The first half of 2026 brought continued shifts across the commercial real estate market, with different property sectors moving at their own pace. For owners, investors, and tenants in Wilmington and Southeastern North Carolina, national trends provide useful context as we evaluate opportunities closer to home. From strong industrial leasing to an evolving office market, here is our mid-year commercial real estate recap.

Industrial and Retail Remain Active

Industrial and logistics properties entered a more disciplined cycle during the first half of the year. According to CBRE, U.S. industrial vacancy tightened to 6.5%, while leasing activity was tracking toward record annual highs. For those evaluating warehouse, flex, or industrial opportunities in Southeastern NC, continued leasing activity is an important trend to watch through the remainder of 2026.

Retail has also maintained solid fundamentals nationally. JLL reported availability around 4.4%, supported by expansion among grocery, restaurant, and discount retailers. As Wilmington and surrounding communities continue to evolve, understanding how these broader trends translate to individual properties and locations remains important.

Office Continues an Uneven Recovery

Office real estate presented a more mixed picture during the first half of 2026. The sector experienced positive absorption nationally, but performance continues to vary by property. One notable trend has been a continued flight to quality, with tenants showing greater interest in prime, well-located office properties. Sublease inventory has also declined from previous peaks, while effective rents for higher-end space have increased.

For both office owners and tenants, this reinforces the importance of evaluating each property individually rather than relying solely on broader market conditions.

Capital Markets Show Improvement

Capital flows and lending activity improved during Q1 and Q2, supported by stronger debt markets despite continued concerns surrounding inflation, interest rates, and the broader economy. Multifamily also moved from stabilization toward early recovery during Q2, supported by job growth and improving absorption.

These conditions provide an important backdrop for investors considering acquisitions or repositioning existing assets during the second half of the year.

The first half of 2026 has shown that opportunities in commercial real estate remain highly dependent on property type, location, and individual goals. If you’re considering buying, selling, investing, or leasing commercial property in Wilmington or Southeastern North Carolina during the second half of 2026, contact any of our brokers to discuss our commercial real estate recap or your next move.