New Hanover County has once again found itself among the top 10 most challenging places to buy a home in the United States, according to the latest NBC News Home Buyer Index. With an index score of 87.8 in June, the county moved up slightly from its 11th-place ranking in May, though it remains below its peak position of 4th in April.
Competition: The primary factor driving New Hanover County’s ranking is the intense competition for homes. In April, the competition index soared to 98.2, far surpassing the national average. This high level of demand continues to make the county one of the toughest real estate markets in the country.
- Economic stability also remains a concern, with New Hanover County scoring 9.14 in this category, a slight decline from previous months but still well above the national average.
- The Cost Index for New Hanover County saw a modest increase in June, rising to 89.3.
- The one bright spot is the Scarcity Index, which measures both current and future housing inventory, staying significantly below the national average. In June, the Scarcity Index for New Hanover County stood at 62.8, compared to the national average of 84.6.
Nationally, the Home Buyer Index rose to 83.8 in June, indicating a generally challenging environment for homebuyers across the country. However, conditions vary significantly within the tri-county area surrounding New Hanover.
Tri-County: Brunswick County offers a comparatively better environment for homebuyers, with an index score of 74.2, making it the most favorable county in the region. Meanwhile, Pender County is slightly more challenging than Brunswick but still easier than New Hanover, with an index score of 76.4 in June.
