Bluffton, SC real estate market update - August 2025

The Bluffton real estate market continues to offer a unique set of signals this summer—some expected, others surprising. While many anticipated a seasonal slowdown, July’s numbers revealed a market in flux, with shifting indicators worth watching closely.

The most notable change this month is the sharp drop in inventory. Bluffton currently has 893 homes for sale, down from 948 last month—a 5.8% decrease and the largest single-month decline in available homes in 2025. For comparison, there were 830 homes on the market this time last year, and inventory had been steadily rising until now. This reversal may indicate a pause in seller activity as they wait for improved market conditions later this year.

Buyers, however, seem to be responding. The average days on market fell significantly from 84 to 67 days—a 20% decrease in just 30 days. That’s also faster than the 75-day average reported this time last year, suggesting that well-presented and well-priced homes are still moving quickly despite broader market hesitations.

That said, pending sales have dropped dramatically. Only 72 homes are currently under contract in Bluffton, down from 136 last month—a 47% decrease. This is not only the lowest pending figure for 2025, but the lowest recorded in over a decade. One year ago, pending sales were nearly triple this number, highlighting just how quiet buyer activity has become in recent weeks.

Closed sales year-to-date have reached 988, up from 894 last month, which represents a healthy 10.5% increase month over month. However, that number still trails last year’s pace, when 1,097 homes had closed by the same time.

The absorption rate jumped to 12.4 months, compared to 7 months last month—an increase of 77%. This shift positions Bluffton firmly in a buyer’s market for the moment.

The median sale price for 2025 is currently $549,995, which is down slightly from $560,000 in 2024, but still ahead of where we were in 2023 and prior years. Price stability continues, even as demand slows.

What’s behind this unusual mix of market signals? It could be lingering tariff concerns, typical summer distractions, or broader uncertainty—but most likely, it’s the result of buyers holding back in hopes of a mortgage rate pullback. I don’t think I can remember the housing market ever being this confused.

Dan Prud’homme is the Visionary & Success Coach of The Prudhomme Team at William Raveis Real Estate. dan@danprudhomme.com, www.theprudhommeteam.com