Charleston’s real estate market is undergoing its most significant change in recent memory — and for buyers, it’s creating the kind of conditions we haven’t seen in years.
After several years of a fiercely competitive seller’s market, 2025 has brought a noticeable rebalancing. Inventory is up 36% year-over-year, with single-family home listings climbing over 30% and condominium supply rising nearly 25%. This growth spans from the luxury neighborhoods of Downtown Charleston and the Upper Peninsula to suburban areas like Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, and Summerville.
More than one-third of sellers are now reducing their asking prices, a sharp contrast to the bidding wars of 2021–2023. Average days on market have increased to 61, giving buyers valuable breathing room for inspections, negotiations, and due diligence. The median home price still sits at a healthy $642,920 — up 6.5% from last year — but the rapid, double-digit growth of the past few years has cooled, making pricing more sustainable.
Luxury buyers have particularly strong leverage right now. In the Upper Peninsula, for example, inventory has jumped over 70%, offering a range of options that were simply unavailable during the peak seller’s market. In the condo market, especially Downtown, increased supply is opening the door to more favorable terms and negotiated concessions.
The important takeaway? Charleston isn’t slowing down — it’s maturing. Demand remains robust, with total sales up 17% year-over-year, but the balance of power has shifted toward buyers in the short term. That creates a strategic window for those ready to act before the market naturally rebalances.
The Kauffman Group has helped clients navigate every market cycle Charleston has seen, combining deep neighborhood knowledge with decades of experience. If you’re considering buying, selling, or investing here, we can help you take full advantage of this unique moment in our market’s evolution.
