If you have been watching Myrtle Beach real estate and wondering whether now is the right moment to buy, you are not alone. With more homes on the market, price adjustments showing up, and mortgage rates still in the mid-6% range, it can feel hard to tell whether you should move now or wait. The good news is that current data points to a market where you can take a thoughtful approach instead of rushing, and that gives you more room to compare options and negotiate wisely. Let’s dive in.
Myrtle Beach Market Snapshot
Right now, public market data suggests Myrtle Beach and Horry County are leaning in buyers’ favor. In May 2026, Realtor.com identified both Horry County and Myrtle Beach as buyer’s markets.
That matters because a buyer’s market usually means you have more choices and a bit more breathing room. It does not mean every property is a bargain, but it does mean you may not need to compete at the same pace seen in tighter markets.
In Horry County, Realtor.com reported about 11.2K active listings, a median listing price near $320K, and a median 68 days on market. In Myrtle Beach city, there were about 4.4K homes for sale, a median listing price of $279K, and a median 71 days on market.
Redfin adds another helpful layer to that picture. Its city data shows Myrtle Beach is not very competitive, with homes receiving one offer on average and selling in around 113 days, while 38.3% of homes had price drops.
What Buyer-Friendly Really Means
A buyer-friendly market does not mean you should expect steep discounts across the board. It means conditions may give you more time to evaluate homes, compare neighborhoods, and structure a stronger offer based on the property’s actual position in the market.
For example, Realtor.com shows homes in both Horry County and Myrtle Beach selling at about 97% of list price on average. Redfin’s Myrtle Beach city data shows a 95.1% sale-to-list ratio, while just 4.0% of homes sold above list price.
That tells you there may be room to negotiate, especially on homes that have been sitting longer or have already had a price drop. At the same time, desirable homes in the right location or price range can still attract attention, so strategy still matters.
Inventory Gives You More Options
One of the biggest signals to watch is inventory. Across multiple data sources, the message is consistent: there is a healthy amount of supply in the market.
Realtor.com reported about 11.2K active listings in Horry County, while Zillow estimated 6,105 county listings as of April 30, 2026. The exact totals differ because each platform tracks inventory differently, but both point to the same trend of ample supply.
For you as a buyer, more inventory can create real advantages:
- You can compare more homes before making a decision.
- You may have more leverage when a property has been listed for a while.
- Sellers may be more open to realistic pricing and terms.
- You can focus on fit, not just speed.
That kind of choice can be especially helpful if you are buying from out of town, looking for a second home, or comparing a condo against a single-family property.
Days on Market Suggest a Slower Pace
Another sign that buyers have more room right now is the time homes are taking to sell. Realtor.com reported median days on market of 68 days in Horry County and 71 days in Myrtle Beach city.
Redfin’s rolling three-month view shows even longer timelines, with 116 days in Horry County and 113 days in Myrtle Beach city. While these numbers are measured differently, they point to the same takeaway: this is a market moving in weeks, not hours.
That slower pace can help you make better decisions. You may have more time for due diligence, financing prep, and a closer look at whether a property truly fits your goals.
Prices Are Softer, But Rates Still Matter
Price trends are giving buyers some support, but financing costs are still an important part of the decision. Redfin reported Horry County home prices were down 1.8% year over year in its three-month view, while Realtor.com showed Horry County listing prices down 1.54% year over year.
In Myrtle Beach city, Realtor.com showed median listing prices down 7.15% year over year. Redfin reported the city’s median sale price was $232K over the last three months ending April 2026.
At the same time, Freddie Mac said the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.53% for the week ending May 28, 2026. So while prices may be softer than they were, your monthly payment still depends heavily on your interest rate, down payment, and loan structure.
This is why the “right time” to buy is personal as much as it is market-based. If the home fits your budget and your plans, a softer pricing environment can work in your favor even with rates still elevated.
Seasonality Changes the Buying Experience
Myrtle Beach is not just a housing market. It is also part of the Grand Strand tourism area, and that affects buying patterns.
Visit Myrtle Beach says the Grand Strand includes 14 communities and welcomes more than 17 million visitors annually. Summer is a major travel season, and the tourism bureau reported early spring 2026 occupancy trends were exceeding expectations as summer approached.
That seasonal activity can influence real estate. Spring and summer often bring more listings and more buyer attention, while late fall and winter may feel calmer, especially for vacation and second-home properties.
If you want the widest selection, spring and summer may offer more choices. If you want a quieter shopping experience with less seasonal pressure, late fall or winter may be worth watching.
Property Type Changes the Timing
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is relying too much on one citywide number. In Myrtle Beach, the right time to buy may depend as much on property type as it does on the month.
CCAR’s March 2026 Myrtle Beach ZIP report shows a wide gap between single-family homes and condo or townhome inventory in some areas. In ZIP codes 29572 and 29577, single-family homes had a median sales price of $550K, 97.5% of list price received, 144 days on market, and 287 active listings.
In those same ZIPs, condo and townhome sales showed a $205K median price, 94.8% of list price received, 145 days on market, and 1,475 active listings. That is a major difference in price point, inventory level, and negotiating conditions.
For many buyers, condos may present more options and more room for negotiation than single-family homes. If you are considering a second home, low-maintenance property, or investment purchase, this distinction is especially important.
ZIP Codes Tell a More Useful Story
Not every part of the Myrtle Beach area is moving the same way. ZIP-level and property-type differences can be more useful than broad county or city averages.
For example, CCAR reported North Myrtle Beach ZIP code 29582 had a median single-family sales price of $588.5K, 124 days on market, and 328 listings. It also showed 634 condo listings with 132 days on market.
That means your experience can vary depending on where you want to buy and what kind of home you want. A buyer focused on a condo near the beach may see very different conditions than a buyer shopping for a primary single-family home in another part of Horry County.
So, Is It the Right Time to Buy?
For many buyers, the current answer is yes, if you are financially prepared and focused on the right segment of the market. The data supports a measured buying approach rather than a rushed one or a total wait-and-see strategy.
You are looking at a market with elevated inventory, sale-to-list ratios slightly below 100%, longer days on market, and noticeable price drops on many listings. That creates an environment where preparation, local insight, and strong property selection can matter more than speed alone.
The key is not to ask only whether it is the right time to buy in Myrtle Beach. A better question is whether it is the right time to buy the property type, in the ZIP code, and at the price point that fits your goals.
How to Shop Smarter Right Now
If you are thinking about buying in Myrtle Beach or Horry County, focus on a few practical steps first:
- Set a monthly budget based on today’s rates, not last year’s headlines.
- Compare single-family homes and condos separately.
- Track price drops and days on market in your target ZIP code.
- Be ready to negotiate, but stay realistic on well-positioned homes.
- Look at seasonal timing if you are buying a second home or vacation property.
A citywide median can help you understand the big picture, but it should not be the only number guiding your move. The best decisions usually come from matching local market data with your financing and your lifestyle plans.
If you want help reading the Myrtle Beach market at a more local level, Cathy Cagno can help you compare neighborhoods, property types, and price ranges so you can move forward with confidence.
FAQs
Is Myrtle Beach a buyer’s market in 2026?
- Yes. Public data from Realtor.com identified both Myrtle Beach and Horry County as buyer’s markets in May 2026.
How long are homes taking to sell in Myrtle Beach?
- Realtor.com reported a median 71 days on market in Myrtle Beach city, while Redfin’s rolling three-month view showed about 113 days.
Are home prices dropping in Myrtle Beach?
- Recent data suggests prices have softened. Realtor.com reported Myrtle Beach median listing prices were down 7.15% year over year, and Redfin reported a $232K median sale price over the last three months ending April 2026.
Do Myrtle Beach condos and single-family homes perform differently?
- Yes. CCAR data shows notable differences in pricing, inventory, and sale-to-list ratios between single-family homes and condo or townhome properties in Myrtle Beach ZIP codes.
When is the best season to buy in Myrtle Beach?
- It depends on your goals. Spring and summer may offer more listings and more activity, while late fall and winter may feel calmer, especially for vacation and second-home shoppers.
