Coastal Estate

Coastal Carolina Real Estate

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The real estate market along the Coastal Carolinas—including popular destinations like Myrtle Beach, Carolina Beach, Wilmington, and Hilton Head—is currently characterized by moderate price growth, increased inventory, and longer market times compared to previous years[3][4]. Buyers are experiencing less pressure than during the market surges of 2021-2022, as bidding wars have cooled and there is now more room for negotiation, especially in key waterfront communities[1].

Coastal Carolina Beach Market (NC): In Carolina Beach, home prices saw a sharp annual increase, with a median sale price of $620,000 in June 2025 (up 21.6% year-over-year). However, the average home value is slightly down (about 2.1%-2.5%) from last year, indicating a market correction following recent highs. The median sale price per square foot is $429 (down 8.2%), and the average time on market has increased to around 41–72 days. Some homes still receive multiple offers, but average sales are now 2–3% below asking price[2][6].

General Coastal Carolina Trends: Across the broader Coastal Carolinas Association region (which covers southern coastal North and South Carolina, including Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head), the median sales price for single-family homes in April 2025 was $365,596 (up 1.6% year-over-year), while condos are at $250,000 (down 3.8% annually). Market inventory has grown—listing counts are at or above pre-pandemic levels—and pending sales are slightly down by about 2.9% from the previous year, showing a shift toward balance between buyers and sellers[3][5].

Specific Hotspots:

  • Wilmington and nearby beaches (NC): The market leans mildly toward sellers, but buyers enjoy more options and less rushed decision-making as inventory is up 10–18% and price appreciation has slowed to 2–4% annually[4].
  • Myrtle Beach (SC): The median home price in Horry County (including Myrtle Beach) is $328,407 (up 0.3%), inventory is plentiful (6,266 active listings in June 2025), and the average home stays on the market longer than in previous years[7].
  • Low Country (Hilton Head/Bluffton, SC): Prices remain high compared to pre-2020, but competitive bidding and rapid-fire closings are largely gone. There’s a more stable, balanced market with steady or slightly declined prices compared to 2024[1].

Key Points for Buyers and Sellers:

  • Sellers can expect healthy, though no longer overheated, demand and solid equity gains since before 2020.
  • Buyers are seeing improved selection, more time to make decisions, and increased opportunity for negotiation.
  • The market is expected to remain stable through 2025, barring major interest rate changes or new economic shocks[1][4].

References

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