Data reflects single-family residential activity through the end of December 2025. Commentary provided by licensed appraiser Judge Lipford.
Cumberland County continues to operate in a steady, seller-leaning environment. Inventory is higher than peak shortage years, but it is still not high enough to create a true buyer’s market. Prices remain stable, and properly positioned homes are still selling close to list price.
Median sold price held at $260,000, reflecting a stable market rather than rapid appreciation. This is consistent with a market that has cooled into a more normal rhythm: buyers are more selective, but demand remains real and pricing remains firm.
The median list price increased to $299,000. In practice, this means sellers are still testing the market slightly higher, but the sold-to-list ratio indicates buyers are generally not overpaying—homes that are priced correctly and show well continue to perform best.
With 4.28 months of inventory and a 37-day median time on market, Cumberland County is trending toward balance but still leans in the seller’s favor. In plain terms: buyers have more options than they did a few years ago, but clean, updated homes in good locations still move quickly.
The completion of the Fayetteville Outer Loop (I-295) is a long-term structural upgrade for the county. Better regional connectivity and reduced congestion typically expand buyer interest outward, improve commute efficiency, and strengthen demand in areas that were previously considered “too far” or inconvenient.
Infrastructure improvements supported by Golden LEAF and state partners have helped position the county’s last shovel-ready industrial site as a serious contender for major private investment. Whether the final user is tech or another industry, this type of site readiness can translate into job growth and follow-on residential demand over time.
Active land-use planning and public notices in the North Central area can shape where future development corridors emerge. Long-term zoning and growth-pattern decisions tend to influence land values, subdivision feasibility, and where residential supply is most likely to expand over the next several years.
For homeowners, this is a stable market. Values are holding, and demand remains strong enough to support pricing—especially for homes that are well maintained. If you are considering selling in 2026, preparation and pricing strategy matter more than ever.
Investors should view Cumberland County as a fundamentals-driven market. Deals still work, but they require disciplined numbers. The market is less forgiving of thin spreads and optimistic ARVs than it was in 2021–2022.
Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Eastover, Linden, Wade, Stedman, Spring Lake, and surrounding rural communities throughout Cumberland County.
County-level trends are helpful for big-picture direction, but value depends on the individual property—condition, exact location, updates, site features, and competing sales. If you need an appraisal for selling, refinancing, estate planning, divorce, or investment analysis, contact:
JB Appraisal – Judge Lipford Work: (919) 283-1309 Web: www.jbrealestateappraisal.com