Charleston Real Estate Market Update Q1 2026 | Lowcountry Housing Trends

Charleston Real Estate Market Update: Q1 2026 & What’s Ahead for the Lowcountry

The Charleston real estate market showed steady momentum during the first quarter of 2026, with sales activity slightly outperforming the same period last year. Compared to Q1 2025, transactions increased by 2.4%, while the median price of closed sales rose 3.4%.

Currently, the median price for homes and condos across the Charleston area sits around $450,000. Condos continue to make up approximately 25% of the market, while the median price for single-family homes alone is slightly higher at approximately $480,000.

While it is still early in the year to make long-term predictions, the market continues to show resilience. The Federal Reserve issued another rate cut in early December, but with inflation increasing again, additional cuts appear unlikely in the near future. As a result, buyers and sellers alike are continuing to navigate a market shaped by both strong demand and cautious optimism surrounding interest rates.

Charleston’s Economy Continues to Grow

Beyond housing, Charleston’s overall economy remains incredibly active, with major investments, healthcare expansion, hospitality growth, and new development projects continuing across the region.

In Summerville, Ascenda Capital recently acquired the Bryant at Summerville multifamily property for $51.5 million, further highlighting continued investor confidence in the area.

Healthcare growth also remains a major focus throughout the region. The third MUSC Health Nexton location recently broke ground with the new $87 million Nexton Medical Pavilion. The facility is expected to serve approximately 800 patients daily as Summerville and Moncks Corner continue to experience rapid growth, with projections showing an increase of nearly 29,000 residents over the next five years.

Roper St. Francis is also expanding with the new Mount Pleasant Health Pavilion, a 68,000-square-foot medical facility that will offer emergency care, imaging, women’s health services, oncology care, and more.

Hanahan is seeing exciting development as well. Blackwells Corner is set to break ground in June, transforming the town center into a vibrant mixed-use community hub. The project will add six new buildings surrounding the existing TideLine Aquatics storefront and will feature dining, retail shops, fitness studios, salons, office space, outdoor gathering areas, and a central lawn.

Charleston’s hospitality sector is also making headlines with the long-awaited opening of The Cooper Hotel on March 30. Located along the Charleston waterfront between Waterfront Park and Union Pier, the luxury hotel features 191 rooms, including 25 suites with rates reaching up to $16,700 per night.

Residential development remains strong as well. Woodfield Development and PGIM recently began construction on 114 downtown Nexton townhomes as part of The Radler community. This marks Woodfield Development’s 20th property in the Charleston region, where the company has already delivered more than 4,600 residential units.

In Mount Pleasant, AVM Group announced plans to establish its national headquarters locally, bringing a $5 million investment and creating 30 new jobs for the area.

Even globally connected industries continue to impact the Charleston economy. Ethiopian Airlines is moving forward with the purchase of six Boeing 787 Dreamliners as part of its expanded 2023 order, continuing the strong relationship between Charleston’s aerospace industry and international manufacturing.

Enjoying Charleston in May

May in Charleston always brings a unique energy to the Lowcountry. The pace begins to pick up, community calendars fill quickly, and there’s a noticeable shift toward spending more time outdoors.

From local festivals and live music to afternoons at the farmers market and evenings by the water, this time of year reminds us why so many people love calling Charleston home. With so much happening throughout the month, it’s the perfect opportunity to get out, explore the community, and enjoy everything the Lowcountry has to offer.

Whether you are thinking about buying, selling, investing, or simply staying informed about the market, Charleston continues to be one of the most exciting and fast-growing regions in the Southeast.

Your Local Realtor Team
Terri & Ashley
Seignious & Smith