🟢 Market Status: Stable (Seasonally Balanced)
Coastal North Carolina closed out 2025 with steady pricing, consistent buyer demand,
and a normal seasonal slowdown. While activity eased from peak months, well-priced
homes—especially in Brunswick County—continued to sell at healthy levels.
This market favors informed buyers and realistic sellers heading into 2026.
December 2025 Brunswick County Real Estate Market Update
As 2025 comes to a close, Brunswick County finished the year with steady, balanced growth—making it one of the most attractive coastal retirement destinations in the Southeast. This December 2025 market update reviews actual MLS data for the month and the full year, highlights the top-performing communities, and offers a brief outlook for early 2026.
December 2025 Key Statistics (Brunswick County MLS)
- Closed Sales: 398 Completed residential units
- Sales Volume: $237.8 million
- Median Sales Price: $418,000 (up 4.5% year-over-year)
- Average Days on Market: 71
- Active Inventory: ~1,920 listings
- Months Supply of Inventory: 4.8 months (balanced market)
Luxury sales remained strong, with 19 homes over $1 million sold in December alone—continuing the trend of high-end buyers choosing Brunswick County’s gated golf and waterfront communities.
Full-Year 2025 Real Estate Recap
- Total Closed Sales: 5,883 units
- Total Sales Volume: $2.91 billion
- Year-over-Year Change: +3.2% in units, +8.6% in dollar volume
- Median Price Growth: +7.4% county-wide
- Luxury Segment ($1M+): 198 sales – up 42% from 2024
The market favored prepared buyers who acted decisively, while sellers enjoyed consistent appreciation without the frenzy of prior years.
Top-Performing Communities in December 2025
These communities closed the year with the highest sales volume, price appreciation, or both:
- St. James Plantation – Highest luxury sales volume; multiple marina & golf-front closings
- Ocean Ridge Plantation – Strong “Big Cats” golf demand; new phase lots sold quickly
- Brunswick Forest – Top overall volume in Leland; newer builds moved fast
- Compass Pointe – Gated luxury surge; resort pool/social events drove interest
- Rivers Edge – Riverfront serenity; Arnold Palmer course properties popular
- Leland (overall town) – Fastest-growing area; multiple subdivisions contributed
- Magnolia Greens – Affordable golf value leader
- Sea Trail Plantation – Coastal golf value play near Sunset Beach
- Crow Creek – Steady gated golf sales in Calabash
- Holden Beach & Oak Island – Island properties rounded out the top 10 with premium sales
Looking Ahead to 2026
Early indicators point to continued moderate growth in 2026, with projected price increases of 3–5% and inventory remaining balanced. Luxury gated golf communities and waterfront properties are expected to stay competitive, while mainland towns like Leland will attract value-conscious retirees. Interest rates are forecasted to stabilize around 6%, supporting demand without overheating.
Is Now a Smart Time to Explore Brunswick County?
With 2025 ending on stable footing and inventory offering more choices than the past few years, many relocation buyers find early 2026 an opportune window to secure their ideal coastal NC home—before seasonal demand picks up again.
📲 Request More Information Today
Suzanne Polino, REALTOR®
Coastal NC Real Estate Specialist
📧 suzy@suzysellsnc.com
📞 (910) 477-1378
🌐 SuzysSellsNC.com
Download our Relocation Buyers Guide to Brunswick County, NC
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