How to buy a house in South Carolina

From sun-kissed beaches to the Blue Ridge Mountains, South Carolina has a charm all its own. Compared with the rest of the country, South Carolina’s housing is also relatively affordable and available. If you're considering buying a house in South Carolina, learn more about its housing market, top cities, and how to navigate the home-buying process.

South Carolina’s housing market: At a glance

Here’s a snapshot of South Carolina’s housing market as of September 2025:

Important real estate trends in South Carolina

To learn more about how to buy homes in South Carolina, explore these housing market trends.

Home prices

South Carolina’s median home price is more than 12% lower than the national median sales price of $435,285. At the same time, the state’s home values are gradually climbing. The median home price went from $275,200 in September 2020 to $381,400 in September 2025, a 38% jump.

Some of the biggest factors impacting South Carolina’s home prices include:

• Location: For example, median home values are higher in Charleston and Mount Pleasant than in Columbia and Bennettsville.
• Property characteristics: A home’s size, age, condition, and features all affect the sales price it can command.
• Construction and land costs: If you build a house in South Carolina, the cost will depend on local land markets as well as construction labor and supply costs.
• Local housing regulations: Zoning or building code regulations, including historical preservation district rules, can also impact housing values.

That said, home affordability also depends on your income. With South Carolina’s median household income of $67,804, a 720+ credit score, a 30-year mortgage, and a $20,000 down payment, you could comfortably afford a $257,603 home in West Columbia, South Carolina.

To see how much house you can afford, enter your details in the Rocket Mortgage affordability calculator and calculate the local cost of living.

Housing demand vs. inventory

Much of South Carolina’s home values can be explained by housing supply and demand.

Between August and October 2025, more than 8,000 people were searching to move into South Carolina versus out of the state on Redfin. Many are drawn to the state’s relatively affordable cost of living, thriving economy, coastal lifestyle, and rich history. In fact, South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach ranked fourth nationwide for the highest net inflow during the period.

Meanwhile, the state’s housing supply is expanding. In September 2025, there were 37,924 homes for sale, a 13% year-over-year increase. With more homes for sale, buyers have a larger selection of homes to choose from.

Consult a local real estate agent to learn more about housing market indicators in specific South Carolina cities and whether they’re currently in a buyer’s or seller’s market.

Home buying seasons

Home sales in South Carolina tend to peak in the spring and summer, when warmer weather and the end of the school year make it easier to move. This can increase the number of homes for sale, but also increase competition, forcing you to buy in a seller’s market.

Meanwhile, since fall and winter are less ideal for moving, they tend to bring fewer homes to the market. However, buyers also face less competition and potentially lower home prices as a result. Ultimately, the best time of year to buy a house will depend on your priorities.

Popular cities in South Carolina to buy a house

When deciding where to live in South Carolina, explore different cities while carefully weighing your budget, work and education needs, and desired lifestyle.

Here are some of the best cities in South Carolina to consider:

Charleston

• Population: 150,227
• Median household income: $98,085
• Median home price: $600,000

Charleston is a charming coastal town with much to offer: warm weather, delicious seafood, rich history, beach access, diverse neighborhoods, and more. That said, the perks come with a price. The median home price is much higher than the state median, and the housing market is somewhat competitive. Still, Charleston may be the perfect place to buy a home if you have a high income or want to buy a vacation home.

Columbia

• Population: 136,632
• Median household income: $55,233
• Median home price: $265,000

Located in the heart of South Carolina, Columbia is the state capital. Its downtown, including the South Carolina State House and the University of South Carolina, give it a historic charm. But the city also offers great barbecue, mild weather, and relatively affordable housing.

Columbia’s median home price is $265,000, which is below the state median. Meanwhile, the Columbia housing market is steadily growing, with more people staying or moving into the city than are leaving. As a result, the city may especially appeal to first-time buyers and families.

Some of the best Columbia suburbs to live in include Forest Acres, Lexington, and Irmo.

North Charleston

• Population: 114,852
• Median household income: $61,445
• Median home price: $350,000

North Charleston is a major suburb within minutes of Charleston. On top of being home to the Charleston International Airport, it offers close access to the beach and downtown shopping. It’s also a major economic hub with major employers, such as Boeing, Mercedes-Benz, and Joint Base Charleston.

Plus, North Charleston’s housing market is relatively affordable, with a median home price of $350,000 and a somewhat competitive buyer environment.

Mount Pleasant

• Population: 95,229
• Median household income: $127,357
• Median home price: $813,000

Mount Pleasant is a high-end suburb of Charleston. Known for its friendly atmosphere and niche neighborhoods, Mount Pleasant offers a quiet, suburban lifestyle with close access to the beach and urban amenities. However, housing is expensive. In September 2025, the median home price was $813,000, more than twice the state median. As a result, Mount Pleasant can be ideal for higher-income families and retirees.

Greenville

• Population: 70,720
• Median household income: $81,573
• Median home price: $500,000

Greenville is a small city nestled in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. It offers beautiful scenery and close access to many hiking trails and parks. The city also has a vibrant downtown with restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

While Greenville’s median home price is relatively high, the market is moderating. In September 2025, home values dropped 0.57% year-over-year, and 28% of homes sold experienced price drops.

Some of the best Greenville suburbs to raise a family in are Five Forks, Reidville, and Central.

Myrtle Beach

• Population: 35,682
• Median household income: $53,679
• Median home price: $267,000

Myrtle Beach is a small city on the Atlantic Coast known for its stunning beaches and tourist attractions. It has amusement parks, theaters, golf courses, and other entertainment options. That said, it’s relatively affordable for a vacation city. The median home price is below the state median.

Plus, you don’t have to live right in the city. For example, you can live in Murrells Inlet, Socastee, Surfside Beach, or other suburbs. Either way, Myrtle Beach can be a great place to buy your first house, retire, or find a vacation home.

Home buying process in South Carolina

Ready to buy a house in South Carolina? Here’s how:

1. Get financially ready

First, get your finances in order. This means:

• Review your budget: See what mortgage payment you could afford in different South Carolina cities based on your income, debt, and savings by entering these details into the Rocket Mortgage^® affordability calculator.
• Check your credit score: Your credit score determines whether you can qualify for a mortgage and under what terms. For example, Rocket Mortgage requires a minimum credit score of 620 on conventional loans.
• Know your debt-to-income ratio (DTI): Your DTI is the proportion of your gross income that goes toward making debt payments. Most loans require a DTI of no more than 36%.
• Plan for a down payment and closing costs: Down payment and closing costs vary, but are usually a percentage of the total loan amount.

2. Explore mortgage options

Next, explore different home loan options:

• Conventional loans: Conventional loans are any mortgages not backed by the government. In 2024, 78.3% of all home purchase mortgages were conventional loans.
• Jumbo loans: Jumbo loans are a type of conventional loan that exceed the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. They can be useful in places like Mount Pleasant, where home prices are high.
• FHA loans: FHA loans are mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration that tend to have more flexible eligibility requirements, such as low down payment, closing cost, and credit standards.
• VA loans: VA loans are another type of government-backed loan offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs with no down payment or PMI requirement. To qualify, you must be a veteran, servicemember, or eligible surviving spouse.
• USDA loans: USDA loans are mortgages backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Like VA loans, they don’t require down payments or PMI. However, the property must be in an eligible rural area.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer or need help affording a home, you may also qualify for special loan offerings and down payment assistance through SC Housing and participating lenders.

3. Get mortgage preapproval

Mortgage preapproval is a conditional loan offer from a lender based on your personal financial information. It not only tells you how much you can borrow and at what mortgage rate, but also shows sellers you’re serious. This can give you an advantage, especially in competitive markets.

4. Choose the right South Carolina real estate agent

A local real estate agent can help you better understand a specific market in South Carolina, property rights, and how to navigate the buying experience. If you don’t have an agent yet, you can find one on Redfin.

Keep in mind that South Carolina allows dual agency, which is when one agent represents both buyer and seller. However, both parties must provide written and informed consent.

5. Shop for homes in South Carolina

Move to a South Carolina city and neighborhood that fits your family’s needs. Your real estate agent can help you find listings on Redfin or the multiple listing service that match your criteria.¹ From there, you can schedule viewings or attend open houses virtually or in person.

When shopping for homes, pay attention to:

• Education and job opportunities
• Recreation and amenities
• Transportation options
• Flood and hurricane risk, and the cost of hazard insurance
• Homeowners association fees
• Property tax rates

6. Make an offer and negotiate

Once you’ve found a house you like, make an offer. Have your agent help you come up with a reasonable purchase price and earnest money deposit, and contingencies like requiring an appraisal and home inspection. Wait for the seller to accept, reject, or counter your offer and respond accordingly. Typically, settling on a purchase agreement requires some negotiation.

Keep in mind that in South Carolina, sellers are required to provide buyers with a residential property condition disclosure statement, which discloses any known property issues.

7. Continue to the closing process

As soon as your offer is accepted, you can move on to closing. This involves completing the mortgage underwriting process, doing a final walk-through, and attending a closing meeting. In South Carolina, you must hire a real estate attorney to conduct the closing in person.

The good news is that South Carolina has some of the most affordable closing costs in the country, averaging just 1.45% of the home purchase price. These are typically paid to an escrow agent on closing day via wire transfer or a certified check.

FAQ

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about buying a home in South Carolina:

Is buying a home in South Carolina a good investment?

It can be. Whether buying a house is a good investment depends on your personal financial situation, the deal details, and the future housing market.

Can I buy a house in South Carolina if I have bad credit?

You may be able to buy a house despite bad credit with an FHA loan or another special loan program. However, you’ll have limited options and may end up with a higher mortgage rate.

How much are property taxes in South Carolina?

Property taxes in South Carolina vary by county, property type, and a property’s assessable value. However, in 2023, the state’s effective property tax rate was 0.47%, according to the Tax Foundation. South Carolina also has a homestead exemption, which provides a $50,000 fair market value tax exemption for eligible homeowners.

How long does it take to buy a house in South Carolina?

From accepted offer to closing day, buying a house in South Carolina typically takes around 35 days. However, how long it takes to buy a house can vary based on the deal’s complexity.

The bottom line: Find your dream home in South Carolina

With many attractive cities, the active South Carolina real estate market offers home buyers ample opportunities to find the right fit. By understanding market trends, exploring mortgage options, and working with a trusted local agent, you can buy your next home with confidence.

Ready to take the next step? Apply for a loan with Rocket Mortgage today and see how much home you can afford in South Carolina.

¹ Rocket Mortgage is an affiliate of Redfin. You aren't required to use its lending services. Learn more at redfin.com/afba.

Rocket Mortgage, LLC, Rocket Homes Real Estate LLC, Rocket Card, LLC, RockLoans Marketplace LLC (doing business as Rocket Loans), and Rocket Money, Inc., are separate operating subsidiaries of Rocket Limited Partnership. Redfin Corporation is an affiliated business of Rocket Limited Partnership. Each company is a separate legal entity operated and managed through its own management and governance structure. Rocket Limited Partnership is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Rocket Companies, Inc. (NYSE: RKT).