Where $5 Million is the Median: Decoding the Sullivan's Island Luxury Market (Zip Code 29482)

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Sullivan's Island, SC, has long stood as a pinnacle of Lowcountry luxury real estate, but recent market data confirms its status as one of South Carolina's most expensive and exclusive zip codes: 29482.

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As of early 2025, the Sullivan's Island real estate landscape is one defined by scarcity, high demand, and multi-million-dollar price tags, making it a market entirely unique within the greater Charleston luxury real estate area.

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The Numbers Tell the Story: A $5 Million Median

The luxury real estate environment on Sullivan's Island is staggering. Key metrics for early 2025 underscore its incredible value, clearly demonstrating why this island features some of the most expensive homes in South Carolina:

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‍‍This $5 million median home price is a strong indicator of the island's extreme exclusivity, placing it among the most sought-after coastal communities in the entire country. The median price per square foot at around $1,500 reflects the premium buyers are willing to pay for limited land, historic charm, and unparalleled oceanfront homes Sullivan's Island SC.

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View the Current Market Report for Sullivan's Island

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What Drives the Unprecedented Value?

The extraordinary price points on Sullivan's Island are a result of a perfect storm of factors that create a hyper-exclusive and protected community. If you've wondered why is Sullivan's Island so expensive, here are the core reasons driving the Sullivan's Island real estate trends 2025:

1. Extreme Scarcity and Zoning: Sullivan's Island is a small, protected Charleston SC barrier island. Strict zoning regulations, height limits, and lot coverage rules are fiercely enforced to maintain the town’s historic character and prevent overdevelopment. This severely limits the housing supply, ensuring that the few homes that come to market command top dollar.
2. No Short-Term Rentals: The island strictly prohibits short-term vacation rentals (stays less than 30 days). This policy ensures the island remains an exclusive community of primary homeowners and multi-generational second homes, reducing investor churn and preserving the quiet, residential nature that wealthy buyers seek.
3. Unmatched Location: The island offers a blend of peaceful, secluded beach living with remarkable convenience. It is just minutes from the dining, culture, and business hubs of Downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant.
4. Historic Charm and Lifestyle: The island boasts a deep history, making the purchase of historic Sullivan's Island homes a unique opportunity. The lifestyle is defined by laid-back elegance, golf cart transportation, and a close-knit community atmosphere, all contributing to the high cost of a home on Sullivan's Island.

In a market where inventory is paper-thin and demand from affluent buyers remains high, a home on Sullivan's Island is more than a piece of real estate; it is a rare asset and a key to an unparalleled coastal lifestyle. For those operating in the multi-million-dollar luxury tier, zip code 29482 isn't just a place to live—it's the ultimate Lowcountry address.

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