The 2026 Charleston Real Estate Forecast — What Buyers & Sellers Should Expect This YearBy Brandon Bott — Charleston Realtor Since 2012
Charleston remains one of the most desirable and fastest-growing real estate markets in the Southeast, and all signs point to 2026 being another strong, competitive, and stable year for homeowners and buyers alike.
Below is a full, data-backed projection of what to expect in 2026 — including pricing, inventory, buyer demographics, construction trends, and which neighborhoods are projected to perform best.
📈 1. Home Prices Expected to Rise Steadily in 2026
Charleston continues to benefit from:
Strong inbound relocation
Low inventory
Limited land in premium areas
Stable job market
Lifestyle-driven demand
Projected price appreciation:
👉 3%–6% across most of Charleston
👉 5%–8% in high-demand zones (Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, Dunes West, James Island)
Even if the national market cools, Charleston historically resists downward pressure.
🏘️ 2. Inventory Will Remain Tight
One of the biggest factors driving prices is inventory — and Charleston still doesn’t have enough homes to meet demand.
Expect:
Low turnover in Mount Pleasant
Limited resale inventory in Daniel Island & James Island
Strong competition for updated homes
New construction filling gaps inland (Summerville, Cane Bay, Nexton)
Low inventory = strong seller leverage.
🧳 3. Relocation Demand Stays Extremely High
The biggest source of Charleston’s growth continues to be relocators, especially from:
New York / New Jersey
Chicago
DC / Northern Virginia
California
Boston
Atlanta
Charlotte
Remote work, lifestyle upgrades, and lower cost of living keep fueling inbound migration.
Expect even more demand as companies expand in the Southeast.
🧱 4. New Construction Will Remain a Major Player
Because prime areas are land-constrained, new construction demand will remain intense in:
Nexton
Cane Bay
Summerville (major growth)
Moncks Corner corridor
Wando/Cainhoy expansion
Johns Island (select pockets)
Buyers who are priced out of Mount Pleasant are turning to these areas for newer homes and larger square footage.
🏦 5. Mortgage Rates Expected to Normalize
Rates are projected to hover around 5.75%–6.75% in 2026.
Charleston remains insulated from rate impact because:
Many buyers bring large down payments
Many pay cash
Relocators value location over cost
Demand exceeds supply
Lower rates = more buyers enter the market
Higher rates = Mount Pleasant + Daniel Island still outperform
Either way, demand for updated homes stays strong.
🌆 6. The Strongest Markets Going Into 2026
Mount Pleasant
Low turnover
Incredible schools
Beaches nearby
Master-planned communities
Extremely high demand
Daniel Island
Luxury demand
Limited supply
Walkable island lifestyle
James Island
10 minutes to Downtown
5–10 minutes to Folly Beach
Surge in demand from younger buyers
Nexton / Summerville
Fastest-growing area
Best value per square foot
Top-tier amenities
Dunes West / Carolina Park / Park West
Schools
Amenities
High relocation appeal
These submarkets will stay hot and outperform the region.
💰 7. Sellers Will Maintain Strong Negotiating Power
Updated homes in desirable neighborhoods will continue to get:
Multiple offers
Above-asking outcomes
Faster days-on-market
Cash or strong conventional buyers
Minimal repair demands
Preparation + presentation matter more than ever in 2026.
🧭 8. Top Buyer Preferences for 2026
Expect demand to grow for:
Updated kitchens & baths
Home offices
Outdoor living (porches, kitchens, pools)
Turnkey interiors
Large primary suites
Walkability
Community amenities
Energy-efficient systems
Updates = higher offers, shorter time on market.
🏁 Final Takeaway: 2026 Will Be a Strong, Stable Year for Charleston Real Estate
Buyers benefit from long-term stability and strong appreciation.
Sellers benefit from low competition and high demand.
Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, and Summerville continue to anchor Charleston’s growth.
If you’re buying or selling in 2026, you’re entering a market that remains one of the strongest in the Southeast.
📞 Want a 2026 forecast tailored to your neighborhood or home?
I can break down exactly what to expect on your street and in your price point.
Call or text me at 843-754-9737.
