What happened in the Charleston real estate market during December 2025 & the year as a whole, and what does it mean for the year ahead?

Despite a year full of shifting expectations and market pressure, the Charleston real estate market closed out 2025 on stronger footing than many anticipated. Sales were up in key areas, prices remained solid, and strategic sellers found success—even as buyers became more selective and days on market stretched longer.

Charleston County: Higher Prices, Slower Pace

In Charleston County, the numbers told a compelling story:

• Closed sales for the year were up 3.8%, even though December closings dipped slightly (down 2.5%)—a typical seasonal trend.

• The average sales price in December soared 11.1% to nearly $985,000.

• Year-end average price? Just over $1 million, up 6.4% from 2024.

However, sellers didn’t always get what they asked for. On average, homes sold for 95.6% of their original list price in December, suggesting that pricing strategy made all the difference. Sellers were still overpricing in many cases, leading to negotiations and longer selling times.

Days on market increased to 54 days in December, up 25% year over year, and 43 days on average for the full year—a 30% jump from 2024.

Dorchester County: Solid Gains, Reasonable Pricing

Dorchester County showed encouraging growth:

• Average December sales price: $421,329, up 6.7% from the previous year.

• Year-to-date pricing landed at $429,000, nearly a 6% increase.

• Closed sales surged 18% in December, though annual totals were down 7.6%.

Here, sellers gave up around 4% from list price, and days on market matched Charleston County at 53 days in December and 43 days year to date. The data points to more realistic pricing and steady buyer demand, especially for well-positioned properties.

Berkeley County: Fastest-Selling Inventory, Balanced Market

Berkeley County offered an interesting contrast:

• December closed sales jumped 20%, while

• Average sales price dipped 5.6% to $497,284.

• Year-end prices held steady at $536,000, up just 1% year over year.

Despite modest pricing gains, sellers in Berkeley County performed well, achieving 97% of their list price—the best among the three counties. And homes moved quickly:

• Average days on market was just 49 for the year, 52 in December.

This shows that while prices didn’t climb significantly, well-priced homes in Berkeley County sold quickly and with minimal negotiation.

Key Takeaways for 2026 Sellers and Buyers

The 2025 market felt tougher—especially with buyers scrutinizing every detail and sellers needing to adjust expectations. Still, price growth, increased sales in key months, and resilient buyer activity point to a stronger-than-expected year.

Heading into 2026, there’s a shift in mindset. With interest rates nearly a full point lower than last year, affordability has improved. And the fear of a 2008 repeat seems to be fading. That renewed buyer confidence could make 2026 a better year for sellers—especially those who price strategically and present their homes well.

Watch Lauren's full market update here.

Want to stay ahead of the Charleston real estate market in 2026?
Follow Lauren Zurilla & Associates, REALTORS® on social media and YouTube for local updates, insights, and expert tips throughout the year.  @laurenzurillarealestate | @tina_hartford_charleston | @gigisellschs and on YouTube @livingincharlestoncountysc

Questions?  Reach out to us - we love to help people learn about the Charleston area housing market.

Warmly,

Lauren, Tina and Gigi | Lauren Zurilla & Associates