The end of the year is always a pivotal moment for the real estate market on Isle of Palms — and 2025 was no exception. With only a few weeks left, we now have clear visibility into how the market will close out the year, and what early 2026 is shaping up to look like. As local residents and full-time real estate professionals, McConnell Real Estate Partners is here to break it all down in a way that’s simple, actionable, and rooted in experience.
📈 Prices Continue to Appreciate — Up About 5% for 2025
Isle of Palms will end the year with approximately 5% year-over-year price appreciation, driven by steady demand for coastal homes, new construction growth, and the ongoing appeal of second-home and investment opportunities.
While appreciation has cooled from the rapid pace of 2021–2022, the growth is still strong — and more importantly, sustainable.
📉 Days on Market Up to ~50 Days — But Don’t Be Fooled
Homes on IOP are taking longer to sell, averaging roughly 50 days on market, which is a normalizing trend seen across Charleston.
This is not a sign of weakening demand. It’s the result of buyers being more thoughtful and having slightly more inventory to consider.
Properties that are priced correctly, well prepared, and well marketed still move quickly — a trend our team continues to see firsthand.
🏡 Inventory at ~3.5 Months — A Seller’s Market with Balanced Pockets
With approximately 3.5 months of inventory, IOP remains technically a seller’s market, although some neighborhoods and price points are trending closer to balanced.
For sellers, this means:
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Proper pricing matters
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Preparation and presentation matter
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Local expertise matters more than ever
For buyers, this means:
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More breathing room
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Improved interest rates
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More opportunities on and off market
🔥 Buyer Activity Surging with Improved Rates
Recent rate relief has brought buyers off the sidelines, creating a wave of renewed activity that’s expected to continue into Q1 2026.
This is especially true for out-of-state buyers, vacation-home shoppers, and investors seeking long-term value.
👨👩👧 Why Work With Local Experts?
One of our recent clients shared:
“The whole team at McConnell did an outstanding job selling my home. They handled all the details expertly and made the entire process seamless.”
Another said:
“So grateful we found McConnell Real Estate! We worked with Josh to buy our home and we are so appreciative of his honesty, clear and consistent communication, and professionalism.”
These testimonials highlight exactly what matters in a shifting market: guidance you can trust from agents who live, work, and raise their family on the island.
📞 If you're thinking about buying or selling on IOP — let’s talk.
Your strategy depends on your home, your goals, and your timing.
Reach out anytime for a personalized breakdown.
