South Carolina Counties Report December 2024

February 4, 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 rose substantially in December 2024, with a 27.5 percent year-over-year increase to 1,266 properties, representing 2.4 months of supply, up 26.3 percent from December 2023. While inventory levels experienced significant annual growth, they declined by 7.3 percent compared to the prior month of November. New construction continues to be a critical driver of inventory, contributing a 28 percent to the December market. All four counties in the micro-market experienced increases in inventory this month.

New listings surged by 24.3 percent in December to 450 homes, marking an improvement in seller confidence. Year-to-date, new listings reached 8,167, reflecting a 12.5 percent increase. This upward trend suggests that sellers are optimistic about buyer activity heading into 2025. All four counties saw growth in new listings during 2024. Chester County recorded a 9.1 percent increase, Chesterfield County rose by 26.1 percent, Lancaster County grew by 10 percent, and York County experienced a 13.5 percent rise compared to 2023.

The median sales price rose 5.3 percent year-over-year to $365,000, while the average sales price climbed 6.8 percent to $425,456. Year-to-date, the median price increased 2.4 percent to $384,000, and the average price rose 5.7 percent to $445,208. Sellers continued to receive nearly all of their asking price in 2024 with 98.7 percent which is nearly flat with 2023’s 98.9 percent.

“As we close out 2024, it's clear that our local market remains resilient and vibrant. The steady increase in inventory and new listings has provided more opportunities for buyers, while sellers continue to benefit from strong price stability.” said Colleen Coesens, a Canopy MLS Board Director and a Realtor®/Broker with EXP Realty, Rock Hill.

The micro-region recorded 469 closed sales, a 15.5 percent increase year-over-year. However, sales for the year dipped slightly by 0.7 percent, with 6,167 properties sold year-to-date. December's strong performance highlights seasonal demand and the ability of sellers to capitalize on motivated buyers.

Pending sales increased 13.3 percent year-over-year to 376 in December and reached 6,281 year-to-date, a modest 2.3 percent annual improvement. December was the 5th consecutive month of year-over-year increases in demand. New construction contributed 95 pending properties in December which is 25% of contract activity. Showings remained steady, with Fort Mill averaging 4.5 showings per listing & Rock Hill averaging 3.4 showings. York and Lancaster counties averaged 3.6 and 3.4 showings per listing, while Chester County recorded 1.5 and Chesterfield County followed at 1.2 showings.

Coesens added, “With inventory levels improving and new construction contributing to nearly a third of available properties, the market is gradually moving toward balance. Buyers are seeing more options, and sellers are leveraging the equity they've built over the years to make their next move. It’s an exciting time to help clients navigate a market filled with potential.”

Homes spent an average of 49 days on the market in December, reflecting a 32.4 percent year-over-year increase. Year-to-date, homes averaged 40 days on the market, up 14.3 percent compared to 2023. This extended timeline offers buyers additional negotiation opportunities as the market adjusts toward a more balanced dynamic.

A closer look at the four South Carolina counties

York County's closed sales rose 11.9 percent year-over-year, with 300 homes sold compared to 268 in December 2023. Pending sales increased 15.2 percent to 258 contracts, showcasing consistent buyer activity. New listings grew 22.6 percent to 266 homes. Inventory saw a significant 36.0 percent jump to 794 homes, equating to a 2.3-month supply. The median sales price edged up 3.1 percent to $371,000, while the average sales price climbed 6.9 percent to $442,808. Homes took longer to sell, with days on market rising 25.0 percent to 45 days. Year-to-date, closed sales fell slightly by 1.2 percent, while the median sales price grew 3.9 percent to $394,900.

Lancaster County experienced a 31.2 percent increase in closed sales, with 122 homes sold versus 93 in December 2023. Pending sales rose 8.1 percent to 93, indicating continued demand. New listings expanded by 26.0 percent to 126. Inventory climbed 11.8 percent to 312 homes, providing a 2.3-month supply. The median sales price held steady at $385,000, while the average sales price rose 7.3 percent to $444,905. Homes spent more time on the market, with days on market increasing 16.7 percent to 49 days. Year-to-date, closed sales remained nearly flat, while the median sales price grew 1.4 percent to $421,000.

Chesterfield County recorded a 7.7 percent decline in closed sales, with 12 homes sold compared to 13 in December 2023. Pending sales fell 66.7 percent to 3 homes, and new listings rose 57.1 percent to 11 homes. Inventory increased 40.0 percent to 56 homes, with months of supply up 21.3 percent to 5.7 months. The median sales price rose 8.9 percent to $277,500, while the average sales price was nearly unchanged at $266,646. Days on market jumped 115.2 percent to 99 days. Year-to-date, closed sales grew 19.0 percent, with the median sales price increasing 2.1 percent to $250,000.

Chester County closed sales fell 25.0 percent, with 24 homes sold compared to 32 in December 2023. Pending sales rose 84.6 percent to 24 contracts. New listings increased 24.3 percent to 46 homes, while inventory edged up 1.1 percent to 94 homes, providing a 3.0-month supply. The median sales price declined 6.8 percent to $223,500, and the average sales price dropped 17.3 percent to $226,646. Days on market increased 115.6 percent to 69 days. Year-to-date, closed sales dipped 1.6 percent, while the median sales price rose 12.6 percent to $283,999.

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: 2/4/2024