January 2026 Housing Market Update: Key Metrics Reflect Steady Pricing Growth Amid Moderating Sales Activity

February 17, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 2026 Housing Market Update: Key Metrics Reflect Steady Pricing Growth Amid Moderating Sales Activity

Latest data highlights trends in pricing, inventory, and buyer activity

Fayetteville, NC — February 17, 2026 — TheLongleaf Pine REALTORS®today released its January 2026 housing market statistics, offering insight into current real estate trends across the southeast in 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)

Market Interpretation

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 townhouses and condominiums. 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.

Leadership Perspective

“January’s numbers indicate a market that continues to find its balance,” said Candi Quigley, President of Longleaf Pine REALTORS®. “While closed sales are down slightly from last year, home values remain steady, and we’re seeing gradual improvement in available inventory.”

Working with a REALTOR® remains critical to navigating these conditions successfully, as market dynamics continue to shift.

###

ABOUT LONGLEAF PINE REALTORS®

Founded in 1946, Longleaf Pine REALTORS® (LPR) is headquartered in Fayetteville, NC, and represents more than 2,800 real estate professionals in southeastern North Carolina. LPR is an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®, whose 1.5 million members subscribe to a strict code of ethics. LPR’s mission is to equip local Realtors with vital tools and resources, enabling them to provide consumers with the highest level of expert service. Learn more at www.longleafpinerealtors.com. The term, Realtor, is a registered service mark with the U.S. Patent Office, and the AP Stylebook says it is properly spelled with an initial capital R.