The South Carolina housing market in 2025 is transitioning from a hot seller’s market to a more balanced environment.
This shift gives buyers and renters more power. After years of strong growth, housing prices have leveled off. Housing supply is getting better in many cities like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville.
Key South Carolina metrics (as of Jan 2025) include:
| Metric | South Carolina (Jan 2025) |
| Median Home Price | ~$377,900 (↑1.7% YoY) |
| Home Sales Volume | ↑5.2% YoY (more homes sold vs. prior year) |
| Median Days on Market | 85 days (significantly longer selling time) |
| Inventory Trend | Supply growing (more listings each month) |
| Average Rent | ~$1,700 (↓$195 YoY, –10% YoY) |
Residential Market: Slowing Yet Steady
The real estate market in South Carolina has clearly slowed compared to the frenzy of recent years. Home prices have grown just 1.7% year-over-year, bringing the median sale price to around $378,000. This slower pace is partly because interest rates are still high. Buyer fatigue has also set in after a long time of intense bidding.
Still, sales are up 5.2% YoY, suggesting demand for housing remains strong, especially in affordable single-family homes. Homes are taking longer to sell. The median days on the market is now 85 days. This is three times longer than during the peak of the pandemic.
Inventory continues to rise as new listings hit the market, particularly in metro areas like Columbia and Charleston. In fact, some of these regions have returned to pre-pandemic inventory levels. The result? A more competitive market where buyers can shop and negotiate more freely.
The market in South Carolina now shows signs of a buyer’s market in some areas. This is especially true for higher-priced homes and new developments. Sellers must price realistically, and many are offering concessions.
Popular regions like Charleston remain expensive but are stabilizing. Greenville and Spartanburg, once among the fastest-growing housing areas, have cooled.
Rental Market: More Supply, More Balance
The South Carolina rental market in 2025 has cooled considerably. Average rents dropped by about 10% YoY to ~$1,700. Key factors include new supply entering the market, a more balanced market, and cost-of-living pressures. These pressures have made renters look for better deals.
East South Carolina cities such as Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Columbia have seen vacancy rates increase. For instance, Charleston rents that surged in 2021–22 are now flat or declining. Columbia remains one of the more affordable housing options, with average rents around $1,500.
Greenville and Spartanburg have seen rent growth slow substantially. As more apartment complexes open, renters have more choices. They can also get benefits like lower deposits and one month free.
Market conditions in 2025 are getting more stable. Rent growth may start again, but landlords must focus on tenant experience and amenities. Investors are being strategic rather than speculative.
Real estate investing in South Carolina remains attractive due to increasing demand and strong population inflows. However, investors in 2025 are operating more carefully. Many institutional buyers have slowed acquisitions due to high borrowing costs and moderated appreciation.
Still, individual investors and small regional firms are active in markets like Greenville, Columbia, and parts of Charleston. These buyers want good deals on cheap listings. They focus on student housing, rentals near military bases like Fort Jackson, and new build-to-rent communities.
Single-family homes and small multifamily properties are in demand, especially in metro areas with job and infrastructure growth. Columbia and Charleston are popular for both regular rentals and short-term vacation rentals. However, rules are getting stricter in busy tourist areas.
Investor Focus:
Investors are recalibrating their strategies in South Carolina’s evolving market. High-rent yield areas like Greenville and North Charleston are attracting attention due to their strong rental demand and potential for appreciation. The market shift has created better opportunities for negotiation, especially in tech-driven cities where prices have recently adjusted. As a result, investors are gradually returning, focusing on markets with favorable economic indicators and growth potential
📍 Expanded City-Specific Market Trends – Spring 2025
| City | Median Home Price | Avg. Rent | Key Insight |
| Charleston | $588,916 (↑2.9%) | ~$2,600 | High-end market; homes go pending in ~16 days. |
| Columbia | $224,500 | $1,480 | Affordable capital city; 16 days to pending. |
| Greenville | $427,000 (↑13.2%) | ~$1,800 | Strong demand; prices rising rapidly. |
| North Charleston | $347,040 (↑3.6%) | ~$1,900 | Balanced market; 50% of homes sold below asking price. |
| Summerville | $370,000 (↑15.3%) | ~$1,850 | Historic charm; prices up significantly. |
| Myrtle Beach | $299,000 | ~$1,700 | Affordable coastal living; strong tourism appeal. |
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