The buses are rolling again and the backpacks are back by the door. Summer break has officially wrapped, and with Labor Day weekend just ahead, the coast is getting ready to exhale.

Here's the part only locals know: this is when the Cape Fear coast gets good. One more big holiday weekend, and then the crowds thin out, the beaches quiet down, and the water stays warm well into fall. Golden light, open sand, and the shoreline mostly to ourselves. This is the stretch we wait all year for.

The market is matching the mood. It's been strong and steady all summer, with buyers still active and well-priced homes still moving at a healthy, predictable pace. As we head into fall, that steadiness is exactly what makes it a good time to plan a move without the noise.

Enjoy the long weekend, and if a fall move is on your mind, let's talk timing. Let's take a look at what's happening in the New Hanover County real estate market.

New Hanover County: Current Market Snapshot

Single-Family Homes

• 1,003 active listings
• 652 homes sold
• 16 median days on market
• $277 price per sq ft
• Average Sale Price: $737,310

Condos

• 761 active listings
• 381 homes sold
• 28 median days on market
• $271 price per sq ft
• Average Sale Price: $470,867

Land

• 341 active listings
• 104 sold
• 43 median days on market
• $288 price per sq ft
• Average Sale Price: $569,473

What this means:

• Single-family homes are still moving quickly, with 16 median days on market keeping well-priced listings competitive
• Condos and land are sitting longer, at 28 and 43 days, which gives buyers more room to negotiate
• The market has been strong and steady all summer, with buyers active and well-priced homes selling at a healthy, predictable pace
• That steadiness heading into fall makes it a good time to plan a move without the noise

Buyer & Seller Hub: New FAQ Posts Are Live

Whether you're dreaming about your next home or getting ready to list your current one, you're in the right place.

Our Buyer & Seller FAQ is designed to give you clear guidance, smart strategies, and the tools you need to move forward with confidence — from market insights and pricing tips to step-by-step timelines and expert advice. No guesswork. No overwhelm. Just real answers and real strategies.

👉 Browse the Seller Resource Hub

👉 Browse the Buyer Resource Hub

Featured Listings

1543 Cape Fear National Drive — Fresh New Listing 4 BR | 4 BA | 4,150 Sq. Ft. | $1,290,000

Lot 391 Auburn Lane NW — Fresh New Listing 0.38 Acres | $74,000

Lot 43 Country Club Drive — Prime Homesite, Across from Ironclad Golf Course 0.23 Acres | 10,019 Lot Sq. Ft. | $62,000

Thinking About Relocating to Wilmington?

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Download the Wilmington Relocation Guide →

Final Thoughts

Whether you're interested in purchasing your first home, moving up, downsizing, or investing, the FreshNEST team is here to be a resource to you.

Give me a call and let's have coffee or a cocktail — let's get it on the books! I'm always here to help.

🏡 Jennifer Young | FreshNEST @ Nest
📱 910-742-0990
✉️ [email protected]
📷 Connect with me on Instagram: @freshnest_homes