More Closings, Rising Inventory, and a Market That’s Starting to Shift

The Outer Banks real estate market saw some exciting movement in May—signs that buyers are re-engaging and the pace is starting to pick up in certain segments. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply keeping an eye on the market, here’s what you need to know:

Sales Are Up

May delivered 154 closings, the highest monthly total so far in 2025. Even more encouraging? This was the first time since January that year-over-year unit sales increased. Pending sales also jumped 10% compared to April, showing that buyers are actively making offers and getting under contract again.

Homes Are Sitting Longer

At the same time, properties are taking longer to sell. The median days on market climbed to 73 days, up from previous months. This shift is giving buyers a little more breathing room—but for sellers, it means patience and a strong pricing strategy are essential.

A Balanced Market Is Emerging

With 4.5 months of inventory now available, the OBX market is entering a more balanced phase. We’re not in a full buyer’s market, but we’re also no longer seeing the lightning-fast pace that defined the last few years. This gives both buyers and sellers a bit more negotiating power—and makes strategy more important than ever.

If you’re selling, pricing correctly from day one is critical. Homes that are overpriced are sitting, while well-priced properties are still moving.
If you’re buying, you’ll have more options, but understanding local trends and acting strategically is still key to getting the right deal.

Inside the Numbers – May 2025

• 229 new listings, and over 50 are already under contract
• 306 price adjustments, a clear sign that sellers are responding to shifting demand
• 24 homes sold at or above asking price
• 38 cash transactions
• The rest were financed through a mix of conventional, VA, FHA, and jumbo loans
• Homes sold across a wide range, from under $500K to the month’s highest sale: a $2.5M oceanfront home in Corolla

The OBX real estate market is evolving—inventory is up, days on market are rising, and pricing strategy matters more than ever. But May showed us something hopeful: activity is increasing, and opportunities exist on both sides of the transaction.

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or simply stay informed, now is a great time to check in, ask questions, and plan your next move.