Hilton Head Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(Hilton Head, South Carolina - SC, USA)

Hilton Head is one of the few places where the American South lives on. This charming community is a popular place in which to buy or rent property, and residents enjoy easy access to the white-sand beaches of the Atlantic.

Hilton Head is known for being an expensive place to purchase property, and freestanding homes in Harbor Town (part of Sea Pines Resort), Long Cove Plantation and Windmill Harbor regularly go for high six-figure amounts. Many of the residents are wealthy retirees, and there are several golf courses with fine ocean views on this barrier island.


The housing market in Hilton Head has transformed itself in the past decade. A dramatic increase in real estate prices took hold in 2005, only to be softened in 2009 by the global recession. Prices have already begun a noticeable rebound and investors anticipate handsome near-term dividends on properties purchased now.

Renting Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments are a staple of the resort atmosphere in Hilton Head, and a range of condominiums, villas and estates can be rented fully furnished with the option of adding services and amenities. In general, serviced apartments are most popular with visiting business executives and retirees who spend most of their time at the harbor or on the golf course.

A serviced apartment is an attractive arrangement when compared to hotels in the same range. Serviced units typically have higher quality furnishings, more space and, in some cases, a more private location than hotel suites. They are, however, priced well above unfurnished apartments, which require a longer-term commitment.

Buying Apartments and Houses

Hilton Head is one of the top-ten resorts in the US, so properties are both expensive and likely to hold value. A strong buyer's market emerged in the wake of the recession, and buyers can secure premium properties at advantageous rates. The best investments are usually the premium properties, which can be quite expensive.

Buyers in South Carolina enjoy low closing costs. Typically, the fees associated with title transfer, home appraisals, loan origination and other miscellaneous inspections total between one and two percent of the sale price. This is an average that's liable to fluctuate. Expect higher closing costs for properties over a million dollars.

Real Estate Agents

The real estate market in Hilton Head is strong, so there are plenty of well-qualified real estate agents anxious to work with new buyers. Buyers can use this to their advantage, taking time to meet with several agencies in order to find the best fit. It is generally better to go with an independent agent rather than one who is associated with a particular housing development.

Check out the following Hilton Head realtors and real estate agents:

Foundation Realty
Address: 22 Folly Field Road, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina SC, 29928, USA
Tel: +1 800 717 9876
Email: jim@hiltonheadrealestate.com
Website: www.hiltonheadrealestates.com
Foundation realty has an extensive portfolio of holiday rentals, condominiums and private houses in Hilton Head.

Dunes Marketing Group
Address: 6 Queens Folly Road, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina SC, 29928, USA
Tel: +1 800 258 5202
Email: angela.althoff@dunesmarketing.com
Website: www.dunesmarketing.com
Dunes Marketing Group has been involved in the real estate business at Palmetto Dunes for more than three decades.

Atlantic Real Estate Inc.
Address: 3 Pensacola Place, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina SC, 29928, USA
Tel: +1 843 842 8550
Email: info@atlantichhi.com
Website: www.atlantichhi.com
Founded in 1997, this real estate agency sells and manages properties across the island.