Planning to sell your Myrtle Beach home in 2026? You’re not alone. With South Carolina’s housing market cooling slightly yet remaining steady, homeowners across the Grand Strand are trying to decode one big question: When is the best time to list? Timing a sale isn’t about guessing. It’s about understanding market signals, Myrtle Beach migration patterns, and what buyers will be looking for next year.
Based on the most recent statewide housing data sourced from Redfin’s South Carolina Market Report (Oct 2025), prices are still rising modestly, inventory is expanding, and buyer competition is slightly softer. This puts sellers in a unique position heading into 2026: the ability to prepare early, list strategically, and capitalize on a more balanced market. Let’s break down the data, the local trends, and the timing choices that could get you top dollar next year.
South Carolina’s Market Heading Into 2026: What Sellers Need to Know
Before timing your sale, you need a clear picture of what the market is doing. According to statewide Redfin data from October 2025:
Median sale price in South Carolina: $383,300, up 1.9% YoY
Number of homes for sale: 37,666, up 10.8% YoY
Homes sold above list price: 11.4%, down 1.5 pts YoY
These numbers show a market transitioning from the ultra-competitive pandemic era to a more normal, steady environment. Prices are rising, but slowly. Inventory is growing, giving buyers more choices. And bidding wars are fewer.
For Myrtle Beach specifically, demand remains elevated thanks to strong migration into the area. Myrtle Beach ranked #4 nationally for inbound migration in the most recent report, with approximately 4,200 net inflow between Aug–Oct 2025 . More people looking to move in means more potential buyers in 2026.
This combination sets the tone for next year: moderate seller leverage with strong local demand.
Why Early 2026 May Benefit Myrtle Beach Sellers
Historically, the Grand Strand sees its strongest buyer activity from spring through midsummer. But with inventory rising, the earlier your home enters the market in 2026, the better chance you have of beating the competition.
Here’s what early-year sellers may gain:
1. Less Competition
Inventory in South Carolina is rising at over 10% year-over-year. If that trend continues into 2026, the later you wait, the more homes you compete with on the market.
2. Snowbird Buyer Surge
January–April brings seasonal buyers touring communities like Market Common, Carolina Forest, and Murrells Inlet while scoping out retirement or second-home opportunities. These buyers tend to move quickly.
3. More Motivated Relocation Buyers
Myrtle Beach continues to attract movers from high-cost metros like Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, and San Francisco. Nationally, 29% of homebuyers searched outside their current metro area, and Myrtle Beach ranks high on their list . These buyers often have flexible timelines and healthy budgets.
If you're ready to prepare now, the window from February to May 2026 may position you ahead of the competition.
Should You Wait for Summer 2026? Pros and Cons
Summer is traditionally the hottest selling season in Myrtle Beach. Demand spikes, families relocate before the school year, and vacationers suddenly see themselves becoming homeowners.
But will summer 2026 be the same? Let’s break down the pros and cons.
Summer Pros
Highest foot traffic in Grand Strand neighborhoods
Strong interest in communities near amenity hubs like Barefoot Landing and Market Common
Long daylight hours ideal for showings and open houses
More out-of-state vacationers deciding to “buy while visiting”
Summer Cons
Rising inventory means stiffer competition
Buyers tend to be more price-sensitive during peak season
Late-summer listings risk sitting into hurricane season, which slows activity
If you have a highly upgraded home in a sought-after neighborhood, summer can still bring strong exposure. But for most sellers in 2026, earlier may be better.
How Current Migration Trends Shape 2026 Selling Opportunities
One of the biggest advantages for Myrtle Beach sellers moving into 2026 is migration. According to Redfin’s migration report:
Myrtle Beach ranked #4 inbound metro in the U.S.
Strong inflow from expensive coastal and tech-centered metros
Retirees, remote professionals, and lifestyle relocators make up much of the demand
So what does this mean for 2026 listings?
1. Buyers Expect Move-In Ready
Out-of-state movers pay attention to photography, staging, and recent updates. They’re shopping online long before they arrive.
2. Homes With Low-Maintenance Features Sell Faster
Think LVP flooring, smart thermostats, screened porches, and updated HVAC systems.
3. HOA Communities Are in High Demand
Communities like Carolina Forest, The Dunes, and Grande Dunes stand out because amenities simplify life for newcomers.
Migration will continue to fuel demand even as inventory grows, making Myrtle Beach more resilient than other South Carolina markets.
The Best Month to Sell in 2026 (Data-Backed Prediction)
Based on SC market patterns, the latest Redfin data, and Myrtle Beach’s annual demand cycle, here’s a projected breakdown:
Top Tier (Best Timing)
March–May 2026
Combines peak migration activity, early-season competition advantages, and strong buyer urgency.
Middle Tier (Good Timing)
January–February 2026
Great for snowbird traffic and relocation buyers, but pricing may be slightly softer.
Lower Tier (Still OK, but competitive)
June–August 2026
High exposure but significantly more competing listings.
Avoid If Possible
September–November 2026
Hurricane season, lower traffic, buyers distracted by fall schedules.
Timing alone won’t guarantee a higher sale price, but pairing the right month with strong preparation absolutely can.
How to Prepare Now to Maximize Your 2026 Sale
To position yourself for maximum value, here’s what you should be doing now:
Freshen Your Curb Appeal
The Myrtle Beach climate is tough on landscaping and exterior paint. Small repairs go a long way.
Order a Pre-Listing Inspection
Catch HVAC, crawl space, or roofing issues before buyers do.
Declutter and Stage Early
Buyers want open spaces, neutral colors, and easy beach-town living vibes.
Ask Your Agent for a 2026 Pricing Strategy
With prices rising only 1.9% year over year, you want your list price to be competitive yet firm.
Plan Repairs and Upgrades During Winter 2025–2026
Contractors are more available and often cheaper in off-season months.
Even as the market evens out, Myrtle Beach continues to attract serious buyers willing to pay for updated, well-presented homes.
If you’re thinking about selling in 2026, now is the time to start planning. A strategic approach based on real market data can help you list with confidence, attract stronger offers, and avoid unnecessary stress. Carolina Crafted Homes is here to help you prepare, price, and time your sale perfectly. Reach out today to schedule a no-pressure consultation and get personalized insights for your Myrtle Beach community.
FAQs
1. When is the best month to sell a home in Myrtle Beach?
The strongest months for sellers are typically March through May, when buyer demand surges across the Grand Strand. Early 2026 may be especially favorable due to increasing statewide inventory and continued buyer migration into Myrtle Beach. Listing before summer allows you to capture motivated relocators and snowbirds before competition ramps up.
2. Are Myrtle Beach home prices expected to rise in 2026?
Statewide data from late 2025 shows moderate price growth at 1.9% year over year, suggesting prices may continue rising slowly into 2026. Myrtle Beach tends to perform slightly better than the state average because of strong inbound migration and demand for coastal living. While rapid appreciation isn’t expected, sellers should still see stable values.
3. Is the Myrtle Beach market becoming more competitive?
Competition has eased slightly. Only 11.4% of South Carolina homes sold above list price in late 2025, signaling fewer bidding wars. However, Myrtle Beach remains more competitive than many markets due to high relocation activity. Well-priced, move-in-ready homes in areas like Carolina Forest and Market Common still attract strong interest.
4. Should I wait until summer to sell my Myrtle Beach home?
Summer offers high traffic but also higher competition due to increased inventory. If your goal is exposure, summer can work. If your goal is top-dollar with less competition, early spring 2026 is likely the better choice. Preparing now gives you more flexibility and a stronger position either way.
5. What prep work should I do before listing in 2026?
Focus on curb appeal, small repairs, and staging. Myrtle Beach buyers prefer move-in-ready homes with modern finishes and low-maintenance features. A pre-listing inspection can help you avoid surprises, and winter is an ideal time for upgrades since local contractors are more available before the spring rush.
