Coastal South Carolina Real Estate

July 13, 2025

Coastal South Carolina real estate in 2025 is marked by a blend of market stabilization, ongoing migration inflows, and unique opportunities in both family homes and condos. The region attracts buyers with its mild climate, affordable taxes, and attractive lifestyle, particularly among retirees and second-home seekers. In areas like Myrtle Beach, demand for retirement and second homes continues to drive the market, with buyers prioritizing energy efficiency, green certifications, and low-maintenance properties^[1].

Inventory challenges persist, but there is a notable uptick in new construction, especially in suburban communities. Builders are focusing on single-family homes, townhouses, and mixed-use developments, though supply chain improvements and local incentives are expected to gradually ease previous delays^[1].

Migration remains a significant force in South Carolina’s real estate market. The state led the nation in growth during 2023, with sustained migration boosting housing demand. This trend is expected to continue, providing ample opportunity for agents and investors. The Greenville-Anderson and Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia areas are singled out as two of the country’s hottest real estate markets in 2025, with South Carolina being the only state with two such high-performing regions^[2].

In Coastal Low Country cities like Hilton Head and Bluffton, the market has shifted from the frenzy of bidding wars and rapid closings to a more balanced environment. While home prices are still high relative to pre-2020 figures, buyers now have increased negotiating power. Inventory has rebounded from extremely tight levels, and homes are averaging a longer time on the market, reflecting a healthier balance between supply and demand^[3].

Specific to Myrtle Beach, the housing market has seen a decrease in median sales price to $252,500 as of January 2025, down 12.9% from the previous year—making it more affordable than the state median of $377,600. Homes are spending longer on the market, averaging 119 days, which indicates less competition compared to previous years^[4]. This aligns with broader state trends, where the overall median sales price rose 3.2% to $335,500 in 2024 and continued a steady, albeit moderate, upward trajectory into 2025^[5].

Across South Carolina, key indicators like a 1.3%–1.7% year-over-year increase in home prices, rising inventory (up 13% year-over-year), and a growing number of closed sales underscore a resilient and steadily growing market^[6]^[7]. The mix of large single-family homes in certain neighborhoods and high condo concentrations in tourist-heavy areas provides diverse investment opportunities. Mortgage rates are expected to remain in the 6%–7% range, maintaining a competitive but accessible landscape for both buyers and investors^[5].

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