June officially marks the start of summer here in Wilmington, and you can feel it everywhere.
Schools are out, boats are back on the water, beach parking lots are filling up earlier, and families are settling into a slower summer rhythm. Whether you're spending weekends at Wrightsville Beach, enjoying evenings downtown, or planning a day on Masonboro Island, this is one of the best times of year to enjoy everything the Coastal Carolinas have to offer.
For our family, May flew by in a blur of sunshine, celebrations, and travel. We squeezed in a quick getaway to the Dominican Republic, celebrated Dylan's 12th birthday, and sent her off to Grammie Camp in Austin. Between the beautiful coastal weather, afternoon thunderstorms, and Memorial Day weekend crowds, summer definitely made an early arrival this year.
At the same time, the real estate market remains active. Buyers continue looking to make a move before fall, sellers are taking advantage of seasonal demand, and many families are hoping to settle into their next home before another school year begins.
Let's take a look at what's happening in the Wilmington real estate market this month.
New Hanover County Market Snapshot (Quarter 1, 2026)
Here’s what we’re seeing locally:
Single-Family Homes
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783 new listings
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503 homes sold
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28 average days on market
- $289 price per sq ft
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Median Sale Price: $490,000
Condos
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667 new listings
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240 homes sold
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37 average days on market
- $288 price per sq ft
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Median Sale Price: $391,000
Land
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298 new listings
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90 sold
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30 average days on market
- $312 price per sq ft
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Median Sale Price: $484,820
What this means:
- Inventory continues to improve across New Hanover County.
- Homes are still selling relatively quickly.
- Condo activity remains strong.
- Land remains in demand.
- The market is becoming more balanced.
Let’s Talk Real Estate: Buying a Historic Home in Wilmington, NC
Downtown Wilmington continues to attract buyers from Charlotte, Raleigh, and well beyond the state line—and it isn't hard to see why.
Historic homes offer architectural character, mature landscaping, walkable neighborhoods, and a connection to Wilmington's rich history that newer construction simply can't replicate.
But buying a historic home is very different from purchasing a new construction property in Porters Neck, Leland, Brunswick Forest, or Hampstead.
Historic homes often come with unique considerations that buyers should understand before making an offer.
Historic District Guidelines
- Some properties fall within Wilmington's Historic District, which may require approval for certain exterior modifications or renovations. Understanding these guidelines ahead of time can prevent surprises later.
Maintenance and Repairs
- Older homes may have aging electrical systems, plumbing, windows, roofing materials, or foundations. A thorough inspection is especially important when purchasing a historic property.
Insurance Considerations
- Historic homes can sometimes require specialized insurance coverage depending on the age, location, and condition of the property.
Renovation Opportunities
- Many buyers love historic homes because of their charm and potential. However, renovations often require more planning and expertise than newer homes.
Location Benefits
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One of the biggest advantages of downtown Wilmington living is walkability. Restaurants, coffee shops, entertainment, the Riverwalk, and local events are often just minutes away.
If you're considering a historic home, we've created a detailed guide covering everything you should know before purchasing one.
Around Town: Keeping Cool This Summer
As temperatures rise across southeastern North Carolina, families start looking for ways to stay cool without always heading to the beach.
Fortunately, Wilmington offers plenty of options.
Willmington
- Legion Pool — 2131 Carolina Beach Road
- Robert Strange Pool — 410 S. 10th Street
- Northside Pool — 750 Bess Street
- Northside Splash Pad — 750 Bess Street
- Long Leaf Park Splash Pad — 8140 Hugh McRae Road
- Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park — 5320 Oleander Drive
Oakland
- Middleton Park Splash Pad — SE 46th St &, E Pelican Drive
Holden Beach
- Holden Beach Splash Pad — 125 Davis Street
- Magic Mountain Fun Park — 3396 Holden Beach Road SW
Ocean Isle Beach
- Town Center Park Splash Pad — 11 E 2nd Street
Hurricane Season Starts June 1: Time for a Checklist
June 1 marks the official start of hurricane season in New Hanover County.
While we all hope for a quiet season, early preparation can provide peace of mind and help protect your family and property.
Make a Plan
- Establish out-of-town emergency contacts
- Review evacuation routes
- Create a communication plan for family members
- Make arrangements for pets if evacuation becomes necessary
Build a Kit
- One gallon of water per person per day
- Three-day supply of nonperishable food
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Seven-day medication supply
- Copies of important documents stored in waterproof containers
Prepare Your Home
- Secure outdoor furniture and loose items
- Trim weak or dead tree branches
- Inspect your roof
- Clean gutters and drainage systems
- Test generators and backup power sources
Stay Informed
- Sign up for New Hanover County emergency alerts
- Keep a battery-powered weather radio available
- Monitor local news and weather updates
A little preparation today can make a huge difference later.
Your Next Step: Start With the Right Information
Whether you're dreaming about your next home or preparing to sell your current one, having the right information makes all the difference.
That's exactly why we've created our Buyer & Seller Resource Hub.
No guesswork. No overwhelm. Just real guidance so you can move forward with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Summer has officially arrived in the Coastal Carolinas, bringing longer days, beach weekends, family adventures, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy everything our area has to offer.
The real estate market remains active, and whether you're planning a move this year or simply staying informed, understanding the market can help you make better decisions when the time is right.
As always, if you have questions about buying, selling, investing, or simply what's happening in your neighborhood, I'm always happy to help.
Enjoy the start of summer, stay cool, and make some great memories along the way.
🏡 Jennifer Young | FreshNEST @ Nest
📲 910-742-0990
📩 [email protected]