January 2026 housing market update: Key metrics reflect steady pricing growth amid moderating sales activity
By Staff Report, posted Feb 20, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com
The Longleaf Pine REALTORS® released its January 2026 housing market statistics, offering insight into current real estate trends across southeast North Carolina. The latest data highlights shifts in inventory, pricing and buyer activity as the market continues to evolve.
Key Market Statistics – January 2026
Total Closed Sales: 448 (▼ 6.3% year-over-year)
Median Sales Price: $297,776 (▲ 4.5% year-over-year)
Average Sales Price: $291,420
Active Inventory: 2,210 homes (▲ 7.3% year-over-year)
Months of Supply: 3.5 months for Single Family
Average Days on Market: 58 days (▲ 25.8% year-over-year)
New Listings: 867 (▼ 10.0% year-over-year)
Overall, the January 2026 data suggests a market that is stabilizing following several years of heightened activity. While closed sales declined modestly compared to January 2025, home prices continued to post year-over-year gains, reflecting sustained underlying demand and competitive conditions in many segments.
The median sales price rose 4.5 percent to $297,776, while the average sales price increased 5.4 percent to $291,420. Existing single-family homes experienced similar price growth, with the median price climbing 4.5 percent to $286,500. New construction also saw gains, with a median sales price of $334,525, up 3.4 percent from a year ago.
Sales activity varied by property type. Existing single-family closed sales decreased 6.3 percent year-over-year, while new construction closed sales rose 21.4 percent, indicating continued buyer interest in newly built homes. Townhouse and condominium activity remained limited in January.
Inventory levels showed improvement compared to last year, increasing 7.3 percent overall. At the current pace of sales, there is a 3.5-month supply of single-family homes and a 5.2-month supply of townhouse and condominium properties. While still below a fully balanced market, rising inventory provides buyers with more options than in recent years.
Homes spent an average of 58 days on the market in January, up from 53 days in December. The slight increase in marketing time suggests a more balanced pace than in previous years, when conditions were highly competitive, giving buyers additional time to evaluate available inventory.
Buyer demand indicators reflect steady activity. The region recorded 4,833 showings in January, with an average buyer interest level of 3.7 showings per listing in Cumberland County, according to data provided by ShowingTime Plus, LLC. Activity was particularly strong in the $350,000 and above price range, which experienced year-over-year growth in pending sales.
Compared to January 2025, the market shows signs of moderation in sales volume, paired with continued price resilience and improving inventory conditions. Seasonal patterns typical of early winter months also contribute to softer listing and closing activity at the beginning of the year.
“January’s numbers indicate a market that continues to find its balance,” said Candi Quigley, president of Longleaf Pine REALTORS®, in a press release. “While closed sales are down slightly from last year, home values remain steady, and we’re seeing gradual improvement in available inventory.”
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