A Refined Shift Toward Balance in the Wilmington MSA
As the year draws to a close, the Wilmington NC real estate market is settling into a more measured and intentional rhythm. In line with seasonal expectations, November 2025 brought a natural deceleration in activity across the Wilmington MSA housing market. Rather than signaling weakness, this shift reflects a broader recalibration after several years of accelerated growth.
Inventory has continued to expand, buyer demand remains steady, and Wilmington home prices are beginning to stabilize—clear indicators that 2025 marks a transition toward a more balanced coastal North Carolina real estate market.
Key Wilmington Housing Market Trends — November 2025
Inventory Expansion Continues Across the Wilmington MSA
Active listings in the Wilmington housing market totaled 4,229 homes in November, reflecting a 3.8% decrease from October. Despite the slight monthly dip, inventory remains significantly higher year over year, increasing 14% compared to November 2024. This continued rise in supply is reshaping buyer and seller dynamics throughout the region.
Seasonal Slowdown in New Listings
The market recorded 1,039 new listings in November, a 20.4% decline month over month, consistent with late-year seller behavior. Year over year, new listings were down just 1.6%, signaling that seller confidence in the Wilmington NC housing market remains relatively steady.
Buyer Demand Remains Resilient
Pending sales reached 921 transactions, lower than October but 11.9% higher than November 2024. This year-over-year increase confirms that buyer demand continues to support the Wilmington real estate market, even as conditions normalize.
Months of Inventory Move Toward a Balanced Market
Months of supply rose to 4.9 months, up 12.8% from October and 5.6% year over year. This increase in months of inventory signals a shift toward balance—offering buyers more options while maintaining market stability for sellers.
Longer Days on Market Reflect a More Intentional Pace
Closed sales declined to 793 transactions, down 21.2% month over month and 7.4% year over year. Homes spent an average of 70 cumulative days on market, a 9.1% increase from October, indicating that buyers are taking a more thoughtful approach rather than retreating from the market.
Wilmington Home Prices Show Signs of Stabilization
The median sales price in Wilmington NC landed at $430,000, reflecting a 3.6% year-over-year adjustment. This modest shift suggests early price stabilization following years of strong appreciation across the coastal North Carolina housing market.
Outlook for the Wilmington NC Housing Market in 2026
As 2025 concludes, the Wilmington NC real estate market appears poised rather than paused. Increased inventory is expanding buyer choice, pricing has become more predictable, and demand remains consistent—hallmarks of a healthy, maturing coastal North Carolina housing market.
With continued population growth, strong lifestyle appeal, and a shift toward equilibrium, Wilmington is well-positioned for a resilient and opportunity-rich housing market in 2026.
