Wilmington NC Real Estate Market Update – April 2026

The Wilmington NC real estate market continued to gain momentum in April 2026, with rising inventory, steady buyer demand, and continued home price appreciation across the Cape Fear region.

Active listings increased 8.9% month over month, ending April with 4,490 homes for sale across the Wilmington MSA — up 9.25% compared to April 2025. Buyers are seeing the most inventory the market has offered in recent months, creating more opportunities throughout Wilmington, Leland, Hampstead, Wrightsville Beach, and surrounding coastal communities.

Despite more homes hitting the market, buyer activity remained strong. Pending sales totaled 1,357 transactions, up 21.9% year over year, while closed sales increased 6.2% from March to 1,101 total sales in April.

Home values across the Cape Fear housing market also continued to rise. The median sales price reached $430,000, representing a 7.5% increase year over year. While appreciation has moderated from the rapid pace of previous years, coastal North Carolina real estate continues to see strong long-term demand driven by relocation, lifestyle appeal, and limited waterfront inventory.

The market ended April with 4.1 months of inventory, showing signs of a healthier and more balanced market compared to recent years. Homes averaged 79 cumulative days on market, giving buyers more time to evaluate options while reinforcing the importance of strategic pricing and presentation for sellers.

According to 2026 Cape Fear REALTORS® President Manda Price:

“April’s trends point to a market that is giving both buyers and sellers more room to make informed decisions. With active listings reaching a new peak, buyers continue to have more options. At the same time, closed sales increased, and prices remain steady, which tells us demand is still present.”

For buyers, today’s Wilmington area housing market offers more selection and improved negotiating opportunities. For sellers, well-prepared and properly priced homes continue to perform strongly — particularly in desirable coastal, waterfront, golf, and lifestyle-driven communities.

As the spring market continues, April’s numbers reinforce the long-term strength and stability of the Wilmington NC real estate market and the broader Cape Fear housing market.