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How much does it cost to buy a home in SC?
- Sticker Price
- Realtor Fees
- Closing Costs
- HOA Fees
- Property Taxes
- Homeowner's Insurance
- Routine Home Maintenance
What kinds of loans are available for first-time home buyers?
How can I find information about homes for sale near me?
How can I get a mortgage with Spero?
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There's a lot that goes into buying a home. At first, you'll think about things like the neighborhood, the style, and the square footage. While all those factors are important, you’ll also need to figure out what you can actually afford.
If you're thinking about buying a home in South Carolina in 2026, here's a quick breakdown of what to expect.
How much does it cost to buy a home in SC?
Every home buyer’s situation is unique, so there's no single answer. That said, a handful of costs show up in almost every home purchase.
Sticker Price
This is the price you'll see on real estate websites like Zillow or realtor.com. It can vary widely depending on factors like the neighborhood or the size of the home.
According to Zillow, the current average home value in South Carolina is around $300,000 (as of February 2026).
Most people don't pay for a home in cash. Buyers usually make a down payment and cover the rest with a mortgage, then pay off that balance in monthly installments over 15 to 30 years.
To get a sense of what you can afford, take a look at our affordability guide.
Realtor Fees
If you’re working with a realtor, you may owe them between 2.50% and 4.00% of your home’s price if the seller doesn’t agree to cover that fee. Ask about commissions upfront so nothing catches you off guard later.
Closing Costs
When you finalize the purchase, you'll be responsible for closing costs. These cover appraisals, attorneys, paperwork processing, and a few other line items, and they typically come out to a small percentage of your home's value. Exact figures vary.
Worth Knowing: Closing costs are separate from your down payment. This is additional money you will need to pay upfront.
Even after closing, the costs of owning a home keep going. Here are a few of the bigger ones to plan for.
HOA Fees
Some neighborhoods have HOAs, or Homeowners' Associations. These are groups of homeowners who set rules for the neighborhood, like what kinds of lawn decorations are allowed or how trash pickup is handled. Most HOAs charge a monthly or annual fee.
Property Taxes
In South Carolina, you'll also pay property taxes on your home. The exact amount varies based on your home's value and your county's rules.
Homeowner's Insurance
If you have a mortgage, you’re required to hold a homeowner’s insurance policy.
Premiums vary just like property taxes do. The size of your home, where you live in the state, and the likelihood of natural disasters all factor in. Homeowners in Charleston or Myrtle Beach often pay differently than those in Greenville or Anderson, given the added risk closer to the coast.
To find a competitive rate, take a look at Spero Insurance Services. We'll shop more than 40 nationwide carriers on your behalf.
Worth Knowing: If your home is in a FEMA-designated flood zone and you have a mortgage, you may also need separate flood insurance.
Routine Home Maintenance
Repairs are part of being a homeowner. Setting aside a little money each month for unexpected fixes or appliance replacements goes a long way.
A Home Services plan can also help cover these costs. Spero Insurance Services offers this type of coverage too.
What kinds of loans are available for first-time home buyers?
First-time home buyers have several loan options worth exploring.
Click here to read our guide to first-time home buyer loans.
How can I find information about homes for sale near me?
Real estate websites like Zillow and realtor.com let you see how much homes are going for in your area.
How can I get a mortgage with Spero?
Fill out our mortgage inquiry form, and a member of Team Spero will follow up with you quickly.
This material is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
