Planning a new construction home along the Grand Strand in 2026? You’re not alone—buyers from across the Southeast are eyeing Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, and the wider Horry County region as demand continues to surge. But one question keeps coming up as the year wraps: Is December the smartest month to lock in construction financing, secure land, and submit permits?
You might be surprised—because December behaves differently in the real estate and lending world. Between seasonal rate adjustments, slower buyer competition, and end-of-year processing cycles, this quiet winter month often becomes a strategic window for future homeowners and investors.

Below, we’ll break down why December 2025 may be your best launchpad for a 2026 build—and how Myrtle Beach–area buyers can use timing to their advantage.

December Historically Brings Softer Mortgage Rate Movements (and Renewed Stability for 2026 Builds)

Construction-to-permanent loans track closely with national averages, including those published weekly by Freddie Mac’s PMMS® (Primary Mortgage Market Survey). While rates fluctuated throughout 2024 and 2025, late-year data often shows cooling inflation + reduced buyer activity = gentler rate behavior.

Why this matters for builders and future homeowners heading into 2026:

• December is traditionally slower, giving lenders room to offer more competitive terms.

• Buyers who lock now avoid the typical Q1 and Q2 upticks, when demand rebounds.

• If the Federal Reserve signals cuts heading into 2026, December may capture early benefits before the spring rush.

While past performance doesn't guarantee future changes, monitoring Freddie Mac’s PMMS® weekly snapshots helps confirm whether December is trending lower than fall peaks. Even a 0.25% difference in rate locks can lead to thousands saved over the life of a construction loan.

Land Prices in Myrtle Beach Flatten in Winter—Making December Prime Time for Offers

The Grand Strand real estate market follows a predictable seasonal rhythm. Spring and early summer tend to bring:

• Out-of-state relocators

• Snowbird investors

• Busy tourism-driven foot traffic

• Higher competition for land and lots

But December? It’s quiet—very quiet.

This slowdown creates leverage for buyers looking in key areas such as:

• Carolina Forest (master-planned communities + highly rated schools)

• The Market Common (walkability + modern mixed-use living)

• North Myrtle Beach (premium coastal lots)

• Conway / Hwy 90 corridor (fast-growing new home sector)

Less buyer activity =

• More negotiable pricing

• Longer days-on-market for lots

• Sellers more willing to consider incentives before year-end

For anyone planning a 2026 ground-up build, securing dirt in December sets the stage for architectural planning, permitting, and construction sequencing when the new year begins.

Permit Offices Slow Down—But That’s a Good Thing for Early Filers

While you might expect government offices to be more hectic around the holidays, Horry County and SCDOT-related workflows actually experience:

• Fewer submissions

• Shorter queues

• Faster initial approvals

• More predictable communication

Referencing the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) for encroachment permits, driveway approvals, and easement reviews becomes far more efficient when the rest of the state isn’t flooding the system.

If your new build requires:

• Road access approvals

• Right-of-way considerations

• Stormwater, drainage, or utility assessments

…December filing allows your paperwork to enter the 2026 cycle near the top of the pile, not buried under spring’s surge.

Builders’ Schedules Open Up Before the January Rush

Most Myrtle Beach–area builders—especially custom-focused teams like Carolina Crafted Homes—see January through June fill rapidly. But in December:

• Builders finalize year-end punch lists

• Crews wrap current projects

• Timelines open for new Q1 starts

• Material pricing tends to stabilize heading into new supplier contracts

This creates an ideal environment to:

• Finalize floor plans

• Review lot-specific building requirements

• Schedule site evaluations

• Confirm allowances and build scopes

• Lock in your position for a March or April groundbreaking

If you want your home finished before the 2026 holiday season, December 2025 is a critical month to claim your slot.

December Pricing Incentives: The Quiet Benefit Nobody Talks About

Lenders, land sellers, and builders all face end-of-year accounting realities. This often leads to opportunities such as:

• Lender rate-lock credits

• Land sellers eager to record transactions before January

• Builder design-studio incentives

• Reduced deposits on pre-construction agreements

• Flexibility in timeline structuring

For buyers, December becomes a month where “no” turns into “let’s see what we can do.”

Whether you’re building in gated communities like Waterbridge or exploring emerging corridors like International Drive, incentives are typically richer before year-end—not after.

Planning Now Means Breaking Ground Earlier—Reducing Total Cost of Build

Construction costs increase not only due to inflation but also from seasonal demand for:

• Labor

• Concrete

• Lumber and framing materials

• HVAC and electrical components

Starting your 2026 project in December allows:

• Early bids before suppliers update pricing

• Efficient scheduling while trades are more available

• Faster pre-construction approvals

• A smoother runway from land purchase → permits → site prep

By the time spring buyers start shopping, your project is already underway—saving time and money.

So Is December the Best Month to Lock in Rates, Land & Permits for 2026?

For most Myrtle Beach–area buyers, yes—December offers a strategic advantage.
Between potentially softer financing conditions, quieter land competition, quicker permitting, and builders preparing for a new production calendar, December acts as the perfect launchpad for any 2026 build.

If you’re aiming to build along the Grand Strand next year, locking in your plan this December sets you up for a smoother process—and gives you access to opportunities the busy season doesn’t offer.

Ready to secure land, understand today’s construction financing, or begin your custom home plan for 2026? Carolina Crafted Homes is here to guide you through every step—from rate locks to permits to groundbreaking.
Schedule your consultation today and get ahead of the new-year rush.

FAQS

Are construction loan rates typically lower in December?

Construction loan rates follow national mortgage trends, which often soften in December due to slower market activity. Lenders sometimes offer competitive programs to meet year-end targets, and buyers who lock during this period often avoid the early-year rate bumps that appear once the spring market arrives. Monitoring weekly Freddie Mac PMMS® reports helps confirm when conditions are shifting in your favor.

Is December a good month to buy land in Myrtle Beach?

Yes—December tends to be one of the least competitive months for land purchases in the Grand Strand. Many buyers pause their searches during the holidays, leading to longer days on market and more negotiable pricing. Whether you're targeting Carolina Forest, Conway, or coastal areas, December often provides better leverage for offers and contract terms heading into 2026.

Do permits get approved faster in winter?

Permitting offices in Horry County and SCDOT workflows typically see fewer submissions in December, which can shorten initial response times. While holiday schedules may create slight pauses, overall demand is much lower. Filing now positions you ahead of the heavy spring surge, reducing waiting times and accelerating your construction start date.

Can locking a rate in December help my 2026 construction budget?

Absolutely. Even a small improvement in your rate—such as 0.25%—can translate into thousands in long-term savings. Locking in December also helps stabilize your financial planning before new-year inflation adjustments for building materials and labor take effect. Early preparation improves both predictability and total cost control.

Do builders offer end-of-year incentives?

Many do. December is when builders assess their upcoming schedules and close out the year’s accounting. This environment can open opportunities such as design incentives, reduced deposits, upgraded finishes, or improved build timelines. These offers are far less available once January demand accelerates.