September 2026 Crystal Coast Market Report

The Crystal Coast market made a big move this August, and there’s plenty to talk about! 
From the number of homes hitting the market to sales activity and average prices, each coastal community had its own story to tell. Emerald Isle led the way with 126 active listings, while Morehead City had the most new listings with 35. Beaufort was busy on the sales side, closing 38 homes, the most of any area.

And then there’s Pine Knoll Shores, where the average sales price reached an impressive $952,265.
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So, what else happened across the Crystal Coast in August? Take a look at the latest numbers and see how each community stacked up!

Atlantic Beach had a busy August, and the numbers are definitely worth a look! There were 86 active listings competing for buyers’ attention, while 14 new homes hit the market during the month. On the sales side, 11 homes found new owners, with an average sales price of $463,409. With new inventory coming in and homes continuing to sell, Atlantic Beach is giving us another interesting glimpse into what’s happening across the Crystal Coast.

Beaufort had a strong showing in August, with plenty of activity across the market. The town recorded 116 active listings, 33 new listings, and 38 homes sold, the highest number of sales among the Crystal Coast communities for the month. The average sales price was $477,658. Overall, Beaufort had an active August, with strong sales activity and a steady flow of new inventory. With 38 homes sold, the highest total along the Crystal Coast for the month, Beaufort continues to be an interesting market to watch. 

Cape Carteret had a pretty active August, with 9 active listings, 3 new listings, and 8 homes sold. The average sales price came in at $605,925, putting Cape Carteret on the higher end of the Crystal Coast communities for the month. With homes continuing to sell and new inventory coming onto the market, August gave us a good look at the pace of activity in Cape Carteret.

​Emerald Isle was the busiest spot on the Crystal Coast in August when it came to active listings, with 126 homes on the market. There were also 29 new listings and 22 homes sold, showing plenty of activity throughout the month. The average sales price came in at $933,955, keeping Emerald Isle among the higher-priced communities along the Crystal Coast.

Indian Beach saw 27 active listings in August, with 2 new listings coming onto the market and 4 homes sold during the month. The average sales price was $529,750, giving us another snapshot of how the market is moving in this popular Crystal Coast community.

Morehead City had plenty of activity in August, with 95 active listings, 35 new listings, and 24 homes sold. The community also saw the most new listings for the month, adding even more inventory to the market. The average sales price came in at $637,695, giving Morehead City a strong showing in August’s Crystal Coast market.​

Pine Knoll Shores had 26 active listings in August, with 9 new listings and 4 homes sold during the month. While the number of sales was smaller compared to some other Crystal Coast communities, Pine Knoll Shores stood out with the highest average sales price at $952,265. That helped put the community at the top of the Crystal Coast market for average sales price in August.

Swansboro saw a solid mix of activity in August, with 53 homes actively on the market and 26 new listings added throughout the month. Buyers were active as well, with 18 homes selling and an average sales price of $399,722. Overall, August showed a steady flow of new inventory and sales for the Swansboro market.

​The Crystal Coast real estate market continues to keep things moving, with steady buyer interest, homes changing hands, and values showing resilience. Whether you’re looking for a full-time home, a coastal retreat, or considering selling your property, there are opportunities across the region.

Of course, buying or selling a home involves a lot of details along the way. From negotiations and inspections to financing, paperwork, and everything in between, having an experienced REALTOR® in your corner can make the process much easier to navigate. Carl Johnson and his trusted network of industry professionals are here to help you stay informed, prepared, and confident from start to finish.

Thinking about making a move along the Crystal Coast? Call Carl Johnson Real Estate at 919-880-0904 and let’s talk about what your next move could look like.

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