THE SUMMARY:
February 2026 data shows the Cape Fear housing market stabilizing into a more balanced environment. With inventory plateauing at high levels, more buyers slowly entering the market, and homes staying on the market for roughly 3 months, the key takeaway from the February 2026 MLS Data is that buyers are active but remain selective and price-sensitive.



THE NUMBERS:
Compared to January 2026, inventory was up 3.5 percent, ending the month with 3,938 active listings. A year-over-year comparison indicates that active listings in February 2026 increased by 12.2 percent from the 3,509 active homes in February 2025.

The month ended with 1,369 new listings in the Wilmington MSA, a 3.6 percent increase from the previous month. Year over year, new listings decreased by 5.3 percent.

Pending sales increased by 2.9 percent from the previous month, totaling 1,031. This was a 2.7 percent increase from February 2025.

Closed sales for the Wilmington MSA increased by 9.6 percent compared to January 2026, resulting in 775 sales in February 2026. Compared to February 2025, closed sales increased 0.1 percent.

Experiencing a slight 2.5 percent month-over-month increase, the median sales price was $410,000, up 3.8 percent year over year.

The February 2026 housing market had an average of 93 cumulative days on the market, up 17.7 percent year over year. A month-over-month comparison reveals an 8.1 percent increase in cumulative days on market.

The month’s supply of inventory decreased by 5.6 percent compared to January 2026. Ending the month with 5.1 months of inventory, the Wilmington MSA increased 12.1 percent compared to February 2025.

THE ANALYSIS:
“February 2026 continues to reveal a healthy start to the year. This housing market is experiencing a plateauing of inventory, longer sales times, steady sales prices, and consistent buyer activity,” states 2026 CFR President Manda Price. “February indicates a market where demand is returning—but only for homes that are priced and positioned correctly. Sellers are encouraged to work with a REALTOR® to navigate a market that is shifting to a Buyer’s Market to ensure the desirability of the property. As the market offers more choices, buyers are moving slowly and deliberately to ensure they find a property that not only meets their needs but also ticks off items on their wishlist.”