Buying a Home in Charleston with an Elevator

Charleston home buyers often ask us about the availability of homes with elevators. Whether they’re looking for a townhouse (for less square footage and maintenance) or a single family home (for privacy), buyers often assume they can find a property with an elevator for under $500K. However, this is extremely difficult to find, and with prices escalating quickly in Charleston’s competitive real estate market, more and more buyers will get priced out of these types of homes. We’ve included below some of the most frequently asked questions we get regarding elevators along with alternative options to consider.

How much does it cost to install an elevator in Charleston?

Elevators cost about $22,000 to $25,000 to install if there is already an elevator shaft in place. This amount will be significantly more if a shaft has to be worked into your current house plan. On our website, you can use our detailed MLS search to find homes with an elevator or shaft. Just scroll down the search page to Elevator, and you’ll see options for Has Elevator, Has Elevator Shaft, and Has Elevator or Elevator Shaft.

Depending on your price point, you might consider building a new home in Charleston with a builder who can customize your layout to include an elevator. Talk with us so that we can send you options to consider.

Are there townhouses with an elevator?

Most Charleston homes with elevators existing are single family houses. There are very few townhouses with an elevator or shaft. Mount Pleasant has Bowman Park, Whitesides Park, and The Retreat section of Charleston National. Folly Beach has The Preserve at The Clam Farm.

If you’re looking for more affordable options in the under $500K price range (or if you’re looking to lower your maintenance), condos will be your best bet. Here is a good list of condos with a shared or semi-private elevator in the buildings:

• West Ashley: Albemarle, Arboretum
• James Island: Regatta on James Island, The Retreat, Mira Vista
• Mount Pleasant: Cambridge Lakes, Six Fifty Six Coleman, The Renaissance on Charleston Harbor, Tides Condominiums
• Downtown Charleston: Ashley House, Bee Street Lofts, The Bristol, Dockside, Fort Sumter House (also called 1 King Street), George And Society, Laurens Place, The Peoples’ Building
• Daniel Island: Pier View, River Landing, Oaks at Rivers Edge
• Folly Beach: Pelican Pointe Villas, Turn of River, Marsh Winds, Charleston Oceanfront Villas
• Wild Dunes:: The Village, Shipwatch

What are our other options?

If you’re simply looking for a single family house with few or no stairs, you might consider one story houses or homes with the master bedroom on the ground floor. You’ll find a very large selection of these properties throughout Charleston, so you won’t be limited to a certain community or area or listing the way you would be when looking exclusively for elevator properties. Many houses that are built on a slab foundation have no stairs at all for carrying in groceries or accessing a ground floor bedroom or bathroom. Even if you wanted to include homes with a raised slab foundation or crawl space, these usually only have four to six stairs to access the main level.

Contact The Keadle Group to view homes

Contact us to learn more about your options! We’d be happy to talk with you to find the perfect home in your price range in the area that best suits your needs!