Is The Myrtle Beach Real Estate Market Heating Up?

Is The Myrtle Beach Real Estate Market Heating Up?

If you have been watching the Myrtle Beach real estate market over the past few months, you have probably noticed some interesting shifts. After a stretch where buyers held most of the leverage, several key indicators are now pointing toward a market that is starting to heat up again. Whether you are thinking about buying your first home along the Grand Strand, considering selling a property you have owned for years, or exploring investment opportunities in one of the Southeast's fastest-growing coastal corridors, understanding what is happening right now could make a real difference in your next move.

As someone who has been selling real estate in the Myrtle Beach area for over 20 years and has been involved in more than 15,000 transactions, I can tell you that the signals I am seeing right now remind me of previous market turning points. Let me walk you through what the data is telling us and what it means for both buyers and sellers heading into spring 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Mortgage rates have dropped below 6% for the first time in over three years, bringing more buyers back into the market.
• Home prices in Myrtle Beach are showing modest year-over-year gains, with single-family homes ranging from approximately $328,000 to $385,000.
• Inventory is up roughly 25% compared to last year, giving buyers more selection but also more competition on well-priced homes.
• South Carolina continues to add approximately 90,000 new residents each year, fueling consistent demand along the coast.
• Sellers who price correctly and prepare their homes well are seeing stronger results than they did six months ago.

What Is Driving the Shift in the Myrtle Beach Housing Market?

The biggest catalyst right now is mortgage rates. As of late February 2026, the 30-year fixed rate dropped to approximately 5.98%, marking the first time rates have been below 6% in over three and a half years. That single change has unlocked purchasing power for thousands of buyers who were sitting on the sidelines waiting for rates to come down. In my experience working with buyers along the Grand Strand, even a half-point drop in rates translates directly into more showings, more offers, and faster contract activity.

Beyond rates, South Carolina's population growth continues to be a major tailwind. The state is adding roughly 90,000 new residents per year, expanding at about twice the national average. Many of these newcomers are retirees, remote workers, and families drawn to the Myrtle Beach area for its relatively affordable cost of living, mild winters, and beach lifestyle. That steady inbound migration keeps a floor under housing demand even when national trends soften.

Sales activity reflects this momentum. Written sales contracts surged approximately 9% in November and 10% in December 2025, representing the strongest monthly numbers of that entire year. That kind of acceleration heading into the traditionally busy spring season is a strong indicator that the market is picking up pace.

Where Do Home Prices Stand Right Now?

Myrtle Beach home prices are showing modest but meaningful gains. The median sale price has increased roughly 5% year-over-year in early 2026, though the exact number varies depending on property type.

Single-family homes in the Myrtle Beach area are trading in the $328,000 to $385,000 range, depending on location, condition, and proximity to the beach. Neighborhoods like Carolina Forest continue to attract families with school-age children, while Market Common draws buyers looking for a walkable, urban-feel lifestyle close to the coast.

Condos and townhomes remain the most affordable entry point, with median prices in the $220,000 to $240,000 range. The condo segment has seen slightly softer pricing compared to single-family homes, which actually creates opportunity for buyers looking for vacation rentals or second homes. With roughly 7 to 8 months of condo supply available, there is still room to negotiate in that segment.

New construction prices span a wide range from around $270,000 on the outskirts to $660,000 and above in premium communities like Grande Dunes, which offers resort-style amenities including a private beach club and championship golf.

What Does Inventory Look Like Along the Grand Strand?

Inventory tells an interesting story right now. Overall, the number of homes available for sale rose approximately 25% compared to January of last year. That increase gives buyers significantly more options than they had during the tight inventory years of 2021 through 2023. The market currently sits at about 7.2 months of supply, which is technically still in balanced-to-buyer-friendly territory.

However, not all segments are equal. Single-family home inventory actually tightened from around 5,400 listings in September 2025 down to about 4,700 by January 2026. That seasonal pullback, combined with rising buyer demand from lower rates, is creating more competitive conditions for move-in-ready single-family homes in popular neighborhoods.

The condo market tells a different story. There were roughly 1,343 townhouse and condo units on the market in January 2026, up about 8% from the same period a year earlier. Buyers in the condo space still have leverage and can negotiate more aggressively on both price and terms.

What Should Buyers Know Right Now?

If you are a buyer in the Myrtle Beach market, the window of opportunity is still open, but it may be narrowing. Homes are currently selling for about 5% below list price on average, and the typical property sits on the market for roughly 88 to 111 days depending on the segment and location. That gives you time to make thoughtful decisions without feeling rushed.

That said, the dynamics are shifting. With rates below 6% and spring demand ramping up, the most attractive properties in neighborhoods like Carolina Forest, Market Common, and the oceanfront corridor are starting to draw more attention. I am already seeing multiple showings within the first week for well-priced, well-presented homes, which was not happening six months ago.

My advice for buyers right now is straightforward: get pre-approved, know your budget, and be ready to act when the right property comes along. The days of submitting lowball offers and expecting sellers to jump are fading. This market rewards prepared buyers.

What Should Sellers Know Right Now?

For sellers, the news is encouraging. The combination of lower rates, strong population growth, and rising buyer activity means your audience is growing. Homes that are priced correctly and show well are attracting serious interest more quickly than they were in the second half of 2025.

However, this is not 2021. Buyers are more informed, they have more inventory to compare your home against, and they are still paying attention to value. The sale-to-list price ratio in Myrtle Beach is currently around 97%, which means most homes are still selling slightly below asking. Overpricing your home by even 5% can result in it sitting on the market while properly priced competitors sell around you.

One thing I consistently see with sellers in the Myrtle Beach market is that preparation makes a measurable difference. Homes that are decluttered, staged, and professionally photographed sell faster and for more money. In a market where buyers have choices, first impressions carry even more weight than usual.

What Is the Forecast for the Rest of 2026?

Most market analysts are forecasting moderate, sustainable growth for the Myrtle Beach area through the remainder of 2026. Home prices are expected to appreciate in the range of 2% to 4%, and some coastal segments could see appreciation closer to 6% to 8% driven by continued migration and vacation rental demand.

Inventory is projected to increase another 5% to 10%, which is healthy. More listings mean more choices for buyers without flooding the market to the point where prices drop. Mortgage rates are expected to remain in a generally favorable range, and the consensus among economists is that there is no crash on the horizon for the Myrtle Beach metro area.

The long-term fundamentals here are solid. Myrtle Beach continues to attract visitors and new residents because of its beaches, its growing economy, and its affordability relative to other coastal markets along the East Coast. That combination of lifestyle and value is what keeps demand strong year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it a good time to buy a home in Myrtle Beach?

Yes, spring 2026 offers a favorable window for buyers. Mortgage rates have fallen below 6% for the first time in over three years, and inventory is up roughly 25% compared to last year. You have more selection and more negotiating room than buyers had in 2021 or 2022, but conditions are tightening as demand increases.

How long are homes staying on the market in Myrtle Beach?

The average days on market in the Myrtle Beach area ranges from about 88 to 111 days, depending on the property type and neighborhood. Well-priced homes in popular areas are moving faster, sometimes going under contract within 70 days. Overpriced listings, however, can sit for 120 days or more.

Are home prices going up or down in Myrtle Beach?

Home prices are trending modestly upward. Year-over-year, the median sale price has increased roughly 5% in early 2026. Analysts expect prices to continue rising at a rate of 2% to 4% through the rest of the year, with coastal properties potentially appreciating faster due to continued demand from retirees and remote workers.

What are the best neighborhoods to buy in Myrtle Beach right now?

Carolina Forest remains a top choice for families because of its highly rated schools and convenient access to Highway 31. Market Common appeals to buyers who want a walkable, urban-style neighborhood close to the beach. Grande Dunes is the go-to for luxury buyers looking for resort-level amenities. Each neighborhood has its own price range and lifestyle, so the best fit depends on your priorities and budget.

Should I sell my home in Myrtle Beach now or wait?

The spring 2026 market is shaping up to be stronger for sellers than the second half of 2025. Buyer demand is increasing thanks to lower mortgage rates and continued population growth. If your home is in a desirable location and you price it competitively, you are likely to see solid interest. Waiting could work in your favor if prices continue to rise, but there is also a risk that more inventory comes to market and dilutes your competitive advantage.

Ready to Make Your Move in Myrtle Beach?

Whether you are buying or selling along the Grand Strand, having the right local expertise on your side matters. The Myrtle Beach market is evolving quickly, and the decisions you make in the next few months could have a significant impact on your financial outcome. If you have questions about your specific situation or want to understand how current market conditions affect your property, I would love to help you think through your options.

Reach out to me directly and let's have a conversation about your real estate goals. No pressure, no obligation — just honest advice from someone who has been doing this in Myrtle Beach for over two decades.

About Greg Harrelson

Greg Harrelson has been one of the top-producing real estate agents in the Myrtle Beach area for over 20 years. With more than 15,000 homes and condos sold or partnered on throughout his career, Greg brings a level of local market expertise that few agents can match. His approach combines proven marketing strategies with exceptional follow-up and communication, ensuring that every client receives hands-on guidance from the first conversation through closing day.

Greg's track record speaks for itself: over 1,100 five-star reviews on Zillow and more than 500 reviews on Google — a reflection of the consistent results and client-first service his team delivers. Whether you are buying your first home, selling a longtime residence, or investing in a vacation rental anywhere along the Grand Strand, Greg and his team at Century 21 have the experience, the systems, and the reputation to help you get it done right.