Housing Supply Remains the Core Challenge
South Carolina continues to face a housing shortage. Population growth and in-migration are outpacing the number of new homes being built, especially in high-demand areas like the Upstate and coastal markets. This ongoing imbalance keeps pressure on inventory and supports overall market strength.
Home Prices Are Holding Steady
Rather than seeing sharp increases or declines, home prices across much of the state are stabilizing. Buyers are more cautious and sellers are more realistic, but values remain supported by limited supply and consistent demand.
Expect Rates to Remain in the 6% Range
The sub 3% rates aren’t coming back any time soon. The good news is President Trump is unleashing Fannie and Freddie to purchase $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities to lower rates.
Building Material Costs Stay Elevated
While extreme price swings have eased, construction materials remain expensive. Lumber, concrete, mechanical systems, and interior finishes all continue to carry higher-than-historic costs, impacting the final price of new homes.
Labor Costs Continue to Rise
Skilled labor shortages remain one of the biggest challenges for builders. Higher wages and limited availability of trades push construction costs upward, making it difficult to produce lower-priced new housing at scale.
New Construction Sets a Price Floor
Because it remains expensive to build, new construction pricing helps establish a baseline for home values. This dynamic benefits existing homeowners and limits downward pressure on resale prices.
🎯 What This Means for 2026
South Carolina needs more housing, and it’s not getting cheaper to build it. That reality continues to support prices and keeps the market fundamentally strong—even as conditions become more balanced.
Have questions about buying or selling in Greenville?
Kevin Parker | Realtor
📧 Connect@KevinLParker.com
📞 864-714-6967
Kevin L Parker 