Charleston Real Estate Market Weekly Update

Report Period: February 20 – February 26, 2026

Market Overview: Late February Momentum

The Lowcountry real estate market saw robust, diverse buyer activity as we closed out the final full week of February. Across the Charleston tri-county area, 277 residential properties moved to "under contract" status, signaling a healthy spring lead-up.

The Big Picture: Single-Family Homes

Of the total contracts, 223 were for single-family residences. The market continues to lean toward mid- to high-tier pricing, with luxury movement remaining a primary driver.

• Median List Price: $500,000
• Price Per Square Foot: $254 (Median)
• Speed to Contract: 30 Cumulative Days on Market (CDOM)
• New Construction: Accounted for 8% of all single-family contracts.
• Inventory Note: Distressed properties (foreclosures/short sales) remain rare, with only 7 recorded this week.

Luxury Market Watch

While entry-level inventory (under $250k) remains tight with only 8 contracts, the high-end sector saw significant heat:

• $1M+ Contracts: 47 homes
• $2M+ Contracts: 13 homes
• $3M+ Contracts: 5 homes

Regional Breakdown: Where Buyers are Moving

1. The Islands (35 Total Contracts)

Island living remains the gold standard for the Charleston lifestyle. Johns Island led the pack with 10 homes under contract.

• Johns Island: 10 contracts | Median: $759k ($344/sqft)
• James Island: 8 contracts | Median: $1.1M ($438/sqft) — 5 of these were $1M+
• Others: Edisto (3), Seabrook (3), Folly Beach (2), Kiawah (2), Isle of Palms (2), Daniel Island (2), Wadmalaw (2), and Sullivan’s Island (1).

2. Mount Pleasant & Downtown

• Mount Pleasant: A luxury powerhouse this week. 15 of the 27 homes under contract were over $1M.
  
  • Median List Price: $1.2M ($447/sqft)
  • Hot Spot: Park West (5 contracts)
• Downtown / Peninsula: 8 contracts ranging from $160k to $1.85M.
  
  • Median List Price: $729k ($471/sqft)

3. Suburban Growth Hubs

• Summerville / Ladson: Massive volume with 52 contracts.
  
  • Median List Price: $370k ($184/sqft)
• Hanahan / Goose Creek / Moncks Corner: The region’s volume leader with 54 contracts.
  
  • Median List Price: $384k ($185/sqft)
  • Hot Spot: Cane Bay (10 contracts)
• West Ashley: 29 contracts | Median: $515k ($306/sqft)
• North Charleston: 14 contracts | Median: $373k ($238/sqft)

Condos & Townhomes: Maintenance-Free Living

The multi-family segment saw 50 properties go under contract, providing vital inventory for those seeking lower-maintenance lifestyles or specific price brackets.

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