Charleston Real Estate Market Update: January 2026 Kickoff

The Big Picture: Slow and Steady Growth

The Charleston real estate market has started 2026 on a resilient note. While we’ve seen a typical seasonal dip following the holidays, year-over-year numbers indicate a healthy foundation for the Lowcountry.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Where is the Heat?

Real estate remains hyper-local. January 2026 saw massive disparities between historic hubs, luxury islands, and suburban engines.

1. The Downtown & Peninsula Surge

The Charleston Peninsula is currently the region's most aggressive market:

• Inside the Crosstown (Area 51): Sales volume jumped 46.2%, with the median price reaching $1,350,000 (up 37.4%).
• Outside the Crosstown (Area 52): Sales volume increased by 55.6%, pushing the median price to $1,100,000.

2. Luxury Island Trends

• Sullivan’s Island: Tight inventory (only 2 sales) saw a staggering median price of $5,025,000.
• Seabrook Island: Prices more than doubled (+103.1%) to a median of $1,462,500.
• Kiawah Island: Saw a significant price correction, dropping 46.6% to a median of $1,455,000.

3. Suburban Growth & Value

• Daniel Island: Demand is surging, with sales up 66.7%and a median price of $1,950,000.
• Summerville/Ladson (Area 74): The region’s volume leader with 170 sales. It remains the go-to for value with a median price of $406,770.
• St. George/Dorchester: The highest percentage growth in activity, with sales increasing 225% (from 4 to 13 units).

What This Means for You

For Sellers

Inventory is moving, and prices are inching upward. Demand is exceptionally high on the Peninsula, Daniel Island, and Sullivan’s Island compared to this time last year. If you’ve been waiting for a "warm" market to list, the 2026 kickoff looks promising.

For Buyers

Suburban growth remains manageable (2%–3% range), but be prepared for intense competition in West Ashley (Inside I-526) and James Island, where prices rose 10.2% and 17.3% respectively this month.

Data Source: Charleston Regional Market Reports (Jan 2025 vs. Jan 2026).

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