Brunswick County’s real estate market sees first significant drop in sales this year

November 23, 2021

Year-to-date numbers ahead of 2020

Last month, Brunswick County’s residential real estate market saw its first significant drop in monthly sales volume and increase in inventory so far this year. Total sales volume in October was down 19.5% compared to 2020. The only other month with a drop in total sales volume so far this year is August, which saw a slight 0.7% decrease. The market also saw 135 new listings in October.

“While our market remains ahead of last year’s record pace, sales volume was down slightly in October compared to 2020,” said BCAR CEO Cynthia Walsh. “Even though some national experts think the market may be in the early stages of a cool-down, Brunswick County’s market remains consistent. Prices are up, and homes are selling quickly. We expect our market to remain strong moving into Winter.”

Brunswick County saw $210,450,000 in total sales volume in October 2021, a 19.5% decrease from last October’s $261,340,000, with luxury sales contributing almost $36,000,000. There were 23 sales in excess of $1 million last month, with the highest being $2.75 million. New listings dropped 6.0% compared to last October, from 662 to 622. The number of units sold decreased 27.3%, from 670 to 487, but pending sales are up 24% over last month. Homes are averaging 30 days on the market, and homes listed below $299,000 are spending 15 days or less on the market. The average sales price increased from $390,062 to $432,131, a 10.8% increase fueled by strong luxury home sales.

The market’s year-to-date numbers remain ahead of last year’s pace. Total sales volume is up 29.4% compared to 2020, increasing from $1,743,563,000 to $2,255,559,429. Average sales prices are 19.7% higher than 2020, jumping from $328,943 to $393,703. The number of units sold through October is up 10.6%, from 5,175 to 5,723. New listings increased 4.2%, from 6,060 to 6,316.

Brunswick County

New Listings

  • October 2021: 622
  • October 2020: 662
  • Increase/Decrease: -6.0%

Units Sold

  • October 2021: 487
  • October 2020: 670
  • Increase/Decrease: -27.3%

Average Sales Price

  • October 2021: $432,131
  • October 2020: $390,062
  • Increase/Decrease: +10.8%

Median Sales Price

  • October 2021: $343,168
  • October 2020: $311,500
  • Increase/Decrease: +10.2%

Total Sales Volume

  • October 2021: $210,450,000
  • October 2020: $261,340,000
  • Increase/Decrease: -19.5%

Bladen County

New Listings

  • October 2021: 9
  • October 2020: 9
  • Increase/Decrease: 0.0%

Units Sold

  • October 2021: 18
  • October 2020: 12
  • Increase/Decrease: +50.0%

Average Sales Price

  • October 2021: $188,289
  • October 2020: $134,058
  • Increase/Decrease: +40.5%

Total Sales Volume

  • October 2021: $3,390,000
  • October 2020: $1,610,000
  • Increase/Decrease: +110.6%

Columbus County

New Listings

  • October 2021: 37
  • October 2020: 30
  • Increase/Decrease: +23.3%

Units Sold

  • October 2021: 29
  • October 2020: 23
  • Increase/Decrease: +26.1%

Average Sales Price

  • October 2021: $192,366
  • October 2020: $152,230
  • Increase/Decrease: +26.4%

Total Sales Volume

  • October 2021: $5,580,000
  • October 2020: $3,500,000
  • Increase/Decrease: +59.4%

The Brunswick County Association of REALTORS® (BCAR) is the local association level of the largest trade association in the nation, presently serving its members, which are comprised of REALTORS®, Appraisers and Affiliate Members. Chartered in 1959 by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), BCAR represents the interests of its members in southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. For more information, please visit https://bcarnc.com.

Posted in Member News, News