Charter One Realty Blog

Hilton Head, Bluffton & Beaufort Real Estate Market Update – February 2026

The February 2026 real estate market update shows a shifting housing landscape both nationally and across the Lowcountry real estate markets of Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Beaufort, South Carolina. While national home sales slowed slightly, home prices remain strong and inventory continues to improve in many markets.

Below is a breakdown of the latest housing market trends and statistics for the Hilton Head Association of REALTORS® service area and the Beaufort-Jasper County region.

Despite improving affordability conditions, U.S. existing-home sales declined 8.4% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.91 million homes, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). This represents a 4.4% decrease compared to February 2025.

The slowdown follows a 5.1% increase the previous month, suggesting the market is continuing to adjust after modest gains seen throughout the fall.

Key National Housing Market Highlights

• Existing-home sales declined month-over-month and year-over-year in all four U.S. regions.

• The median existing-home price rose 0.9% year-over-year to $396,800, setting a new record for the month.

• Total housing inventory reached 1.22 million homes, up 3.4% year-over-year.

• The market currently has a 3.7-month supply of homes, still below balanced market conditions.

Limited housing supply continues to support home prices across much of the country, even as buyer demand moderates.

Hilton Head & Bluffton Real Estate Market Update – February 2026

The Hilton Head Island and Bluffton real estate market continues to show resilience despite broader national shifts.

For the 12-month period from March 2025 through February 2026, pending home sales increased 7.6% overall across the Hilton Head Association of REALTORS® service area.

Key Hilton Head & Bluffton Market Trends

• Pending sales increased 7.6% year-over-year

• The $250,001 – $350,000 price range saw the largest gain, rising 28.2%

• Inventory increased 3.4% market-wide

• Single-family home inventory increased 5.7%

Current inventory levels indicate:

• 4.0 months of inventory for single-family homes

• 5.0 months of inventory for condos

While still slightly tight, the increase in inventory offers more options for buyers entering the Hilton Head and Bluffton housing markets.

Hilton Head Island Homes Market Report – February 2026

The Hilton Head Island single-family home market continues to see price growth despite slower sales activity.

Hilton Head Home Market Highlights

• New listings decreased 3.4% year-to-date

• Closed home sales declined 6.1% month-over-month

• Median home price increased 4.1%

• Days on market increased from 46 to 107 days (+133.5%)

• Inventory increased 3.1% to 233 homes for sale

Longer marketing times reflect a more balanced Hilton Head real estate market, where buyers have more time to evaluate properties.

Hilton Head Condos & Villas Market – February 2026

The Hilton Head condo and villa market experienced notable price adjustments alongside slower sales activity.

Hilton Head Condo Market Highlights

• New listings decreased 4.8% year-to-date

• Closed sales declined 5.1% month-over-month

• Median sales price declined 32.5%

• Days on market increased from 75 to 120 days (+59%)

• Inventory rose slightly to 379 condos for sale (+1.6%)

The increase in inventory and extended days on market may present opportunities for buyers seeking Hilton Head investment properties or vacation condos.

Bluffton Mainland Real Estate Market (ZIP Codes 29910 & 29909)

The Bluffton mainland housing market experienced softer activity early in 2026, with both sales and prices adjusting slightly.

Bluffton Mainland Market Highlights

• New listings declined 10.7% year-to-date

• Closed sales decreased 10.2%

• Median sales price decreased 11.1%

• Days on market increased from 68 to 137 days (+101.5%)

• Inventory decreased 3.2% to 725 homes

Even with slower activity, Bluffton remains one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in South Carolina, attracting buyers relocating to the Lowcountry for lifestyle and coastal living.

Beaufort Real Estate Market Update – February 2026

The Beaufort, South Carolina housing market continues to demonstrate strong growth and resilience compared to many national markets.

Beaufort Real Estate Market Highlights

• New listings increased 21.5% to 317

• Pending sales increased 35.5% to 275

• Inventory grew 42.8% to 1,217 homes

• Median sales price rose 2.2% to $440,107

• Days on market increased 24.1% to 144 days

• Months supply of inventory increased to 4.8 months

The growth in inventory and pending sales signals healthy demand for Beaufort real estate, especially among buyers relocating to the Lowcountry.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers in the Lowcountry

The Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Beaufort real estate markets are moving toward a more balanced environment compared to the ultra-competitive conditions of recent years.

For Buyers

• Increasing inventory provides more home choices

• Longer days on market create more negotiation opportunities

For Sellers

• Home values remain historically strong

• Strategic pricing and marketing are becoming increasingly important

As the market continues to evolve, working with an experienced Lowcountry real estate professional can help buyers and sellers make informed decisions.

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