2026 Housing Outlook for South Carolina and Georgia

As we close out the year, the housing market across South Carolina and Georgia is still moving at a slower pace than normal. Early signs suggest 2026 will be another gradual transition rather than a dramatic shift. Conditions should improve, but not evenly, and many first-time buyers will continue to feel squeezed.

A Slightly Easier Mortgage-Rate Environment

Forecasts call for modest rate relief next year as the Federal Reserve responds to cooling economic conditions. Even small declines can help bring buyers back into the market and give current owners more confidence about moving. The outlook isn’t guaranteed—higher inflation or global uncertainty could push rates the other way—but the general trend points toward slightly better affordability than we saw this year.

What May Encourage More Owners to List

Many homeowners across the Southeast locked in extremely low rates over the past few years, which has kept inventory tight. As today’s rates ease and life events reshape people’s needs, more owners are likely to list even if it means giving up their old rate. For markets that have been starved for fresh inventory, even a slow rise in listings will help.

Sales, Prices, and Inventory in Our Region

Home sales nationwide are expected to grow next year, driven by younger buyers who postponed purchasing. That trend applies to South Carolina and Georgia as well, where demand remains steady thanks to population growth, job shifts, and lifestyle-driven moves.

Price growth is expected to remain modest—around 1% nationally—and our region is likely to track close to that. Inventory should continue rebuilding but at a measured pace. For buyers, this means slightly more breathing room. For sellers, accurate pricing becomes even more important.

How SC and GA Differ From the National Story

While some parts of the country are projected to see sharper ups and downs, the Southeast remains comparatively stable. A few factors are at play:

• Ongoing in-migration from other states

• Strong coastal and resort appeal

• A mix of new construction and resale inventory that helps maintain balance

  
  

Some neighborhoods may soften if inventory builds. Others—especially coastal or limited-supply communities—may stay competitive. The key is that local conditions will matter more than national headlines.

The Higher-End Market

Luxury activity may cool slightly from last year’s strong pace, but serious buyers in this segment remain active. Well-prepared listings should still perform reliably, especially in areas that attract second-home or relocation buyers.

AI’s Influence on the Regional Economy

AI continues to reshape industries nationwide. While our region isn't the center of that investment, we still benefit as companies grow, remote roles expand, and workers relocate. These shifts can support housing demand in select markets. Concerns about a tech bubble don’t pose a meaningful risk to our 2026 housing outlook.

Affordability Will Take Time to Improve

Even with slower price growth, affordability challenges won’t disappear quickly. Monthly payments need to rise more slowly than incomes before buyers feel real relief. That shift will come, but gradually.

What This Means for REsides Subscribers

Your clients are reading national stories that rarely reflect what’s happening in their neighborhood. This is where your local knowledge matters. Whether you’re working with buyers or sellers, clear, specific data builds confidence and cuts through the noise.

Below is an example of how you can use this information directly in a listing presentation.

How You Can Use This in Your Business:

Listing Presentation Talking Points

1. “Here’s what the market looks like right now.” Start with simple, local numbers—inventory, recent sales, and buyer activity—so the seller understands the landscape in their immediate area.

2. “Buyer demand is rebuilding.” Explain that younger buyers who sat out the past couple of years are re-entering the market as rates ease. This supports steady showing activity for well-positioned listings.

3. “More owners will list this year.” As homeowners feel more comfortable giving up low rates, inventory will rise. Listing now positions your client ahead of that added competition.

4. “Pricing accurately is more important than ever.” With price growth expected to stay modest, buyers are paying close attention to value. A strong pricing strategy helps attract early offers.

5. “Our region is more stable than many others.” South Carolina and Georgia continue to see strong migration and lifestyle-driven demand. This steadiness gives sellers a clearer path to success.

6. “Luxury activity is shifting but still solid.” If your listing fits the higher-end segment, explain that while activity may ease, serious buyers remain active and value well-presented homes.

7. “Affordability shapes buyer expectations.” Because buyers’ monthly budgets are tight, they respond strongly to homes that show well and require fewer immediate improvements.

8. “My role is to make this simple for you.” End with a clear value statement: you bring local data, experience, and a straightforward plan designed for today’s market—not last year’s or the national headlines.