Local Market Snapshot: January 2026 in the Longleaf Pine REALTORS® Region
What REALTORS® Are Seeing Across Our Communities Last Month
As we begin 2026, the real estate market across the Longleaf Pine REALTORS® region reflects a shift toward more active buyer engagement paired with varied price movement depending on property type and location. January brought increased pending and closed sales activity in several segments, steady new construction performance, and notable showing activity across multiple price ranges.
Here’s a look at how the market performed in January across our region and in our three core counties.
Regional Overview
Buyer activity showed renewed energy to start the year. Showing data indicates strong month-over-month increases in activity across much of the region, even where year-over-year totals were mixed. In Cumberland County, the region’s largest market, 4,833 showings were recorded in January, with an average buyer interest level of 3.7 showings per listing. While total showings were down slightly year-over-year, they increased more than 30 percent compared to December, reflecting typical early-year momentum.
Activity was especially strong in the $150,000 to $249,999 and $350,000 and above price ranges, where showings and buyer interest levels rose month-over-month. This suggests buyers remain engaged across both attainable and upper price segments.
New construction continues to be an important part of the regional market. In Lee County, new construction median prices increased 4.7 percent year-over-year to $364,495, while average prices rose 27.7 percent, signaling continued strength in the newly built segment.
Overall, January reflects a market that is active but increasingly segmented by price point and property type. Buyers are demonstrating focused demand, while sellers are navigating a competitive environment that rewards accurate pricing and preparation.
County-by-County Snapshot
While regional trends provide broad insight, conditions vary by county, underscoring the value of hyper-local expertise when buying or selling.
Cumberland County
Cumberland County recorded 4,833 showings in January, with buyer interest averaging 3.7 showings per listing. Although total showings dipped 2.0 percent year-over-year, activity rose sharply from December levels, signaling a seasonal uptick in engagement.
Demand remained particularly strong in the $150,000 to $249,999 price range, which generated 1,969 showings, and in the $350,000 and above range, which saw a 13.8 percent year-over-year increase in showings. This balanced demand across price points reflects continued buyer participation despite broader affordability pressures.
Managed listings in the county increased slightly year-over-year, providing buyers with modestly more options than this time last year.
Overall, Cumberland County enters 2026 with steady buyer engagement and improving early-year momentum.
Hoke County
Hoke County recorded 810 showings in January, down 25.1 percent year-over-year but up 18.4 percent month-over-month. Buyer interest averaged 3.2 showings per listing, an increase compared to December.
Activity varied by price segment. The $350,000 and above category experienced a 9.0 percent year-over-year increase in showings, while mid-range price bands saw softer annual comparisons. This indicates that upper-tier demand remains resilient even as other segments adjust.
While managed listings were down compared to last year, month-over-month showing growth suggests buyers are re-engaging with available inventory.
Hoke County’s January data points to a market regaining seasonal momentum, with particular strength in higher price ranges.
Lee County
Lee County posted 339 showings in January, a 9.6 percent year-over-year decrease but a 36.7 percent increase compared to December. Buyer interest rose to 3.4 showings per listing, up significantly month-over-month.
On the sales side, existing single-family homes saw closed sales double year-over-year, increasing 100 percent compared to January 2025. However, the median sales price for existing homes declined 34.9 percent to $280,000, reflecting a shift in the mix of properties sold rather than a broad-based price collapse. Average sales price also decreased year-over-year.
New construction remained steady, with closed sales holding even year-over-year and median prices increasing to $364,495. New listings in the new construction segment rose significantly, up 166.7 percent compared to last January, indicating ongoing development activity.
Lee County’s data highlights the importance of examining property type and price mix when interpreting price shifts, as new construction continues to provide upward pressure in that segment even as existing home pricing adjusts.
Looking Ahead to 2026
January’s data suggests a market that is active and evolving. Showing activity increased significantly month-over-month across much of the region, signaling renewed buyer engagement at the start of the year. New construction remains a stabilizing force, particularly in Lee County, while demand patterns vary by price segment and geography.
As the market continues to recalibrate, buyers and sellers alike benefit from working with a REALTOR® who understands neighborhood-level trends, pricing dynamics, and shifting buyer behavior.
For the most accurate, hyper-local insight, Longleaf Pine REALTORS® members are equipped with the expertise and real-time market knowledge to help clients navigate today’s changing landscape with confidence.
You can find all the reports that produced this article here:
