Pender County had one of the more interesting months in the Cape Fear region this September. The single-family median sales price jumped well above last year’s number, homes that sold went under contract faster, and the supply of homes for sale shrank. If you own a home in Hampstead, Surf City, Rocky Point, Burgaw, or anywhere in between, and you’ve been wondering whether this fall is a good time to list, here’s what the numbers say and how we’d read them.
The figures below come from the Cape Fear REALTORS® Pender County market report for September 2026, which is based on North Carolina Regional MLS data current as of October 4, 2026. You can find the full county reports on the Cape Fear REALTORS® County Market Updates page. As always, these are county-wide numbers. Your street, your home’s condition, and your price point matter more than any average.
The September 2026 Numbers for Pender County Single-Family Homes
- Median sales price: $539,900, up 16.1% from $465,000 in September 2025.
- Year-to-date median: $499,950, up 5.4% from the same stretch last year.
- Closed sales: 103, down 10.4% from 115 a year earlier.
- New listings: 139, up 15.8% from September 2025.
- Pending sales: 101, up 5.2%.
- Median days on market: 53, down from 62.
- Percent of list price received: 98.9%, up from 97.9%.
- Homes for sale: 411, down 11.0% from 462.
- Months of supply: 3.8, down from 4.5.
How to Read That 16.1% Jump
A double-digit rise in the median price makes a great headline, but it deserves some context. Pender County closes roughly a hundred single-family homes a month, so the median in any single month can swing based on which homes happened to close. A month with more sales in newer Hampstead communities or along the water will push the median up, even if the typical home didn’t gain that much value.
That’s why we pay more attention to the year-to-date figure. Through September, the Pender median sits at $499,950, up 5.4%. That’s still solid, steady appreciation, and it lines up with what we see on the ground: demand along the U.S. 17 corridor and in Hampstead has stayed strong as people look for a bit more space within reach of Wilmington.
The Signals That Matter Most for Sellers
Three numbers tell the real story for anyone thinking about listing:
- Homes sold faster. Median days on market dropped from 62 to 53. Buyers are making decisions a little quicker than they were a year ago.
- Sellers got closer to asking. At 98.9% of list price, well-priced homes are not seeing big discounts.
- Supply tightened. At 3.8 months of supply, Pender has less inventory than it did last fall, which generally gives sellers a little more leverage.
At the same time, new listings were up nearly 16%. More sellers are testing the market, which means your home will have more company than it did earlier in the year. Pricing and presentation matter.
How Pender Compares to Its Neighbors
Pender’s September looked different from the rest of the region. In New Hanover County, the single-family median slipped slightly year over year and homes took a few more days to sell. In Brunswick County, there are far more homes on the market and a longer typical selling time. Pender, by contrast, combined faster sales with shrinking inventory. For sellers in Hampstead and Scotts Hill in particular, that means buyers priced out of northern Wilmington and Porters Neck may well be looking at your neighborhood next.
What We’d Suggest If You’re Thinking About Selling This Fall
Price to the Last 90 Days, Not the Headline
Don’t price your home based on a 16% jump. Price it on the comparable homes that sold near you in the last few months, adjusted for condition, lot, and location. An overpriced listing sits, and in a market where new listings are rising, it can get passed over quickly.
Plan for the Holiday Slowdown
Fall and early winter tend to bring fewer buyers, but the ones shopping now are usually serious, often relocating for work or trying to close before the new year. If you list in November, expect a smaller but more motivated pool of buyers.
Get Ahead of Flood and Insurance Questions
Many Pender buyers ask about flood zones, elevation, and insurance costs early, especially for homes near the sound, the Northeast Cape Fear River, or on Topsail Island. Having your flood zone, any elevation certificate, and recent insurance information ready can keep a deal on track.
Take Care of the Small Stuff First
With buyers paying close to asking, inspection surprises are where deals tend to get renegotiated. A pre-listing look at the roof, HVAC, and any septic system (common in rural Pender) can save time and money later.
What It Means for Buyers
If you’re buying in Pender, be ready to move on the right home. Get pre-approved, know your must-haves, and expect well-priced homes in Hampstead and Rocky Point to draw attention. With more new listings coming on, though, it’s worth watching closely: homes that have been sitting for a few weeks may give you room to negotiate on repairs or closing costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pender County home prices really up 16%?
The September single-family median was up 16.1% year over year, according to Cape Fear REALTORS®. Because monthly sample sizes are small, the year-to-date median, up 5.4%, is a steadier guide to how values are trending.
Is it a seller’s market in Pender County?
It leans in sellers’ favor right now, with 3.8 months of supply, faster sales, and homes selling at about 98.9% of list price. That can vary a lot by town, price range, and home type.
Is fall a bad time to list a home in Pender County?
Not necessarily. There are usually fewer buyers in late fall, but they tend to be motivated, and you’ll often face less competition than in spring. The right price and preparation matter more than the calendar.
Where can I see the full report?
Cape Fear REALTORS® publishes monthly reports for Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick counties on its County Market Updates page.
Wondering What Your Pender County Home Is Worth?
County averages are a starting point. If you’d like to know what homes like yours in Hampstead, Surf City, Burgaw, or Rocky Point are actually selling for right now, and how to time your sale, we’re happy to walk you through it with no pressure. Contact Aspyre Collective for a local market review.
