Columbia, SC Housing Market Report

The Columbia, SC housing market as of December 2025 is characterized by steady, incremental growth and a gradual shift toward a more balanced environment. With a median home value of $222,940, the market has seen a modest 1.3% year-over-year increase. While the sale-to-list ratio remains strong at 0.99, indicating that sellers are still receiving nearly their full asking price, the rise in active inventory to 2,848 units—an 8.54% increase from last year—suggests that buyers are gaining more options and leverage than they had in previous cycles.

Price trends over the last six months show a consistent upward trajectory, recovering from a slight dip in August to reach a year-end high. This steady climb is supported by a robust rental market, where median rents have surged by 4.19% to $1,465. The demand for housing in the Columbia metro area remains resilient, driven by its relative affordability compared to national averages and its role as a major regional employment hub. However, the increase in days on market to an average of 59 days indicates that the frantic pace of previous years has cooled, allowing for more deliberate negotiations.

Looking ahead, the Columbia market presents a unique opportunity for both investors and primary residents. For sellers, the key to success in 2026 will be realistic pricing, as the increase in inventory means buyers can afford to be more selective. For buyers, the current conditions offer a rare window where prices are still appreciating but the pace of the market has slowed enough to avoid aggressive bidding wars. As long as inventory continues to grow at its current rate, we expect the market to remain stable with low-to-mid single-digit appreciation through the coming year.