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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