Current Charleston Housing Market Stats for 2014

Posted by Lee and Katherine Keadle on Friday, October 17th, 2014 at 11:59am.


These MLS statistics show Charleston’s housing market performance for January through September of 2014. Most areas of Charleston in the under $250K price range are a strong sellers’ market with an average 3 month absorption rate. In other words, if no new listings were to come onto the market, it would take only 3 months to sell the current inventory based on the rate of homes selling. The hottest markets like James Island, Mt. Pleasant, and Daniel Island have a 1 to 2 month absorption rate.

The $250-500K price range also indicates a sellers’ market with an average 4 month absorption rate. In price ranges higher than $500K, the area determines whether it is a buyers’ or sellers’ market.

charleston sellers market statistics
charleston real estate stats 2014

In terms of supply and demand, this chart helps to give a better perspective of why we’re seeing the best new listings go under contract quickly, often with multiple and full price offers. The low inventory of homes for sale combined with a growing demand from buyers in the under $500K price makes for an ideal market for sellers in Charleston. Sellers are increasing their list prices and negotiating very little right now (some areas and neighborhoods as little as 1% when you compare list price to close price stats in the MLS).

Here is a brief summary of the tri-county Charleston housing market:

Keep in mind that for these averages the slower markets like the beaches and rural Charleston are balancing out the strongest markets with huge gains such as:

See the chart below for a breakdown of housing market statistics by area. This will help you to compare the number of homes closed, median sales price, and the average price per square foot for 2014 and 2013.

charleston sc housing market