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Southport, NC: January 2026 Market Insights

Published on Thursday, January 1, 2026
Bill Frey
Frey Realty NC
Focus areas include Burgaw, Carolina Beach, Hampstead, Kure Beach, Leland, Oak Island, Southport, Surf City, Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, along with surrounding towns, communities and neighborhoods.
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As the new year unfolds, the real estate market in Southport, NC ushers in notable trends and concrete numbers that set the tone for the months ahead. Are you curious how the balance between supply and demand is shifting in this vibrant coastal community?

Buyers, sellers, and investors can expect an evolving landscape this January 2026. With active residential inventory at 66 homes, opportunities are emerging for those seeking affordable homes in Southport, NC this January 2026. This volume not only reflects availability but also impacts both buyer strategy and seller timing.

What the Numbers Mean for Southport, NC

Let’s dig into what makes this local market unique. The median list price sits at $489,000, providing a reference point for pricing decisions this January. For buyers, this reveals prevailing entry points. For sellers, it supports conversations about market context and property value, bolstering positioning for potential listings.

Time on market is equally revealing. With an average days on market (DOM) at 46, homes are moving at a reasonable pace. Why does this matter? It helps buyers calibrate their search and negotiation window, and it offers sellers a transparent expectation for how long a properly prepared property may be on the market before closing. To uncover more about real estate opportunities in Southport, NC, let’s explore current and emerging supply-demand patterns.

Key Market Metrics and Buyer-Seller Dynamics

Closed sales reached 22 in January 2026, showing movement despite the season. Each transaction reflects continued confidence from both buyers and sellers to make decisions in today’s environment. The average sold to list price ratio is 97.8 percent, underscoring that homes priced right are selling close to expectations.

A notable metric, the absorption rate at 3.0 months, signals market stability. This serves as a practical indicator—if no new homes were listed, it would take just 3 months to sell all existing inventory at the current pace. For buyers asking, is it a good time to buy in Southport, NC?, this points to a balanced market, allowing for negotiation while keeping urgency in focus for high-demand homes.

January 2026 in Focus: What Buyers Should Know

Buyers benefit from a diverse selection and realistic median pricing. If you’re searching for affordable homes in Southport, NC this January 2026, these inventory numbers and speed of sales are encouraging. Momentum on closed sales puts buyers in a position to act confidently when the right property appears on the market.

Opportunities for Sellers: Pricing and Timing

Sellers in Town, NC will appreciate the 97.8 percent average sold to list price ratio, as it emphasizes the importance of competitive pricing and solid home preparation. If your clients want to know how to sell your house fast in Southport, NC, the reduction in average time on market and strong sales-to-listing price alignment are signals to list with confidence in January 2026.

Investor Perspective: Navigating the Numbers

Investors keep a close eye on local inventory and absorption rates. The current 3-month absorption rate suggests a pace not overly favorable to either side—a clear sign of a healthy market. This sets the scene for buying, holding, or repositioning assets in January 2026.

  • Active listings: 66
  • Median list price: $489,000
  • Closed sales: 22
  • Average DOM: 46
  • Sold to list ratio: 97.8 percent
  • Absorption rate: 3.0 months

Your Next Address Starts Here

Speak with Bill Frey about timing, pricing, and neighborhoods that fit your goals this January 2026. Plan your next steps in Southport’s vibrant market now.

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Planning Ahead: How January 2026 Sets the Tone for Southport, NC

Throughout January, Southport, NC’s market data points to a dynamic yet balanced environment, presenting practical options for all participants. The interplay of steady closed sales, consistent list prices, and manageable inventory offers agents a fact-based foundation for all discussions. Whether you’re preparing a listing, crafting an offer, or evaluating investment return, these numbers matter.

Trust in data-driven strategy for the season ahead. Invest your energy where it counts—leverage core trends, discover local housing opportunities, and move confidently in one of North Carolina’s most attractive towns this January 2026.

Bill Frey
Written by Bill Frey
Frey Realty NC
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