May 2026 Grand Strand Real Estate Market Report
🌊 Grand Strand Market Update
May 2026 Grand Strand
May 2026 Grand Strand
Real Estate Market Report
Your complete guide to buying and selling across the Grand Strand this spring.
Spring is in full swing across the Grand Strand, and the May 2026 numbers are in. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just keeping tabs on your investment — this month’s data tells an interesting story across our seven key markets. Let’s dig in.
May 2026 Data
📊 Grand Strand Market Snapshot
Single Family + Condo/Townhouse/Apt. | Source: Realtors Property Resource®
Inventory continues to rise in most markets, but homes are moving faster in several areas. Conway and Pawleys Island are holding as seller’s markets, and Longs is right at the balanced market threshold. Here’s the full picture across all seven Grand Strand markets:
📌 Note: These stats include single-family homes, condos, and townhomes across each market. For a more specific snapshot — a particular neighborhood, property type, or price range — just reach out.
🏖 Myrtle Beach
Buyer's Market • May 2026
|
7.26
Months Inventory
▲ 22.22% MoM
|
96.8%
Sold/List Price
▲ 0.12% MoM
|
47
Median Days
▼ 12.96% MoM
|
$317.5K
Median Sold Price
▼ 1.4% MoM
|
🌊 North Myrtle Beach
Buyer's Market • May 2026
|
8.27
Months Inventory
▲ 18.48% MoM
|
96.6%
Sold/List Price
▲ 0.49% MoM
|
53
Median Days
▲ 12.77% MoM
|
$400K
Median Sold Price
▼ 5.88% MoM
|
⚓ Murrells Inlet
Buyer's Market • May 2026
|
8.06
Months Inventory
▲ 18.7% MoM
|
97%
Sold/List Price
▼ 0.59% MoM
|
22
Median Days
▲ 81.82% MoM
|
$567.5K
Median Sold Price
—
|
🌴 Pawleys Island
Seller's Market • May 2026
|
4.77
Months Inventory
▲ 13.84% MoM
|
96.7%
Sold/List Price
▼ 0.98% MoM
|
30
Median Days
▲ 62.07% MoM
|
$558.25K
Median Sold Price
▼ 2.23% MoM
|
🏛 Conway
Seller's Market • May 2026
|
4.99
Months Inventory
▲ 26.65% MoM
|
97.9%
Sold/List Price
▼ 0.6% MoM
|
44
Median Days
▼ 42.11% MoM
|
$309.97K
Median Sold Price
▲ 0.64% MoM
|
⛵ Little River
Buyer's Market • May 2026
|
6.95
Months Inventory
▲ 25.91% MoM
|
97.5%
Sold/List Price
▲ 1.1% MoM
|
51
Median Days
▼ 19.05% MoM
|
$315K
Median Sold Price
▲ 1.29% MoM
|
🌿 Longs
Balanced Market • May 2026
|
4.74
Months Inventory
▲ 33.52% MoM
|
98.7%
Sold/List Price
▼ 0.35% MoM
|
43
Median Days
▼ 21.82% MoM
|
$316.99K
Median Sold Price
▼ 2.46% MoM
|
📌 What This Means for You
Five of seven markets are now buyer’s markets — but don’t sleep on Conway, Pawleys Island, and Longs, which are holding as seller’s markets with tight inventory and homes selling at or near list price. Longs leads the Strand at 98.7% sold-to-list. Median days are dropping sharply in Conway (44 days, down 42%) — well-priced homes there are moving fast.
For Buyers
🏠 5 Tips for Buying in Today’s Market
Inventory is up and the market has shifted in your favor in most Grand Strand communities. Here’s how to make the most of it:
1. 🔍 Shop With More Leverage Than Last Year
With 7–8 months of inventory in most beach markets, you have real negotiating power. Don’t be afraid to make offers below list price, ask for closing cost concessions, or request repairs — especially on homes that have been sitting for 60+ days.
2. 💰 Get Pre-Approved Before You Look
The best homes — especially in Murrells Inlet (22 median days) and Pawleys Island — still move fast. A pre-approval letter puts you in position to act immediately. We have trusted local lenders who can often get this done within 24 hours.
3. 📋 Don’t Skip the Home Inspection
In today’s market, you have the time to be thorough. Always get a full home inspection — and consider a separate HVAC, pool, or wind mitigation inspection for coastal properties. These can save you thousands down the road and give you additional negotiating leverage.
4. 🌀 Factor in Insurance from Day One
Coastal South Carolina insurance costs have shifted. Before falling in love with a home, get a ballpark insurance quote — especially for flood zones and older roofs. What looks affordable at first glance can look very different once you add in full coverage.
5. 🏘 Look at Conway & Longs for Hidden Value
Conway’s median sold price of $309,970 and Longs at $316,990 represent some of the best value on the Strand — and both markets are seeing homes move quickly. If you want to build equity and keep your payment manageable, these communities deserve a serious look.
For Sellers
🏷 5 Tips for Selling in Today’s Market
With more inventory competing for buyers’ attention, presentation and pricing matter more than ever. Here’s how to stand out:
1. 💵 Price It Right the First Time
Homes that are priced correctly from the start sell faster and closer to list price. With sold-to-list ratios ranging from 96.6%–98.7% across our markets, overpricing leads to price cuts and longer days on market — which buyers notice. Let’s run a real comparative market analysis before you list.
2. 📸 Professional Photos Are Non-Negotiable
Over 95% of buyers search online first. In a market with more choices, your photos are doing a lot of heavy lifting. Professional photography — including aerial drone shots for properties where it adds value — is an essential part of any listing.
3. 🎨 Declutter, Depersonalize, Deep Clean
Buyers need to envision themselves living there. Remove personal photos, excess furniture, and clutter. A professional cleaning before photos and showings makes an enormous difference. This step costs very little and can add thousands to your final price.
4. 🌅 Use the Spring Season to Your Advantage
Spring brings more buyers to the Grand Strand — both local move-up buyers and out-of-state relocators drawn by our lifestyle and weather. Listing now, while the season is peak, maximizes your exposure to motivated buyers actively shopping before summer.
5. 🤝 Be Willing to Negotiate on Terms
Today’s buyers have more options, but they also have real motivation. Being flexible on closing dates, offering a home warranty, or covering a portion of closing costs can close the deal when price negotiations stall. Small concessions often unlock big wins.
Questions About the Market?
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on your investment, we’re here to help. These numbers tell the big picture story — but your specific neighborhood, price range, and property type may look different. Reach out anytime for a personalized market analysis at no cost or obligation.
Coastal Carolina Group • Myrtle Beach, SC
Data: Realtors Property Resource® · May 2026. For informational purposes only. Not financial or real estate advice.
Data: Realtors Property Resource® · May 2026. For informational purposes only. Not financial or real estate advice.
Categories
Recent Posts
Own a Piece of the Grand Strand: Why Myrtle Beach Investors Keep Coming Back
Thinking About Relocating to Myrtle Beach? Here's Why Carolina Forest Should Be Your First Stop
What Grand Strand Sellers Are Willing to Negotiate Right Now
April 2026 Grand Strand Real Estate Market Report
Is Spring 2026 a Good Time to Buy in Myrtle Beach?
Your Roadmap to Homeownership
How Buying or Selling a Home Helps Your Local Economy
What You Need To Know About Homeowner’s Insurance
Is It Time To Put Your House Back on the Market?