If you’re thinking about selling your Isle of Palms home, you might be wondering whether it’s better to list it now in December or wait until spring, when the market traditionally picks up. The good news? You have more flexibility than you think — and December may actually offer meaningful advantages.
As local Isle of Palms residents and full-time real estate experts, we’re breaking down the real data we’re seeing across Charleston and the trends that matter in today’s market.
📈 Myth #1: “Homes don’t sell during the holidays.”
Not true — especially on Isle of Palms.
The people home shopping in December are serious, often out-of-state, and frequently motivated by:
-
Relocations
-
1031 exchanges
-
Preserving rate locks
-
Investment timing
-
“Vacation now, buy now” mindset
We consistently see high-intent buyers this time of year.
📉 Myth #2: “Spring is always better.”
Spring brings:
-
Higher inventory
-
More competition
-
More options for buyers
But here on IOP, December can mean:
-
Lower competition
-
More visibility
-
Better negotiation leverage
-
Motivated buyers with fewer choices
📊 The Data: What We Know About Today’s Market
-
Prices are up ~5% year over year
-
Days on market ~50, which is healthy
-
Inventory ~3.5 months — still a seller’s market but approaching balanced
-
Interest rates have improved, re-engaging buyers in a meaningful way
All of this creates a uniquely stable, strategic December for sellers.
🌴 Why December Works Especially Well on Isle of Palms
IOP is not a typical suburban market.
It’s:
-
Highly desirable year-round
-
Driven by out-of-state demand
-
Fueled by second-home buyers
-
Supported by strong rental and investment interest
Many of our clients plan holiday trips to IOP — and house hunt while they’re here.
⭐ A Seller Shared Recently:
“The whole team at McConnell did an outstanding job selling my home. They handled all the details expertly and made the entire process seamless.”
That’s the difference a local team makes during a time when homes require careful presentation and precise strategy.
Thinking About Selling? We’ll Break Down Your Optimal Timeline.
Whether it’s this month, January, or early spring, your timeline should be customized to your home and goals.
McConnell Real Estate Partners is here to give you a personalized strategy — on or off market.
