South Carolina’s Housing Market Is Among the Least Competitive—And That’s Not a Bargain for Buyers

Buyers in South Carolina face limited selection and stagnant inventory, not discounted prices, despite low market competition.

The state ranks as the 6th least competitive housing market in 2026, with a composite score of 25.7—well below the national intensity seen in Northeastern hotspots like Connecticut and New Jersey. At first glance, a cooling market might suggest opportunity. But the data tells a different story: South Carolina’s median home price reached $388,000 in January 2026, up 2.0% from the previous year. That’s slightly ahead of the national 1.6% growth, even as demand signals weaken.

Only 12.9% of homes sold above asking price in 2025, less than half the national share of 27.0%. Homes sat on the market for 77.7 days—nearly 30 days longer than the national median of 48.7. The average sale-to-list ratio was 97.8%, and over a quarter of listings, 25.7%, had to drop their price to attract buyers.

These metrics reflect weak bidding wars and extended listing periods. But price reductions aren’t translating into broad affordability. The U.S. housing market entered 2026 with elevated mortgage rates and stagnant demand. Affordability challenges persist nationwide, especially for first-time buyers. In South Carolina, the result isn’t a buyer’s paradise—it’s a market where limited new supply and high entry costs keep prices elevated, even as activity slows.