Where the Columbia Market Stands Now
Columbia’s real estate market continues to reflect a healthy balance between demand and availability as we enter September 2025. The average home value stands at $227,418, marking a 1.2% rise year-over-year. Homes are going under contract in just 17 days on average, and the median days on market across the region is around 44 days. The median sale-to-list ratio is 99.6%, indicating that buyers are paying close to asking in most cases.
On the lending front, 30-year fixed mortgage rates in South Carolina hover around 6.63%, with 15-year rates at 5.75%, while national averages show a slight dip to 6.50% for 30-year loans.
The Market Moves Fast—and That Can Create Pressure
With homes selling quickly and near asking price, many buyers face a time crunch when making decisions. Pre-approvals, competitive offers, and rapid turnarounds are becoming the norm. On the seller side, pricing too high—even in a seller-friendly market—can still cause a listing to stall, especially as buyers become more sensitive to mortgage costs.
Investors may also feel squeezed. While rental demand is strong (up nearly 5% this year), the days of steep home appreciation have slowed, requiring more strategic long-term planning.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long
- Buyers who delay may find themselves priced out of the neighborhoods they love. With mortgage rates potentially ticking upward again and limited inventory, waiting even a few weeks can mean missing out or facing steeper monthly payments.
- Sellers who assume demand alone will carry their listing might sit longer on the market, especially as new inventory slowly builds.
- Investors risk losing valuable cash flow opportunities in areas seeing consistent rent growth and economic expansion—especially near job hubs, USC, and BullStreet.
Why Acting Smart Now Brings Real Advantage
If you’re buying, securing a competitive mortgage rate now while inventory is seasonally higher can give you the edge. If you’re selling, pricing in line with recent comps and prepping the home properly can lead to fast, clean offers. For investors, locking in a property with positive rental metrics today could yield consistent long-term returns as Columbia’s population and rental demand rise.
Looking Ahead: September Snapshot
| Topic | Insight |
|---|---|
| Home Prices | Steady, modest growth—about 1.2% year-over-year; average value ~ $227K. |
| Sales Activity | Homes typically pending in ~17 days; median market time around 44 days. |
| Price Positioning | Sale-to-list ratio ~99.6%; median list ~$258K, median sale ~$241K. |
| Mortgage Rates | ~6.63% for 30-year fixed, ~5.75% for 15-year fixed locally; national averages slightly lower—30-year around 6.5%. |
At The Kauffman Group, we help clients make timely, informed decisions based on more than 10 years of experience in this market. Whether you’re ready to act now or just gathering info, we offer grounded guidance and no-pressure support.
Let’s talk when you’re ready to align your goals with today’s market realities—on your terms, with a team that knows Columbia like home.
