How to Buy a House in South Carolina
Updated 2026-03-02 | Data from Zillow, HUD, Tax Foundation
Avg Home Price
$306,512
Closing Costs
$13,479
4.4% of price
Property Tax Rate
0.47%
$1,024/yr median
Days on Market
42
Median
FHA Loan Limit
$472,030
Attorney Required
Yes
Foreclosure Type
Judicial
Transfer Tax
0.37%
$1.85 per $500
South Carolina has become one of the Southeast's most popular destinations for relocators, drawn by mild winters, beautiful coastline, low taxes, and an increasingly diversified economy. The state's housing market is anchored by Charleston, Greenville, and the Myrtle Beach corridor, each with distinct appeal — Charleston offers historic charm and a booming tech and tourism economy, Greenville has reinvented itself as a livable mid-size city with a thriving downtown, and Myrtle Beach serves both vacation-home buyers and permanent residents seeking affordable coastal living. South Carolina is particularly tax-friendly for homeowners, with an owner-occupied property assessment ratio of just 4% (compared to 6% for non-owner-occupied), effectively cutting property taxes for primary residences.
By BuyAHomeIn Editorial | Updated 2026-03-02 | Sources: Zillow, HUD, Tax Foundation
Key Facts About Buying in South Carolina
- ✓Attorney required at closing
- ✓Low property tax rate at 0.57%
- ✓Charleston and Myrtle Beach markets growing fast
- ✓Judicial foreclosure state
The Home Buying Process in South Carolina
Buying a home in South Carolina follows a 10-step process. As an attorney state, you'll need legal representation at closing.
Check Your Credit Score & Finances
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Find a Real Estate Agent
Search for Homes & Make an Offer
Get a Home Inspection
Secure Your Financing
First-Time Buyer Programs in South Carolina
SC Housing Palmetto Heroes
Special rates for community workers
Cost of Buying a Home in South Carolina
| Down Payment (3.5% FHA) | $10,728 |
| Down Payment (20% Conventional) | $61,302 |
| Average Closing Costs | $13,479 |
| Transfer Tax | $1,134 |
| Annual Property Tax (est.) | $1,441/yr |
Legal & Regulatory Details in South Carolina
Homestead Exemption
Available
Up to $62,400 (property tax exemption)
Licensing Authority
South Carolina Real Estate Commission
South Carolina Real Estate Law Overview
| Conveyance Document | General-warranty deed |
| Security Instrument | Mortgage |
| Foreclosure Process | Judicial |
| Attorney Required at Closing | Yes |
| Deficiency Judgment | Yes |
| Redemption After Sale | Conditional |
| Reinstatement Available | No |
| Seller Disclosures | Unless waived, sellers must provide a disclosure statement covering known defects, structural problems, malfunctioning systems, environmental hazards, construction liens and land-use restrictions. They must also disclose homeowners'-association rules and update the statement if new issues arise. |
