Charleston, South Carolina, September 12, 2025
News Summary
The Charleston-North Charleston metro area in South Carolina is experiencing a surge in home values, reaching an average of $440,765. The rising mortgage rates at 6.58% have created affordability challenges for buyers. Despite a slight decline in home sales statewide, the median home price increased to $332,000 in early 2025. Enthusiasts of luxury real estate are also seeing significant price growth, indicating a robust market despite the obstacles posed by high mortgage rates and inflation.
Charleston, South Carolina – Home prices in South Carolina continue to exhibit significant variance, with the Charleston-North Charleston metro area leading the state with record values. As of July 2025, the typical home value in the United States reached $367,965, reflecting a modest 0.2% increase from the previous year. However, high mortgage rates have begun to strain buyer affordability, making monthly payments more burdensome for potential homeowners.
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate stood at 6.58% as of August 21, 2025, contributing to challenges in the real estate market. Numerous factors, including location, size, age, and condition of a property, heavily influence home values. The Charleston metro area is home to 16 of the 30 most expensive cities in the state, demonstrating a strong concentration of high-value real estate.
Other regions are also notable for their housing prices, with the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton area featuring 5 cities, Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia contributing 3 cities, and Greenville-Anderson with 2 cities on the list. Notably, each of the following areas also includes an expensive city: Georgetown, Columbia, Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, and Seneca.
In terms of home values, the Charleston-North Charleston metro area commands an average price of $440,765, marking a 1.8% increase over the previous year and a remarkable 53.1% rise over the last five years. Other significant metro areas show noteworthy fluctuations as well. The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia area has an average home value of $417,243, down 0.7% in the past year. Meanwhile, Greenville-Anderson reports an average value of $436,396, a decrease of 2.8%. On the high end, the Columbia area boasts an average value of $457,688, reflecting a 76.6% growth over five years.
Charleston-North Charleston also records astonishing price growth for luxury homes, reaching figures like $1,243,085 and $4,191,162, with increases of 11.2% and 3.4%, respectively, from the previous year. This indicates the area not only leads in average home prices but also showcases significant growth in its luxury market.
The South Carolina housing market experienced 19,237 home sales in the first quarter of 2025, representing a slight decline of 0.2% from the prior year. Nevertheless, the median home price for Q1 2025 increased to $332,000, up from $329,990 during the same quarter in the previous year. Spartanburg emerged as an exception, reporting a robust 20.2% year-over-year increase in home sales. On the other hand, many other markets in South Carolina experienced drops in sales.
The ongoing rise in mortgage rates is a significant barrier to housing affordability and is anticipated to continue affecting demand statewide and across the nation. Over the past few years, home prices have surged by 25% since December 2019, while wages have risen only 20%. Additionally, rising inflation and tariffs further threaten to squeeze consumer purchasing power, potentially impacting future housing market growth.
As the real estate landscape evolves, potential homeowners and investors should stay informed on these critical trends that could influence their decisions moving forward.
FAQ
What is the current typical home value in the United States?
The typical home value in the United States was $367,965 in July 2025.
How much have home prices increased in South Carolina?
Home prices in South Carolina have increased by 25% since December 2019, while wages have only risen by 20%.
What is contributing to the current housing market challenges?
High mortgage rates and rising inflation are contributing to challenges in affordability and demand for housing.
Which South Carolina metro area has the highest home prices?
The Charleston-North Charleston metro area has the highest average home prices in South Carolina.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Legislators Address Affordable Housing Crisis in Hilton Head
Fort Mill, SC Faces Challenges in Short-Term Rental Market
Beaufort County Traffic and Infrastructure Challenges
Severe Thunderstorms Hit Spartanburg, South Carolina
Top Restaurants in South Carolina Highlight Coastal Cuisine
Mungo Homes Launches Fairway Woods at Wyboo in South Carolina
Hilton Head Island: Balancing Growth and Quality of Life
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Rock South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Warning in Barnwell County
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Hits South Carolina and Georgia
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina
- Stacker
- Google Search: South Carolina real estate market
- Live 5 News
- Google Scholar: South Carolina housing market
- Greenville Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: real estate market
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
