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Buying in Oak Island, NC? January 2026 sees more homes and options

Published on Thursday, January 15, 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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Are you eyeing your next move in Oak Island, NC as January 2026 brings more homes into play? Competition is shifting and affordable homes in Oak Island, NC this January 2026 are within better reach thanks to rising inventory and a diverse set of listings. Each metric tells a story for buyers who want to enter the market or upgrade their lifestyle along the coast.

The active listing tally now stands at 205, while days on market have reached 57. That means buyers can tour more homes, compare details carefully, and execute stronger negotiations than in prior months. With the median sale price holding firm at $577,800 and months of supply at 5, the market has finally reached a phase where both sides enjoy new leverage. For anyone considering when is it a good time to buy in Oak Island, NC, the early 2026 landscape is hard to beat.

Opportunities for Savvy Buyers: January 2026

Single-family home choices dominate at 87 percent of inventory, and the $400,000 to $650,000 segment claims 45 percent of available options. The median list price for a single-family home is $579,000. Condos and townhomes keep things flexible, with a median list price of $420,000—giving first-timers, upgraders, or downsizers choices in every bracket.

If you are looking for value, consider the $420 price per square foot as a guide for comparison. Closed sales in January reached 41, while list-to-sale ratios remain high at 98 percent. Buyers gain time to decide, and sellers understand the importance of realistic pricing and flexible negotiation. Leverage these January 2026 facts as you scout affordable homes in Oak Island, NC this January 2026.

How to Make the Most of January’s Market

Bill Frey advises buyers to act quickly when the right match surfaces—average days on market have grown, but well-presented homes still turn fast. Three-bedroom rental homes attract $2,700 per month on average, hinting at strong returns for investors and buyers eyeing rental potential or future value. The atmosphere rewards both calculation and decisiveness.

Wondering how to sell your house fast in Oak Island, NC? Pricing right and presenting clean, up-to-date properties can move listings even in a balanced market. With only nine canceled or expired listings in January 2026, proper preparation proves invaluable on both sides.

Buyer Takeaways for January 2026

Navigating buyer opportunities in Oak Island, NC has never been more manageable. New inventory, flexible negotiations, and steady prices combine for real leverage. Take advantage of the current five months of supply to compare, negotiate, and secure your place on the coast.

  • Active listings: 205
  • Median sale price: $577,800
  • Median list price (single-family): $579,000
  • Average days on market: 57
  • Closed sales in January: 41
  • List-to-sale price ratio: 98 percent
  • Homes $400,000-$650,000: 45 percent
  • Months of supply: 5

Tour Smarter, Offer Stronger

Speak with Bill Frey about timing, pricing, and neighborhoods that fit your goals this January 2026. Use true market data for your next step.

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Closing Thoughts for Buyers

January 2026 proves that affordable homes in Oak Island, NC this January 2026 are available for those who search with a plan. Stay active, rely on expert local real estate resources, and make this the year you close with confidence. Bill Frey is ready to help you achieve real results.

Bill Frey
Written by Bill Frey
Frey Realty NC
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