MORNING HEADLINES | Housing prices in South Carolina may drop in the next 12 months, according to Zillow’s latest home value forecast. The forecast predicts U.S. home values to drop by 1.9% this year.
In South Carolina, the average home value is $298,029, a 1.5% increase from the previous year. But home values could fall over the next year in a dozen of the 15 South Carolina metropolitan areas that the company examined in its latest forecast.
“The combination of rising available listings and elevated mortgage rates is signaling potential price drops by year’s end,” Zillow said, according to The State newspaper. “With increased supply, buyers are gaining more options and time to decide, while sellers are cutting prices at record levels to attract bids.”
In the major metro areas, Charleston, where the average home is worth more than $572,000, may see a 0.3% drop in home values by next year, the study said.. Other projected drops are in Greenville (1.1%), Columbia (0.4%), Myrtle Beach (1%) and Florence (1.4%).
Cities like Hilton Head Island, Georgetown and Seneca are expected to see a small increase in home values, according to the Zillow data, while values in smaller areas like Bennettsville and Gaffney are expected to drop more than 5% in the next year.
In related news, new immigration policies from the White House could make the search for an affordable home even tougher as Charleston’s housing market continues to challenge buyers.
In other headlines:
Charleston nonprofit received more than $11K from bills donated off the walls of a pub. Every once in a while The Griffon will clean house and donate its wall-stapled dollars to a local cause, and this year it was Charleston nonprofit Ohm Radio 96.3 FM.
State judge reaffirms state’s authority over beaches in IOP case. A state administrative law judge on Monday reaffirmed the S.C. Department of Environmental Services’ authority over state beaches and denied a request for summary judgment in the Isle of Palms seawall case. A trial is expected next week.
Charleston police see an upward trend of violent crimes. After a series of violent crimes in Charleston over the weekend, Charleston police say there’s a concerning trend among recent violent crimes.
Lowcountry first responders report increase in mental health cases. A Lowcountry police department and hospital say they have seen an increase in the number of people seeking help for mental health issues.
Charleston school board approves first reading of 2026 budget. Under the budget draft, teacher salaries would increase up to $4,000, plus a step increase. There is also a 6% increase for principals, assistant principals, associate principals and assistant administrators. Non-teachers and classified employees would see a 3% increase, plus a step increase.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.