December 20, 2024

Contact: Kim Walker, 704-940-3149

Residential Sales Trends in York, Lancaster, Chester and  Chesterfield Counties

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Canopy MLS reports on residential sales trends in the contiguous counties to Mecklenburg County, which includes York, Lancaster, Chester, and Chesterfield, South Carolina. Data included in this report is for single-family, condo, and townhome property types only, for the geographies mentioned above.

Inventory levels expanded significantly in November 2024, rising 24.7 percent year-over-year to 1,345 properties and providing 2.6 months of supply—a 23.8 percent increase from November 2023. However, both inventory and supply dipped slightly from the previous month, declining by 3.8 percent and 3.7 percent, respectively. New construction accounted for 26 percent of available properties, highlighting its continued role in meeting buyer demand. All four counties in the micro-market experienced increases in inventory this month.

New listings increased in November, with 561 homes brought to market, a 5.6 percent rise from 531 in the previous year. This steady growth reflects improved seller confidence. Despite expanding inventory, prices continued to climb. The median sales price rose 2.2 percent year-over-year to $396,375, a 3.1 percent increase over October 2024. The average sales price grew 8.0 percent annually to $457,820, up 1.3 percent from the prior month. Sellers maintained strong pricing strategies, with the percent of list price received improving slightly to 98.8 percent from 98.4 percent in November 2023. This underscores sellers’ ability to achieve near-list prices even as inventory grows.

"NAR’s recognition of the Charlotte region as one of the top housing hot spots for 2025 highlights the growing appeal of the surrounding South Carolina counties, including York, Lancaster, Chesterfield, and Chester," said Colleen Coesens, a Canopy MLS Board Director and a Realtor®/Broker with EXP Realty, Rock Hill. "With strong economic development, affordable inventory, and steady population growth, this area continues to be attractive for buyers seeking value and lifestyle benefits just outside the Charlotte metro. For sellers, the continued demand presents an opportunity to showcase well-prepared homes to motivated buyers looking to make a move in this thriving market."

The four counties collectively recorded a 3.3 percent year-over-year increase in closed sales, with 466 homes sold compared to 451 in November 2023. Month-over-month, sales activity experienced a seasonal decline of 11.1 percent. Three of the four counties saw year-over-year growth in closed sales, with York County being the exception.

Pending sales activity underscored pent up demand, surging 21.6 percent year-over-year, with 472 homes under contract compared to 388 in November 2023. Demand in the four-county micro-market is highest for 3 bedroom homes (50% of pending sales over the past 12 months). New construction contributed 109 properties which is 23 percent of pending sales.

Coesens added, "The market continues to evolve, offering a healthier balance for both buyers and sellers. With more choices for buyers and strong pricing for sellers, success in today’s market comes down to preparation and strategy. A knowledgeable Realtor® can guide buyers through negotiations and help sellers present their homes effectively to achieve the best outcomes."

Showings activity remained steady, with Fort Mill & Rock Hill averaging 4.4 showings per listing. York and Lancaster counties averaged 4.0 and 3.9 showings per listing, while Chester County recorded 1.9 and Chesterfield County followed at 1.2 showings.

Homes spent longer on the market, with average days on market increasing to 46 days, a 27.8 percent rise compared to 36 days in November 2023. This longer timeline offers buyers additional negotiating power as sellers adjust to extended marketing periods.

A closer look at the four South Carolina counties

York County's closed sales fell 4.5 percent year-over-year, with 296 homes sold compared to 310 in November 2023. Pending sales surged 26.1 percent to 314 contracts, reflecting strong buyer demand. New listings rose 9.4 percent, with 373 homes brought to market. Inventory increased by 34.2 percent to 875 homes, providing a 2.5-month supply. The median sales price climbed 2.7 percent to $398,500, while the average sales price rose 8.8 percent to $477,811. Homes spent longer on the market, with days on market rising 37.1 percent to 48 days.

Lancaster County saw a 7.6 percent increase in closed sales, with 127 homes sold compared to 118 in November 2023. Pending sales jumped 29.7 percent to 118 contracts, signaling strong buyer activity. New listings increased by 10.1 percent, with 131 homes listed. Inventory grew 6.0 percent to 317 homes, holding steady at a 2.3-month supply. The median sales price climbed 6.2 percent to $447,495, while the average sales price rose 9.8 percent to $459,513. Homes spent more time on the market, with days on market increasing 18.9 percent to 44 days.

Chesterfield County recorded a notable 166.7 percent year-over-year increase in closed sales, with 8 homes sold compared to 3 in November 2023. Pending sales dropped 35.7 percent to 9 homes under contract. New listings declined by 18.8 percent, with 13 homes listed. The median sales price rose sharply by 77.1 percent to $267,450, while the average sales price increased 36.8 percent to $257,225. Inventory grew 28.6 percent to 54 homes, with months of supply increasing slightly to 5.3 months.

Chester County closed sales climbed 46.3 percent, with 60 homes sold compared to 41 in November 2023. Pending sales grew 25.0 percent to 50 homes under contract. New listings decreased slightly by 4.8 percent, with 60 homes brought to market. The median sales price declined 8.0 percent to $344,950, while the average sales price rose 15.7 percent to $479,477. Inventory increased 23.0 percent to 171 homes, providing a 3.1-month supply (+3.3 percent). Homes spent longer on the market, with days on market increasing 9.3 percent to 59 days.

Canopy Realtor^® Association provides monthly reports on residential real estate market activity for the Charlotte region based on data from Canopy MLS. This report is based on the four South Carolina counties that are also included in the Charlotte region (Chester, Chesterfield, Lancaster, and York Counties).  For more details, visit the monthly report this release is based on, and search for “Piedmont Regional Association of Realtors®". 

See also Charlotte region reports and individual county reports for York, Lancaster, Chester and Chesterfield.  For more residential-housing market statistics, visit www.CarolinaHome.com and click on “Market Data.” For an interview with Canopy MLS South Carolina representative, Colleen Coesens, Realtor®/Broker-in-charge with EXP Realty, Fort Mill, please contact Kim Walker.

Canopy MLS is a wholly-owned subsidiary corporation of Canopy Realtor® Association and is the private broker cooperative used by Realtors® to bring buyers and sellers together with access to thousands of residential listings in a multicounty service area, including Charlotte, Asheville and Catawba Valley regions spanning across North Carolina, South Carolina and outside of the Carolinas. Canopy MLS, which has 21,000 subscribers, provides the most trustworthy, timely, accurate and complete property data along with proprietary tools for showings, market stats, predictive analytics, and more. Canopy MLS is used by its members to support consumers in their residential real estate transactions, whether selling, buying, investing or renting.

Original Publish Date: 12/20/2024