South Carolina 2026 Market Update: Are Prices Still Rising?

By Brent Downing

Brent Downing and The Downing Group are a top-producing real estate team serving the Columbia and Lake Murray markets, bringing more than 30 years of collective experience to every client they serve.

If you’re wondering what’s happening in the Upstate South Carolina real estate market, here’s a quick breakdown of what we saw in the first quarter of 2026. Overall, the market is showing signs of real stabilization after the volatility of the past couple of years.

Interest rates are still elevated compared to the ultra-low levels we saw in 2021 and 2022, but buyers and sellers are clearly starting to adjust to this new normal. That adjustment is showing up in the numbers across the board.

Home prices are still rising, but at a healthier pace. Across the Upstate, including Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, prices have continued to rise, but we’re no longer seeing the rapid, double-digit appreciation that defined the market a few years ago. Instead, prices are inching up modestly, which is creating a more balanced environment for everyone.

Inventory has improved, but it’s still relatively tight. There are more homes available than there were last year, which is a positive sign. Well-priced homes, especially those that are move-in ready, are continuing to attract strong interest and, in some cases, multiple offers.

But buyers are being more selective than they were during the peak frenzy. Homes that are overpriced or need significant updates are sitting on the market longer and often require price adjustments to get attention.

Days on market have increased slightly. That’s another sign we’re shifting away from the seller-dominated market we got used to. Buyers are taking more time, doing inspections, and negotiating more than they were just a couple of years ago. That’s healthy for both sides.

Demand is still being driven by population growth. People continue to relocate to the Upstate from higher-cost states, and the area remains attractive because of its affordability, quality of life, and strong job growth. That’s helping support home values even as affordability remains a challenge for some buyers due to interest rates.

New construction is playing a bigger role. Builders are offering incentives like rate buydowns and closing cost assistance, helping bring more buyers into the market. For resale sellers, that means more competition, making pricing and presentation even more important.

What does all of this mean for sellers? It’s still a good time to sell, but the days of simply putting a sign in the yard and expecting multiple offers immediately are mostly behind us. Pricing your home correctly and having it show-ready matter more now than it has in years.

What about buyers? You have more opportunities and more negotiating power than you’ve had in a while. But you still need to be prepared and act decisively when the right home comes along. The good deals are still competitive, and being ready to move makes all the difference.

The Upstate South Carolina market in early 2026 is more balanced, more predictable, and healthier overall than what we’ve seen in recent years. If you’re thinking about buying or selling and want to understand what these trends mean for your specific situation, I’d love to help you think it through.

Give me a call at 803-886-0961, email me at brentd@thedowningteam.com, or visit blog.thedowningteam.com. Let’s make sure your next move is the right one.