Is Charleston a Good Place to Buy a House?

Yes—if you’re buying with the right timeline, a clear budget, and a plan for Charleston-specific costs (insurance, flood risk, and maintenance). The Charleston real estate market is still supported by steady regional growth, but higher mortgage rates mean you want to be more intentional than you would have been a few years ago. 

What The Charleston Real Estate Market Looks Like Right Now

“Charleston” can mean different things (city limits vs. Charleston County vs. the broader metro area), but here are a few widely referenced, high-level signals:

• The City of Charleston had a median sale price of around $650K (Oct 2025) per Redfin.  

• Zillow’s “average home value” for Charleston is around $575,755 (their index-based measure).  

• The Charleston metro population has continued to grow—FRED shows ~869,940 residents in 2024 for the Charleston–North Charleston MSA.  

Translation: you’re not buying into a market with zero demand—but you are buying in a market where affordability and monthly payment math matter more than headlines.

If you want to see how these numbers apply to your target area (Downtown, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, etc.), click here to schedule a call, and I’ll pull a clean, neighborhood-specific snapshot for you.

Why Many Buyers Decide that Charleston is Still a "YES"

If you’re asking, “Is Charleston a good place to buy a house?” you’re really asking whether the area has staying power. Here are a few fundamentals buyers tend to like:

1) The region is still growing

Charleston County Development’s regional data shows the metro area reached 869,940 residents and grew meaningfully over the last decade.  

More people typically means continued housing demand over time (even if the market moves more slowly in the short term).

2) The job market has remained relatively stable

BLS publishes metro-level data for the Charleston–North Charleston–Summerville area, which helps you sanity-check local labor conditions as you consider a purchase.  

3) You can still find opportunity—if you shop the right way

Nationally, high mortgage rates have reshaped buyer/seller behavior (more negotiation, more concessions in some segments, and more “price discovery”).  That can benefit you as a buyer if you have a strategy instead of just browsing.

The "Yes, but...." Factors You Should Price in Before You Buy

Charleston has a few cost factors that warrant early attention—especially if you’re relocating.

Flood risk and flood insurance

Even outside obvious waterfront areas, you should understand flood zones, elevation, and prior claims when possible. NFIP premiums vary widely by property, but Bankrate cites an average South Carolina NFIP flood insurance cost of around $725/year (statewide). Your best move: get insurance quotes before you fall in love with the house.

Homeowners insurance and total monthly cost

Your payment isn’t just principal and interest. Insurance, taxes, HOA dues (if applicable), and maintenance can change what’s comfortable. Reuters also notes that insurance and tax costs are part of the national affordability squeeze.  

Your time horizon matters more than ever

If you might move again soon, you should be extra cautious—because transaction costs and rate-driven affordability can make “short-term wins” harder to achieve. If you’re planning to stay longer, you can usually ride out regular market cycles more comfortably.

Want help pressure-testing your plan? Click here to schedule a call, and I’ll help you run the numbers with your timeline.

Buying a House in Charleston, SC: A Simple Strategy That Works

If you’re buying with higher rates, here’s a practical approach that works in most price points:

1. Start with monthly payment comfort, not a headline price

2. Pick 2–3 target areas (for example, if you’re comparing Mount Pleasant vs. Daniel Island, keep the search tight and intentional)

3. Plan your negotiation options: seller credits, rate buydowns, repair credits (where appropriate), and realistic closing timelines.

4. Do the Charleston-specific diligence early: insurance quotes, flood zone/elevation context, HOA documents (if applicable)

If you’d like, I can build a “buying map” of your options and their current monthly costs. Click here to schedule a call with me, William Burton—Charleston real estate agent / REALTOR®—and we’ll get it dialed in.

So, is Charleston a good place to buy a house?

For many people, yes: the region is still growing, the market still has demand, and you can make smart purchases if you treat the decision like a plan (not a guess). But the best outcomes come when you account for the full cost of ownership and buy with the right timeline.  

If you’re considering buying (or buying and selling) in Charleston County, Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, or anywhere in the Greater Charleston area, click here to schedule a call with me. I’ll help you decide whether Charleston is a “yes” for your budget and goals—and what your best next step is.