2025 Real Estate Market Recap – A Local Review of the South Mississippi Housing Market

EDITOR’S NOTE:
Before plowing ahead into 2026, we decided to take a step back to review what actually happened in our local housing market in 2025. This recap focuses on single-family home sales across Hattiesburg, the Pine Belt, and surrounding South Mississippi communities, using local MLS data rather than national headlines. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in 2026, this context can help you better understand how location, pricing, and buyer demand shaped outcomes in 2025.

Scope of This Market Recap

This 2025 Market Recap focuses on single-family residential real estate activity in South Mississippi within the primary service area of the Hattiesburg Area Association of Realtors. The geographic coverage includes Forrest, Lamar, Marion, Perry, and Covington Counties, with limited overlap into Jones and Pearl River Counties. The review is based on closed sales recorded in the local MLS and is intended to reflect local market behavior rather than national trends.

What Kind of Market Did We Have in 2025?

The real estate market in 2025 was shaped by local conditions, pricing accuracy, and buyer selectivity. Across Hattiesburg, the Pine Belt, and surrounding South Mississippi communities, some areas remained active while others slowed. Outcomes depended far more on location and pricing strategy than on broader national headlines.

The Big Picture

Approximately 1,700 single-family homes sold across the covered counties during 2025—nearly identical to 2024. This stability reflects a market that remained active but selective, rewarding sellers who aligned with local market conditions early.

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Buyer and Seller Behavior in 2025

Buyers in 2025 were informed and deliberate, showing less tolerance for overpricing and greater focus on comparable sales and Days on Market. Sellers who priced accurately and responded quickly to feedback generally experienced better outcomes.

Speed of the Market

Market speed in 2025 closely mirrored the previous year. Median Days on Market hovered around 35 days, with an average of roughly 65 days. Properly priced homes sold efficiently, while homes that missed the mark tended to sit longer.

Pricing & Negotiation

Pricing discipline remained critical. The typical home sold for about 98 percent of final list price, and seller concessions were common. In practical terms, buyers and sellers negotiated—but transactions generally held together when listings were priced realistically.

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Micro-Markets Mattered More Than Ever

Sales activity was not evenly distributed across the Pine Belt and the Hub City. Neighborhoods such as Oak Grove, Petal, and parts of Hattiesburg accounted for a significant share of transactions. Understanding where buyer demand was strongest proved essential.

What Worked Well in 2025

Accurate pricing, understanding neighborhood-level demand, monitoring Days on Market, and adjusting strategy early consistently led to stronger outcomes.

What Didn’t Work as Well

Assuming demand was evenly distributed, overpricing, relying on national headlines, and ignoring nearby comparable performance often resulted in longer marketing times.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 South Mississippi housing market rewarded preparation, realism, and local expertise. Homes that were priced and positioned with a clear understanding of local market behavior consistently performed best.

Thinking About Selling a Home in 2026?

If you’re considering selling in 2026, understanding how your specific neighborhood performed—not just the overall market—can help you make better decisions from the start. The residential listing agents at South & Company Properties work throughout Hattiesburg, the Pine Belt, and surrounding South Mississippi communities, using local market data to guide pricing and strategy.

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