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
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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.
1
Check Your Credit Score & Finances
2
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
3
Find a Real Estate Agent
4
Search for Homes & Make an Offer
5
Get a Home Inspection
6
Secure Your Financing
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First-Time Buyer Programs in South Carolina
SC Housing Palmetto Heroes
Special rates for community workers
Below-market rates + up to $8,000 DPAIncome: Varies by occupation
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 |
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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. |
