The Wilmington, NC housing market is drawing significant attention as the second half of 2025 keeps on going with the flow. Wilmington is known mostly for its coastal charm and steadily growing population, and there have been some notable shifts in local housing supply, home sales, and even the median sale price. For home sellers, this means keeping up with the real estate market trends is the key to making the most of their investments.
Having a grasp on where the market stands today, as well as where it may go over the next 12-14 months, can help give homeowners an edge. From knowing why median days on market is important, to understanding the cycle of bidding wars in certain neighborhoods, insights like these help drive decisions about when to sell, and strategies to use while selling. In this guide, we’ve put together the patterns, the trends, and isolated the key factors shaping the Wilmington real estate market this year.
Wilmington’s 2025 Housing Market at a Glance
With summer on its way out, the 2025 market has had plenty of time to get comfortable with the calendar, but it still can’t seem to make up its mind. The housing market in Wilmington shows signs of both strength and cooling.
Redfin data shows that the median sale price in July was $425,000, which is nearly an 8% drop over last year. Homes are also taking longer to sell, with average listings reaching 31 days on market, compared to this time last year, when homes sold after only about 18 days on market.
Check out the highlights:
- Median sale price: Wilmington home prices have risen compared with last year, reflecting steady demand in the local real estate market.
- Median days on market: Properties are still moving relatively quickly, though some listings are taking longer to close than in past periods.
- Home sales: The number of homes sold remains strong, signaling that demand has not cooled off entirely, even with changing interest rates.
- Housing inventory: While active listings have increased slightly, the area still leans toward a seller’s market, where demand outpaces supply.
Current Market Conditions in Wilmington, NC
Here’s a quick snapshot of the late summer market in Wilmington, NC.
- Homes are moving more slowly. The average days on market in July was a massive 69 days. This is up more than 20% year over year, showing a definite cooling signal.
- Inventory has spiked, with the number of active listings in the Wilmington area growing by roughly a quarter compared to last summer. This means more options for buyers and a softer seller’s market.
- New listings are rising as well. New homes are up more than 9% YOY.
- Closed sales remain consistent, with closings up year over year.
While properties are spending more days on the market than during peak season, the Wilmington housing scene remains competitive compared with nearby areas like Jacksonville and Myrtle Beach. Sellers who price correctly and prepare their homes well are still closing strong deals.
For those considering lifestyle changes, it helps to balance these figures with broader local insights. There are countless things to do in Wilmington, making it no real surprise that demand continues to grow.
Home Prices and Sales: Median Price, Price per Sq Ft, Year-Over-Year Change
One of the most straightforward indicators for the Wilmington housing market in 2025 is the movement of home prices. Median sales price has grown year over year, showing strong demand, which means that the list price is usually going to be pretty close to what buyers are willing to pay. In rare cases, homes sold for considerable amounts over asking, owing to multiple offers.
Housing Supply: Active Listings, New Listings & Median Days on Market
Housing supply is an important factor that shapes every housing market, and Wilmington is no exception. This year, the number of active listings and new properties on the market has grown over last year.
Buyers have more options, even though in our region this is still considered a soft seller’s market, since demand still outstrips supply, even if only barely. As a result, competition among buyers will continue to be measurable, though not as heated as during the peak of the market. With higher median days on market, some homes are definitely taking longer to sell than they would otherwise. That said, well-priced homes in hot neighborhoods will get multiple offers quickly.
For people moving to the area, or considering it, getting an idea of our current market trends can help you plan more strategically and effectively. Residents of nearby beach towns may also want to explore the Oak Island market, since demand in coastal communities will typically mirror other nearby cities, as they’re both impacted by factors other than those that affect large inland cities.
Key Trends & Forecast for 2025/2026
Looking ahead to the end of this year and into next, the Wilmington, NC real estate market trends 2025 point to an uphill battle for buyers, while sellers can stay cautiously optimistic. The Wilmington migration is still happening, so we’re still seeing people moving into the area consistently, keeping demand sustainably high.
The market itself is going to remain competitive. While interest rates aren’t expected to surge any time soon, which should keep borrowing affordable, cash-heavy buyers fuel bidding wars in the right neighborhoods. Simultaneously, materials for new home construction still face uncertainty with tariffs and workforce challenges.
Staying on top of the market with current data is important. While Wilmington is a leading local hub, see what nearby markets like Leland have to offer. While smaller, it’s close and can be a great point of reference for how changing the market just slightly can open up a vast array of new options.
Economic Drivers: Job Growth, Migration & Coastal Lifestyle
Behind the numbers, several economic factors drive the Wilmington housing market. Job growth in health care, education, and port-related industries continues to attract newcomers. The city’s coastal lifestyle also draws retirees and remote workers who place a premium on quality of life, even when home prices are higher than in nearby cities.
That said, challenges remain. Environmental risks, including extreme risk of hurricanes and severe flooding, can impact both housing inventory and buyer confidence. Sellers in flood-prone neighborhoods may find that buyers expect discounts or request additional inspections.
While often compared with markets like Myrtle Beach, Wilmington holds its own as a competitive destination and market, but affordability and risk management are going to stay center stage when it comes to shaping demand, particularly as climate change accelerates and seasonal extremes widen.
As long as people keep moving here for top-tier jobs and a leisurely coastal vibe, the Wilmington, NC, real estate market should remain strong.
Investment Outlook: Cash Flow, Appreciation & Rental Demand
Investors in the Wilmington real estate market face challenging opportunities, as well as substantial risks.
Rising home prices and a comparatively limited inventory both point to continued appreciation, even if interest rates and escalating costs might shave margins down. The median sale price is still competitive in the Wilmington market compared to Raleigh or Myrtle Beach, making Wilmington the better choice for long-term growth.
With high housing demands, rental demand is positioned to stay incredibly strong. This is fueled in no small part by the limited housing, combined with the constant Wilmington migration.
Investors looking primarily for cash flow will find plenty of homes sold quickly in central neighborhoods, or right near the cowhich ast, will command higher rents. The potential downside to those areas, like the increased environmental risks of severe flooding, should be factored in. Even a minor flood risk needs to be considered, since it will dramatically impact insurance costs and long-term ROI.
Buyer & Seller Tips for Navigating the Wilmington Market
No matter what side of the bargaining table you’re sitting on, success in Wilmington’s 2025 market will come down to basic preparation and advanced strategy.
Sellers
- Price competitively, using solid data and local comps to set a realistic list price.
- Highlight flood mitigation efforts if applicable, since flood risk is top of mind for buyers.
- Be prepared for multiple offers, but understand that not every home will trigger bidding wars if supply continues to rise.
Buyers
- Pay attention to median price trends and be realistic about your down payment.
- Move quickly on attractive listings, as desirable properties still sell fast despite longer average days on market.
- Factor in environmental risks when evaluating long-term value.
For sellers, specifically, getting through the process of navigating the Wilmington housing market can feel overwhelming. Only adding to the stress is the massive financial shift and general economic turbulence we’re experiencing.
For many, this could mean trying to sell your home while in bankruptcy. A cash offer from ILM Home Offer can make the whole process simpler and often much quicker.
Conclusion
The Wilmington, NC housing market in 2025 is consistently competitive, maintaining a steady volume of home sales, rising median prices, and a significantly strong lifestyle appeal. For homeowners in Wilmington looking to sell, keeping a close eye on the housing supply and market trends is the only way to accurately time and price your market entry. To sell without the stress, start a conversation with ILM Home Offer for leading local expertise and attractive cash offers.