January 17, 2026

Charleston Real Estate: Growth & Opportunity Abound

Charleston, SC, January 17, 2026

The Lowcountry real estate market in Charleston, SC, is thriving, backed by significant expansions from major firms and innovative programs for local entrepreneurs. Recent developments, particularly by Compass and United Real Estate, illustrate the vibrant economic landscape fostering growth and opportunity. The city’s real estate sector reflects confidence and determination, paving the way for job creation and a resilient business environment.

Charleston Real Estate: Growth & Opportunity Abound

Lowcountry market thrives as major firms expand and innovative programs empower local entrepreneurs.

Charleston, SC – The Lowcountry continues to demonstrate its economic vitality, driven by a robust real estate sector that reflects both established companies’ confidence and individual entrepreneurs’ determination. Recent developments, including strategic expansions by leading real estate firms and the introduction of groundbreaking agent empowerment programs, underscore a dynamic market rich with opportunity. This flourishing environment is a testament to the resilient spirit of South Carolina entrepreneurs and the attractive business climate that fosters growth in the region, contributing significantly to the broader Charleston County economy.

The continuous evolution of the real estate landscape here highlights how private investment and innovative business models are key drivers of progress. As businesses expand their reach and new initiatives equip professionals with tools for success, the positive ripple effects are felt throughout the community, supporting job creation and strengthening the local economic fabric. This focus on private sector ingenuity is instrumental in propelling Lowcountry economic growth and reinforcing Charleston’s position as a hub for commercial activity and personal achievement.

A Growing Footprint in the Lowcountry Real Estate Market

The real estate giant Compass has notably increased its presence across the Carolinas, a move that significantly strengthens its footprint in coastal South Carolina. In August 2024, Compass integrated the Bluffton and Hilton Head-based Sequel Real Estate Group and the Charleston-based Coastal Island Properties teams into its brokerage network in South Carolina. This strategic expansion demonstrates a clear vote of confidence in the regional market’s potential and its attractiveness for substantial investment.

Specifically in Charleston, the Coastal Island Properties team, led by co-CEOs Desiree Maurer and Lynn Burnett, brings a focus on customer service with its six agents. The five-person Sequel Real Estate Group, under the leadership of founder Chris England, further enhances Compass’s capabilities in the Lowcountry. Compass aims to provide these teams with advanced tools and resources, enabling them to further expand their businesses and enhance client services. Additionally, in June 2024, Compass bolstered its presence in the Carolinas by adding the Pierce Group of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. These expansions complement Compass’s existing offices in key South Carolina locations, including Charleston and Hilton Head. Such significant investments by major firms indicate a healthy and appealing market for real estate professionals and a positive outlook for the Charleston SC business community.

Empowering the Entrepreneurial Agent: United’s Innovative Program

In a pioneering move to foster individual achievement and financial independence within the real estate profession, United Real Estate launched the United Residential Investment (URESI) Program on January 15, 2026. This “first-of-its-kind” initiative is designed to empower United’s agents to become residential real estate investor-entrepreneurs, thereby building long-term wealth and financial stability. The program exemplifies a commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among real estate professionals.

The URESI Program is a comprehensive and proprietary platform, developed exclusively for United agents. It provides a structured pathway for agents, guiding them from an initial interest in residential real estate investment to effectively leveraging their existing expertise to assemble portfolios of income-producing and value-appreciating properties. Key components of this extensive program include a dedicated mentorship community, a series of 14 new interactive courses, practical workshops, detailed underwriting models, live deal-making events, on-demand resources, and access to lending, insurance, and rehab partners. This holistic approach ensures that agents are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of real estate investment. Furthermore, the URESI program is an integral part of United’s broader Financial Wellness Program, which encompasses offerings such as healthcare plans for independent contractors, retirement and wealth management services, estate and trust planning, investment vehicles, and maximized agent compensation plans. This commitment recognizes that real estate agents are uniquely positioned to succeed in investment due to their insider market knowledge and ability to secure properties.

Charleston’s Resilient Real Estate Landscape

The Charleston SC business environment continues to support a competitive and vibrant real estate market. The city’s housing market demonstrates sustained demand for both ownership and rental options. Data from December 2025 indicated that Charleston home prices saw a 1.6% increase compared to the previous year, with the median price reaching $640,000. For single-family homes in Charleston County, the median sales price rose by 9.9% to $610,000. Over most of the last 30 months, the median sales price in Charleston has consistently remained within a tight range of $400,000 and $425,000.

Market efficiency varies, with homes selling in a median of 49 days as of October 2025. In December 2025, homes in Charleston sold after an average of 68 days on the market, a decrease from 80 days the previous year. Single-family properties experienced an even faster pace, with days on market dropping from 46 days in 2023 to 37 days in February 2024. Despite some fluctuations, Charleston maintains its status as a strong seller’s market, primarily due to high demand and a comparatively low inventory of homes. Nevertheless, inventory levels across the Charleston metro area increased by 5.3% since mid-year, as reported in Q3 2025, suggesting a gradual move towards a more balanced market. The region also continues to outperform many other southeastern metros in terms of price retention and fewer price reductions, largely attributable to ongoing population growth, consistent inbound relocation, and limited new construction in the urban core.

South Carolina’s Economic Momentum and Investor Appeal (State-level)

Beyond Charleston, the broader South Carolina entrepreneurs and real estate investors find a compelling environment for growth. The state is recognized as a hotspot for real estate investment due to a combination of factors, including robust population growth, a favorable business and tax climate, relative affordability, and high demand for rental properties (State-level). South Carolina was ranked as the 5th fastest-growing state in the nation for population growth in 2023, attracting tens of thousands of new residents annually (Nationwide). Furthermore, it was identified as the 3rd fastest-growing state in America (Nationwide), with over 90,000 one-way moves to the state in the last year (Nationwide).

The state’s pro-business and tax-friendly policies are a significant draw. South Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits and offers generous deductions on retirement income, making it particularly attractive for retirees (State-level). Property tax rates average a notably low 0.57%, which is significantly below the national average of 0.99% (State-level). This supportive fiscal environment, coupled with a high demand for rentals, creates a fertile ground for investment. The housing industry’s overall economic impact on South Carolina is substantial, totaling approximately $44.7 billion annually (Nationwide). The real estate sector alone contributes nearly 54% of this impact (Nationwide), underscoring its pivotal role in the state’s economic health (Nationwide).

Driving Forces Behind Lowcountry Growth

The sustained economic vigor of the Lowcountry, and particularly Charleston, is underpinned by a diverse and expanding economic base. The city’s economy benefits significantly from a broad employment base that spans the healthcare, military, and aerospace sectors. This diversification provides a stable foundation, attracting a skilled workforce and contributing to consistent demand in the housing market.

Tourism also plays a crucial and enduring role in shaping Charleston’s real estate sector. As a top-tier tourist destination, the city experiences substantial visitor spending, which indirectly fuels real estate activity. This is particularly evident in the increased demand for short-term rental properties in popular areas. While this creates opportunities for investors, it also influences the availability and affordability of long-term housing within the most desirable parts of the city. The combination of strong local job growth, consistent inbound relocation, and a limited supply of new construction in urban centers collectively contributes to the region’s robust real estate performance. These factors ensure that the Charleston County economy remains vibrant and attractive for continued investment and development.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Charleston’s Economic Momentum

Charleston’s real estate market and broader economy are currently characterized by robust growth and entrepreneurial innovation. The strategic expansions by companies like Compass and the introduction of agent empowerment programs by United Real Estate are clear indicators of a healthy and forward-looking market. These developments highlight the positive outcomes when private enterprise thrives, fostering individual achievement and contributing to the overall Lowcountry economic growth.

As Charleston small business owners and larger firms continue to invest in the region, they reinforce the city’s position as a vibrant economic center. The supportive environment in South Carolina, marked by favorable tax policies and a growing population, provides a strong foundation for continued prosperity. We encourage all residents and stakeholders to support local businesses and remain engaged in the ongoing narrative of Charleston’s economic future, ensuring the Lowcountry remains a place where opportunity abounds for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are some key aspects of Compass’s expansion in South Carolina?

Compass expanded its reach across the Carolinas by integrating the Bluffton and Hilton Head-based Sequel Real Estate Group and the Charleston-based Coastal Island Properties teams into its network in South Carolina. Additionally, the Pierce Group of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was added in June 2024. This strengthens Compass’s presence along the coastal South Carolina area.

What is the United Residential Investment (URESI) Program?

The United Residential Investment (URESI) Program, launched on January 15, 2026, is a comprehensive offering that empowers United Real Estate agents to build long-term wealth and financial stability by becoming residential real estate investor-entrepreneurs.

What resources does the URESI Program offer to agents?

The URESI Program includes a mentorship community, 14 new interactive courses, workshops, underwriting models, live deal-making events, on-demand resources, lending, insurance, and rehab partners.

What are the current trends in the Charleston, SC real estate market?

The Charleston real estate market is competitive, with sustained demand in both ownership and rental options. In December 2025, Charleston home prices were up 1.6% compared to the previous year, with a median price of $640,000. Days on market for single-family properties dropped from 46 days in 2023 to 37 days in February 2024. It remains a strong seller’s market due to high demand and low inventory.

Why is South Carolina attractive for real estate investors?

South Carolina is a hotspot for real estate investors due to strong population growth, a pro-business and tax-friendly climate, affordability, and high demand for rentals (State-level). The state ranked as the 5th fastest-growing in the nation for population growth in 2023 (Nationwide).

What is the economic impact of the housing industry in South Carolina?

The annual economic impact of the housing industry on the state of South Carolina totals approximately $44.7 billion (Nationwide). The real estate sector contributes nearly 54% of this impact (Nationwide).

Key Features of Real Estate Developments

Feature	Compass Expansion in SC	United Residential Investment (URESI) Program
Nature of Development	Brokerage expansion in South Carolina (State-level)	Agent wealth-building and investment education program (Nationwide)
Key Locations/Scope	Charleston, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, coastal South Carolina area (State-level)	Exclusively for United affiliated agents across the country (Nationwide)
Primary Goal	Strengthen market presence, equip teams with resources, enhance client services (State-level)	Empower agents to become residential real estate investor-entrepreneurs, build long-term wealth and financial stability (Nationwide)
Components/Offerings	Integration of existing successful teams (Coastal Island Properties, Sequel Real Estate Group, Pierce Group)	Mentorship community, 14 interactive courses, workshops, underwriting models, live deal-making events, on-demand resources, lending, insurance, rehab partners
Launch/Expansion Date	August 2024 for Coastal Island Properties and Sequel Real Estate Group; June 2024 for Pierce Group	January 15, 2026
Unique Aspect	Strategic integration of strong local teams to bolster regional presence	“First-of-its-kind” program explicitly designed for agents to leverage market knowledge for personal investment