and replaced schools tend to support neighborhood appeal, which helps resale.
If you’re buying
New school sites can shift attendance zones in the coming years, especially in northern New Hanover near Sidbury Road and Laney, around Riverlights, and along Brunswick’s U.S. 17 corridor. Always confirm current school assignments directly with the district before you buy, and remember that zones can change once new buildings open. When you budget, use the current tax rate for the home and leave a little room for future adjustments.
If you’re selling
Buyers with kids ask about schools first. Approved projects near your neighborhood are a real talking point in your listing, as long as you describe them accurately and don’t promise specific school assignments.
FAQ
Are the election results final?
Not yet. All results are unofficial until each county board of elections completes its canvass. Brunswick County’s canvass is set for Nov. 13.
How much will the New Hanover school bond raise my taxes?
The county estimates about $5 a year for every $100,000 of assessed value, or about $20 a year on a $400,000 home.
Does the property tax amendment lower my taxes right away?
No. It gives the General Assembly authority to set limits on local levy increases later. No specific limit has been set yet.
Will the new schools change which school my home is zoned for?
Possibly, once new schools open. Districts set attendance zones separately, so check with New Hanover County Schools or Brunswick County Schools for the latest.
Talk With a Local Team
Wondering how these changes could affect a home you own or one you’re eyeing in Wilmington, Leland, Hampstead, or anywhere in the Cape Fear region? We follow these decisions closely so you don’t have to. Reach out to Aspyre Collective and we’ll help you sort out what it means for your next move.
