Here's what you need to know to get started if you’re looking at buying in the Palmetto State.
As of July 2025, the median sale price for a single-family home in South Carolina is $388,200.
Average home price:
Source: zillow.com/home-values
The average size for a single-family home in South Carolina is approximately 1,784 square feet.
Average home size:
Source: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/
Recommended
Monthly Payment:
$750.00
Affordable Home Prices With Your Recommended Payment
$107,844.08 house with $9,804.01 down. (10%)
$117,648.09 house with $19,608.02 down. (20%)
$127,452.10 house with $29,412.02 down. (30%)
These examples use the loan term provided and assume a fixed-rate mortgage with an interest rate of 6%.
This down payment assistance program helps buyers get into a home with little to no upfront cost, offering up to 101.5% financing through an FHA first mortgage and a second lien.
The National program supports low- to moderate-income buyers with down payment assistance and flexible financing to make homeownership more accessible.
A statewide program offering affordable loan options and down payment assistance for buyers in South Carolina.
Program Basics
FHA, VA & USDA
Conventional
Down Payment Assistance
A special program honoring South Carolina’s educators, first responders, military, and medical professionals with affordable mortgages and forgivable assistance.
Who Qualifies
Program Basics
Down Payment Assistance
A program designed to help low-to-moderate income families and individuals with affordable fixed-rate mortgages and down payment support.
Program Basics
Down Payment Assistance
Loan Options
Helps eligible Housing Choice Voucher participants transition from renting to owning by applying housing assistance toward a mortgage.
Program Basics
Requirements
Churchill Mortgage is an approved lender for these down payment assistance programs. Contact us today to see if you qualify!
Check our FAQs for responses to our most popular questions from South Carolina home buyers.
Closing costs in South Carolina typically range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. These costs can include:
Loan origination and lender fees
Appraisal and inspection fees
Title search and title insurance
Attorney’s fees (South Carolina is an attorney-closing state)
Prepaid items such as property taxes and homeowner’s insurance
For example, on a $300,000 home, buyers should expect to budget between $6,000 and $15,000 for closing costs. Your lender will provide a detailed estimate early in the process so you can plan ahead.
South Carolina homebuyers have access to a range of mortgage options that fit different financial situations and goals. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a veteran, or purchasing in a rural community, there’s a loan type designed to make homeownership more affordable. The most common choices include:
Conventional Loans – Most common, flexible terms, down payments as low as 3%.
FHA Loans – Government-backed, low credit score and 3.5% down payment options.
VA Loans – No down payment or PMI for eligible veterans and active-duty military.
USDA Loans – No down payment loans for qualifying rural and suburban areas.
These loan types can also be paired with SC Housing programs like Palmetto Home Advantage for added down payment assistance.
Churchill Mortgage's experienced Home Loan Specialists work closely with a network of trusted, local real estate agents across the state of South Carolina. Just ask for a referral and we'll provide you with a professional who is committed to finding the right home for you.
South Carolina’s public schools vary in performance depending on location, with some districts and schools consistently earning high marks for academics, graduation rates, and college readiness. Families often research school quality closely when deciding where to buy a home.
Top Districts: Fort Mill School District, Lexington-Richland School District 5, and York School District 1 are frequently ranked among the best in the state.
Highly Rated Schools: Academic Magnet High School in North Charleston is ranked #1 in the state and among the top high schools nationally, with strong college readiness scores. Other top performers include Wando High School and Spring Hill High School.
Academic Strengths: Many top districts offer Advanced Placement courses, strong arts and STEM programs, and above-average graduation rates.
For detailed school performance data, including test scores and comparisons by district, visit the South Carolina School Report Card.
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Conforming and high balance allowed. Cooperative housing not eligible. Not all applicants will qualify. Not a commitment to lend. Other restriction or limitations to any program may apply.
This calculator is being provided for educational purposes only. The provided values for interest rates are examples only and do not reflect Churchill Mortgage Product terms & offers. The results are estimates that are based on information you provided and may not reflect Churchill Mortgage Product terms. The information cannot be used by Churchill Mortgage to determine a customer's eligibility for a specific product or service. All financial calculators are provided by a third-party and are not controlled by or under the control of Churchill Mortgage. Churchill Mortgage is not responsible for the content, results, or the accuracy of information.
These calculations are hypothetical examples designed to for illustration purposes only. Consult a Home Loan Specialist for more specific information regarding payments, terms, etc.
As a responsible lender, Churchill Mortgage is committed to the principles outlined in federal and state lending laws ensuring all potential borrowers have access to the same information, services, and opportunities throughout the home loan process.