Top Land Buyers in South Carolina

How long does it typically take to sell vacant land in South Carolina?

In the 2025 South Carolina market, selling vacant land typically takes 6 to 12 months, though velocity varies significantly by region. In high-growth coastal hubs like Charleston and Myrtle Beach, or the booming Upstate (Greenville-Spartanburg), well-priced residential infill lots often move in 90 to 150 days. Conversely, large agricultural or timberland tracts in the Lowcountry often require 18 months or longer to find a buyer. The timeline is primarily driven by the "Due Diligence" phase, which typically lasts 30 to 60 days. During this window, buyers focus on wetland delineations and septic suitability (perc tests), which are critical in South Carolina’s low-lying and river-heavy terrain.

What are the common closing costs for land sellers in South Carolina?

South Carolina is a mandatory attorney state, meaning a licensed attorney must oversee the final settlement and deed recordation. Sellers should budget between 7% and 10% of the final sale price for total costs. While real estate commissions make up the largest portion, South Carolina’s unique dual-rate property tax system (4% for primary residents vs. 6% for vacant land/secondary homes) means prorated tax bills can be higher than expected for land sellers.

Specific costs for 2025 include:

• Deed Recording Fee (Transfer Tax): The rate is $1.85 for every $500 (effectively $3.70 per $1,000) of the purchase price. For a $200,000 sale, the seller owes $740.
• Attorney Fees: For land transactions, attorneys typically charge a flat fee between $800 and $1,500 for deed preparation and closing coordination.
• Title Search & Service: Usually ranges from $400 to $750, though the buyer customarily pays for the final owner’s title insurance policy.
• Recording Fees: Generally a flat fee of approximately $15 to $50 at the county level.

Do I need a survey to sell my land in South Carolina?

While a survey is not strictly mandated by state law for every deed transfer, it is a practical and legal necessity in 2025. Most South Carolina title insurance companies will not remove "boundary and encroachment" exceptions from a policy without a professional Boundary Survey. In the coastal regions, a survey is essential to identify OCRM (Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management) critical lines and setbacks. In 2025, a basic survey for a suburban lot costs $500 to $1,000, while large rural tracts or Solar Development sites can exceed $3,500. Providing an existing survey can expedite the closing process by 3 to 4 weeks.

How is the land market trending in South Carolina for the next 12 months?

The South Carolina land market is forecast for steady, resilient growth through 2026, with values projected to rise by 3% to 5% annually. The state remains a top-tier destination for "equity migrants," particularly in the Upstate, where inventory remains at a 3.2-month supply—well below the 6-month benchmark for a balanced market. The most significant trend is the "Solar Land Expansion" in the Midlands and Pee Dee regions, as utilities aggressively seek new power sources to meet the needs of massive new data centers entering the state. Demand is highest for residential infill near metropolitan hubs and industrial logistics land along the I-85 and I-26 corridors.

Can I sell land in South Carolina if I have back taxes or title issues?

Yes, but you must act before the one-year redemption period expires. In South Carolina, if property taxes remain unpaid, the county can sell the property at a public tax auction (usually held in the fall). The original owner then has exactly one year from the date of the auction to redeem the property by paying the delinquent taxes plus interest (which scales from 3% to 12% depending on the quarter redeemed).

For inherited property, South Carolina probate law allows for a "Power of Sale": if the decedent’s will explicitly grants this power to the personal representative, the land can be sold without a specific court order, potentially saving 6 to 9 months of delays. This streamlined process is frequently used to clear title for Utility-Scale Solar and Industrial Infill projects. Sellers should also be aware of the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act, which provides protections that can help families preserve their land equity during a forced sale or partition.

What is the most in-demand type of land in South Carolina right now?

The highest demand in the 2025 South Carolina market is for Utility-Scale Solar and Industrial Logistics Infill. Driven by the state’s massive load growth from new data centers and EV manufacturing (like the Scout Motors project), developers are aggressively seeking large, flat tracts in rural counties like Orangeburg and Sumter. Additionally, Industrial Infill land near the Port of Charleston remains a top-tier asset class. In the residential sector, "shovel-ready" Infill lots in the Upstate and Lowcountry are the top choice for builders seeking to meet the housing demand of the state's growing population while bypassing the high cost of raw land development.