Charleston Named Among Top 10 Homebuying Markets for 2026
National forecasters predict the Lowcountry will remain a magnet for relocating buyers despite inventory and affordability challenges.
Charleston has landed among the top 10 homebuying markets heading into 2026, according to national real estate forecasters who predict the region will continue attracting buyers fleeing higher-cost metros despite local affordability challenges.
The ranking reflects Charleston’s persistent appeal. Strong job growth, relative affordability compared to coastal California or the Northeast, and quality of life continue drawing relocating workers and retirees. Remote work has accelerated the trend as employees untethered from office locations seek lifestyle destinations.
For local buyers, the national attention cuts both ways. Competition from out-of-market purchasers, often with cash from property sales in higher-priced areas, creates disadvantages for first-time buyers and locals trading up. The migration that boosts economic growth also drives prices beyond local wage growth.
The forecast suggests continued appreciation in 2026, though at rates slower than the explosive gains of 2021-2022. The market has normalized from pandemic extremes but remains expensive by historical local standards.
Key factors driving the projection include:
Job growth across multiple sectors, particularly manufacturing and professional services. The region’s economy has diversified beyond its historic dependence on tourism and the military.
Lifestyle amenities that score highly in quality-of-life surveys. Beach access, dining and culture, mild winters, and historic character attract the kind of educated, affluent buyers who drive premium markets.
Relative value compared to peer coastal metros. A dollar buys significantly more house in Charleston than in San Diego, Miami, or Boston, making the region attractive to those leaving higher-cost markets.
Continued corporate relocations and expansions that bring new residents seeking housing near new jobs.
The hot market designation brings challenges alongside opportunities. Policymakers face pressure to address workforce housing and affordability while managing growth that strains infrastructure and schools.