Housing Hot Spots in 2026: Why Buyers Are Eyeing Charleston and Charlotte

After several years of tight inventory, high mortgage rates, and stretched affordability, the U.S. housing market is entering a new phase in 2026. According to the latest insights from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), several metro areas are poised to offer renewed opportunities for buyers, and two Southeast cities are standing out: Charlotte and Charleston.

Mortgage rates are easing toward six percent, inventories are gradually aligning with local incomes, and a wave of pent-up demand, especially among millennials, is re-entering the market. For buyers, this means more options, and for sellers, it opens the door to renewed mobility.

Charleston continues to be one of the Southeast’s most dynamic housing markets. Population growth, driven by both millennial homebuyers and high-income relocators from the Northeast, is fueling demand. While affordability has been a challenge, the market is beginning to see more listings in the $200,000 to $350,000 range, which is especially appealing to first-time buyers. The drop in mortgage rates significantly expands the number of local households who can afford a median-priced home. Combined with solid employment growth, this sets the stage for stronger buyer activity in 2026. Home sales are expected to pick up as more move-up sellers list their properties and young families, along with remote workers, re-enter the market. Price stabilization is also helping make Charleston a more accessible market.

Charlotte continues to attract young professionals with its strong economy led by banking, fintech, and corporate headquarters. The city’s millennial population is a major driver of housing demand, and easing rates could qualify tens of thousands of additional households for a median-priced home. Inventory is gradually improving, particularly in suburban counties where new construction is focused on mid-income buyers. While Charlotte is no longer the low-cost market it once was, increasing affordability is creating fresh opportunities for first-time buyers and move-up families. The market is expected to benefit from steady inflows of early-career households, and listings are slowly shifting toward more attainable price points.

For buyers and sellers in these markets, 2026 promises to be a transitional year. Affordability is improving, sales are projected to rise at a double-digit pace, prices are growing more sustainably, and moderate job growth is supporting market stability without reigniting inflation. Buyers in Charleston and Charlotte now have real opportunities to find homes that meet their needs, and sellers can take advantage of increased confidence among homeowners to list and move.

At the Andy Bovender Team, we love helping clients navigate these shifts in the market. With local expertise and the backing of Compass, we provide insights on affordability, inventory, and the neighborhoods you love most, whether you are buying or selling in Charleston, Charlotte, or beyond.