Charleston Market Update: January 2026
As we begin 2026, the Charleston real estate market remains steady, supported by strong home values, improving mortgage rates, and ongoing economic growth across the Lowcountry. January 2026 real estate sales in the Charleston area are tracking closely with last year’s activity, with year-to-date transactions up 0.8% compared to the same period in 2024, signaling a stable and resilient housing market.
Home prices remain strong throughout the Charleston market. The median sales price has increased 2.3% year-over-year, bringing the current median home price to $440,000. This continued price growth reflects healthy demand and long-term confidence in the Charleston real estate market. Mortgage rates have also provided encouraging news for buyers, recently moving back below the 6.3% range following the Federal Reserve’s rate cut in early December. As a result, we have seen a slight increase in buyer activity in recent weeks as more buyers re-enter the market.
Beyond real estate, Charleston’s economy continues to expand at an impressive pace, further supporting housing demand. MUSC Health recently opened the Kiawah Partners Pavilion on Johns Island, which began accepting patients on December 18 and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The facility serves the Sea Island communities and includes a freestanding emergency room, trauma and triage rooms, imaging and radiology services, an on-site laboratory, a helipad, and additional medical offices, enhancing healthcare access in one of Charleston’s fastest-growing areas.
Downtown Charleston is also seeing exciting growth within its dining and hospitality scene. Charleston natives Mike and Kathleen Shuler, along with business partner Nathan Wheeler, are opening Quarter French, a new all-day restaurant located at 40 Broad Street in the historic French Quarter. Set within a circa-1806 building, Quarter French will offer coffee, lunch, dinner, and cocktails with French-inspired influences, adding to the city’s vibrant culinary landscape.
On a larger economic scale, Redwood Materials, a lithium-ion battery recycler, has opened operations at its $3.5 billion facility on 600 acres within Camp Hall Commerce Park. Regarded as the most significant economic development project in South Carolina’s history, this facility represents an important step toward becoming one of the world’s most significant recovery, refining, and manufacturing campuses. Over the next decade, Redwood Materials plans to continue expanding in South Carolina, creating more than 1,500 jobs in the Lowcountry.
Additionally, Modus21 has announced a $1.1 million expansion of its North Charleston operations, which will support 80 new jobs and the company’s Cloud Innovation Lab. The firm provides commercial and defense technology consulting services, further diversifying Charleston’s growing employment base.
Overall, the Charleston housing market remains well-positioned as we move further into 2026. Stable sales activity, rising home values, easing mortgage rates, and continued investment in healthcare, technology, and manufacturing all point to long-term strength in the local economy. If you’re considering buying or selling in the Charleston area, or simply want to understand how these market trends may impact your real estate goals, we’re always here to help—please don’t hesitate to reach out.
