August 2026 Greenville County SC Real Estate Market Report

Greenville County's August 2026 housing market delivered a mixed picture. Single-family prices increased even as sales slowed, while the townhome market moved toward a stronger buyer's market. At the same time, mortgage rates climbed above 7%, creating an important new consideration for buyers and sellers.

Single-Family Homes

  • Active homes: 2,553
  • New listings in August: 850
  • Homes sold: 553
  • Median list price: $409,000
  • Median sold price: $407,500
  • Average days on market: 58–82 days
  • Sale-to-list price ratio: 97.81%
  • Approximate absorption rate: 4.6 months

Townhomes

  • Active townhomes: 527
  • New listings in August: 179
  • Townhomes sold: 86
  • Median list price: $257,995
  • Median sold price: $262,990
  • Average days on market: 63–91 days
  • Sale-to-list price ratio: 97.36%
  • Approximate absorption rate: 6.1 months

July vs. August: What's Changed?

Single-Family Homes

Active inventory decreased slightly from 2,606 to 2,553, while sales declined from 597 to 553. The median sold price increased from $395,000 to $407,500, an increase of about 3.2%. Days on market also increased slightly, from 56–81 days to 58–82 days.

The absorption rate moved from approximately 4.4 months to 4.6 months, so single-family homes continue to show a relatively balanced environment. Conditions still vary significantly by location, price and property condition.

Townhomes

Townhomes showed a more significant slowdown. Active inventory decreased from 556 to 527, but sales fell from 113 to just 86—approximately a 24% month-over-month decline.

The absorption rate increased from approximately 4.9 months to 6.1 months, while days on market increased to 63–91 days. That suggests buyers may have considerably more leverage in the townhome segment than they do with single-family homes.

Interest Rates: This Is the Big Story

Interest rates have moved sharply higher. Locally, I am currently seeing mortgage rates around 7.15% to 7.25%, depending on the loan program and borrower qualifications.

Earlier this year, some buyers were waiting and hoping rates would fall below 5.5%. Instead, rates moved in the opposite direction. National data confirms the broader increase: Freddie Mac's weekly 30-year average moved from 6.66% in late August to 7.03% by September 24, while the MBA reported 7.12%. Mortgage News Daily reported its daily measure at 7.50% on September 28.

Could Rates Go Even Higher?

They could, but nobody knows for certain.

The 10-year Treasury—an important benchmark for mortgage pricing—climbed to around 5.2%–5.25%, near levels not seen in roughly two decades. Bond markets have been under pressure from inflation concerns, strong economic data and expectations that interest rates could remain higher for longer, according to Reuters.

An 8% mortgage environment is possible, but it should not be presented as a prediction.

What Does This Mean for Buyers?

Perspective matters. Earlier this year, some buyers kept waiting for rates to fall further. Instead, borrowing costs have risen substantially.

That does not mean everyone should rush out and buy a house. But if you are financially ready, can comfortably afford the payment and plan to own the home long enough for the purchase to make sense, waiting solely for a particular interest rate can be risky.

At the same time, August's numbers show that buyers have negotiating leverage in portions of the Greenville County market—particularly townhomes.

You cannot control tomorrow's interest rate. You can determine whether today's home, price, payment and terms make sense for you.

Ready to Make Your Move?

If you are thinking about buying or selling in Greenville County, contact me directly at 864-430-2451.

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