If 2025 taught Myrtle Beach homeowners anything, it’s that timing the market feels a lot like trying to guess the tide — you can check the charts, but the waves still surprise you. Prices stayed resilient through spring, cooled in midsummer, and then held steady when everyone expected a slump. Now, as the year closes, sellers want to know: did they miss the best window, or is 2026 shaping up to deliver another chance to cash in?

This guide breaks down what actually happened in 2025 across the Grand Strand, what months performed best for listings, and how sellers can use those lessons to plan smarter for 2026.

1. What 2025 Looked Like for Myrtle Beach Home Sellers

Myrtle Beach’s housing market didn’t crash, despite all the talk.
Median home prices along the Grand Strand hovered between $385,000–$405,000 for most of 2025 — about 3% higher than 2024, according to regional MLS data. The big shift wasn’t price; it was pace.

• Spring 2025 (March–May): Homes in Carolina Forest and Market Common sold fastest, with median days on market under 30 days.

• Summer 2025 (June–August): Buyer activity slowed as interest rates plateaued around 6.5%. Vacation traffic kept showings busy, but offers came slower.

• Fall 2025 (September–October): Inventory climbed, giving buyers more choices. Homes priced right still sold within 45 days, especially under $500K.

The takeaway: 2025 rewarded realistic pricing and early listing prep more than perfect timing.

2. The Surprising Months That Worked Best

Historically, Myrtle Beach’s prime selling months are late spring through early summer. But 2025 flipped the script a bit.

• April and May delivered the most multiple-offer situations.

• September quietly became a sleeper hit — fewer new listings, but serious out-of-state buyers scouting before winter.

• January and February were sluggish, though early-bird sellers who listed ahead of spring inventory often attracted relocating buyers escaping northern winters.

If you missed the spring wave this year, don’t panic. Data suggests Myrtle Beach’s market is less seasonal than it used to be, thanks to year-round migration and remote workers who move whenever their lease or laptop allows.

3. Why Timing Still Matters (Just Not the Way You Think)

Selling a home here is less about the calendar and more about context. The factors that actually shaped 2025 sales included:

• Interest rates: Every 0.5% change brought a wave of buyers or a sudden freeze.

• Insurance and flood zone changes: Policy adjustments in mid-2025 pushed some buyers inland toward Forestbrook and Socastee.

• Tourism cycles: Listings near the ocean saw more drive-by interest during peak vacation months — but fewer serious offers due to rental turnover traffic.

In short, the “perfect month” myth is fading. Strategic prep and pricing trump guesswork every time.

4. Preparing for 2026: What Sellers Should Expect

Forecasts show Myrtle Beach entering 2026 with steady demand and slightly rising inventory. The sweet spot for sellers next year may be late February through May, when snowbirds head home and new buyers flood the market.

Key prep steps before the next wave hits:

1. Get a pre-listing evaluation before January — price expectations are shifting.

2. Invest in small updates: paint, landscaping, lighting. Homes in The Dunes and Barefoot Resort fetched 5–7% more with light cosmetic upgrades in 2025.

3. Highlight flood resilience: mention elevation certificates and recent insurance savings in your listing copy.

Time your photography: late-winter sunsets over the Intracoastal Waterway look stunning for early-spring marketing.

5. How to Sell Smart in a “Flat but Fierce” Market

Even with steady demand, 2026 sellers will compete for buyer attention. A few local tactics help:

• Stage for lifestyle: beach-adjacent buyers love bright, airy layouts and coastal blues.

• Play the local angle: out-of-state buyers respond to community cues — name-drop Market Common trails or Murrells Inlet MarshWalk proximity.

Use early listing exposure: homes listed Thursday or Friday outperformed Monday listings by 12% in 2025, per MLS data.

Conclusion

Selling in Myrtle Beach has never been about guessing one lucky month — it’s about reading the rhythm of this coastal market. 2025 rewarded well-prepared sellers who priced right and stayed flexible. If you’re thinking about listing in 2026, now’s the time to prepare.

Schedule a pre-listing consultation with Carolina Crafted Homes to position your property ahead of the spring surge — and sell with confidence in the year ahead.

FAQs:

1. What month do homes sell fastest in Myrtle Beach?
Historically, homes move quickest in spring, especially April through June. In 2025, however, September showed unexpected strength as serious out-of-state buyers searched before year-end.

2. Is winter a bad time to sell a house in Myrtle Beach?
Winter tends to be slower, but not dead. Many northern buyers visit during winter breaks and prefer move-in-ready homes. Listing before spring gives sellers less competition.

3. How long do homes stay on the market in Myrtle Beach?
In 2025, the average was 40–45 days, slightly longer than 2024. Homes under $500,000 or located in Market Common and Carolina Forest sold much faster.

4. Should I wait until 2026 to sell my home?
If you’re ready, don’t wait purely for timing. Inventory is expected to rise in early 2026, which may add competition. Selling before that wave could lock in better leverage.

5. What helps homes sell faster in Myrtle Beach?
Clean presentation, fair pricing, and local staging cues — think coastal light colors and tidy landscaping — all help. Professional photos are essential in this visual-driven market.