Single-family prices are holding steady, condo buyers have more choices and new construction is adding even more options.
The Grand Strand may be one coastal market on the map, but single-family homes and condos are telling two different stories right now. Add new construction to the mix, and it becomes even clearer that no single number can explain what is happening across the area.
People are still buying and selling. They are simply taking a closer look at price, location and long-term value before making a move.
Here are seven things to know about the Grand Strand real estate market right now.
1. One Coast Doesn’t Mean One Market
The Grand Strand includes everything from oceanfront condos and golf-course communities to traditional neighborhoods, active-adult communities and new construction.
A home in Carolina Forest does not necessarily compete with a Myrtle Beach condo, just as a new home in Conway may attract a different buyer than a waterfront property in Murrells Inlet.
That is why asking whether the entire market is simply “up” or “down” rarely tells the whole story. Property type, neighborhood and price range matter.
2. Single-Family Prices Are Holding Steady
According to the Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS®, the median single-family sale price was $375,000 in July 2026, essentially unchanged from July 2025.
Completed sales declined from the previous July, while pending sales increased 2.1%. Homes averaged 117 days on the market.
For buyers, that can mean more time to compare properties. For sellers, steady prices are encouraging, but condition, location and accurate pricing remain important as buyers pay closer attention to value.
3. Condo Buyers Have More Choices
The condo market is moving differently.
Condo closings increased 17.3% in July compared with July 2025, with 468 sales completed during the month. Year-to-date sales were up 8.1%, while pending sales increased 8.5%.
At the same time, the year-to-date median condo price was $232,500, down 3.1%. Inventory increased 2.6%, and condos averaged 132 days on the market.
For buyers, that can mean more properties to compare and potentially more negotiating room. For sellers, it means standing out matters.
4. Condo Buyers Should Look Beyond the Price Tag
Two condos with similar asking prices can come with very different monthly costs.
HOA dues, insurance responsibilities, reserve funding, planned building projects, assessments and rental restrictions can all affect the bigger financial picture.
Reviewing association budgets, meeting minutes and governing documents can help buyers understand what ownership really looks like before making a decision.
The right condo can still offer the low-maintenance coastal lifestyle many buyers want. The key is knowing what comes with it.
5. New Construction Is Adding More Options
New communities continue to expand the choices available across the Grand Strand, from townhomes and traditional neighborhoods to active-adult communities and developments with resort-style amenities.
Some builders may also offer incentives such as closing-cost assistance or mortgage-rate buydowns on select homes.
That means comparing new construction with a resale home involves more than asking price. Location, financing, HOA costs, included features, warranties and long-term plans should all be part of the conversation.
6. Buyers May Have More Breathing Room
Today’s market may give some buyers something that was harder to find a few years ago: time.
That can make it easier to compare neighborhoods, property types, HOA rules, amenities, commute times and maintenance costs before making a decision.
Still, attractive and well-priced homes can move quickly. Having more choices does not mean waiting indefinitely when the right property appears.
The goal is not necessarily to make the lowest offer. It is to understand the property and competition well enough to make an informed one.
7. Sellers Have to Work a Little Harder for Attention
Buyers are still purchasing homes throughout the Grand Strand, but many now have more options.
For sellers, that makes preparation and pricing especially important. Addressing visible maintenance concerns, presenting the home well and understanding the current competition can help a property stand out.
Lifestyle matters too. Proximity to beaches, restaurants, shopping, recreation and everyday conveniences can help buyers picture what living there would actually feel like.
One Market, Plenty of Options
The Grand Strand’s biggest strength may be its variety.
Buyers can choose an oceanfront condo, golf-course neighborhood, quiet inland community or newly built home with modern amenities—all within the same general area.
That is also why there is rarely one answer that works for everyone. The market numbers offer context, but the right decision depends on the property, the neighborhood and the lifestyle someone is looking for.
Thinking About Making a Move?
Whether you are buying, selling or simply curious about what is happening in your neighborhood, understanding the local market is a good place to start. A local real estate professional can help you compare communities, property types and current conditions so you can make a decision based on the full picture—not just the headline.
Market information is based on the Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® July 2026 Monthly Market Report and CCAR MLS data available in August and September 2026. Market conditions vary by location, property type and price range and are subject to change.
