The housing market across the Wilmington MSA is showing clear signs of transition, according to the latest data from HiveMLS. The April 2025 market saw a notable increase in active listings, a trend that has been ongoing since May 2023. A year-over-year comparison indicates the 3,914 active listings in April 2025 increased by 26.3 percent compared to the 3,100 active homes a year ago. This was an 8.9 percent increase when compared to the available inventory from the previous month. New listings for the Wilmington MSA totaled 1,690, a 2.9 percent increase from the previous month. Year-over-year, the new listings increased by a total of 20.3 percent. Pending sales rose to 1,202, representing a 5.3 percent decrease from March 2025. Month’s supply of inventory saw a 2.7 percent decrease compared to March 2025. Ending the year with 3.7 months of inventory, the Wilmington MSA experienced a 22.8 percent increase compared to the 3 months of supply in March 2024. 

Closed sales for the Wilmington MSA increased 11.4 percent compared to March 2025, leading to 1,066 sales in April 2025. Compared to April 2024, closed sales increased 2.4 percent. The April 2025 housing market experienced an average of 70 cumulative days on the market, representing an 18.6 percent yearover-year increase. A month-over-month comparison highlights a decrease of 10.3 percent in cumulative days on market. The median sales price remained unchanged from March 2025, at $400,000, representing a year-over-year decrease of 3.6 percent. 

“The Wilmington MSA housing market trends toward a pivotal transition. The April 2025 data indicate a significant rise in inventory and listings, a dynamic that has the potential to reshape local real estate dynamics over the coming months. Following a notable trend of low inventory and rising prices, available listings are now outpacing buyer demand,” states 2025 CFR President Brittany Allen. “The consistency found in the sales price over the past two months indicates a stabilization of prices. This new environment favors sellers who price competitively and market their properties effectively. At the same time, buyers now have room to negotiate—a welcome change from the previous, fast-paced years in the housing market. Whether you are listing or buying a home, it is important to equip yourself with a REALTOR® to adjust expectations for the current market.” 

If you have plans to enter the market in 2025, we believe that the REALTOR® difference is crucial to your transaction. Cape Fear REALTORS® members are well equipped to guide a buyer or seller through the increase in active listings and slower sales. When looking to step into the demands of the housing market in the Cape Fear region, look for the R. That’s the REALTOR® difference. 

Cape Fear REALTORS® continues to monitor the housing market activity and provide monthly updates.  

Working with an expert who keeps a watchful eye on trends and follows the Code of Ethics is important.  That’s Who We R. 

ABOUT CAPE FEAR REALTORS® 
At over 3,600 members, we are the Cape Fear Region’s Voice of Real Estate. Cape Fear REALTORS® (CFR) protects the private property rights for local real estate consumers while enhancing the individual and corporate careers of its members. For further information on this topic and others, please visit www.capefear.realtor or contact the Cape Fear REALTORS® Offices at 910762-7400.