May 2025 Real Estate Market Update – Bluffton, Hilton Head Island & Beyond

by Dan Anton

As we head into summer 2025, the housing market in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island is presenting a mixed bag of opportunity and caution. Powered by fresh data from the Hilton Head Association of REALTORS®, here’s your comprehensive update on local trends—and how they align (or don’t) with the national real estate pulse.

📍 LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS: BLUFFTON & HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Inventory is Up, but Buyers Aren’t Rushing

Inventory has increased 29.8% year-over-year, with 2,075 homes for sale in April 2025—giving buyers more choices than we've seen in years.
However, pending sales are down 4% compared to last April, and closed sales dropped 15.1%, suggesting buyers are proceeding with caution.
The average days on market increased by 33.3%, now at 64 days—a clear sign that homes aren’t flying off the shelves.

Home Prices Hold Steady, Especially at the High End

Median sales price remained flat year-over-year at $550,065, but the average sales price jumped 8.8%, reflecting strong activity in the luxury segment.
Homes priced over $1 million saw the largest increase in pending sales (+19.6%), with four-bedroom homes or larger leading the charge at +15.2%.
Homes in the $500K–$750K range are moving fastest, averaging just 48 days on the market, while homes under $150K are taking over 90 days.

Single-Family Homes vs. Condos

Single-family home prices rose 4.2% to a median of $588,934, while condos climbed 2.8% to $452,500.
Condos saw a significant inventory jump of 32.4%, leading to 6.1 months of supply, compared to 4.5 months for single-family homes—a potential buyer's market emerging for condos.

🇺🇸 NATIONAL MARKET SNAPSHOT

Across the U.S., the real estate landscape is also shifting—but in a slightly different rhythm:

Existing home sales fell 2.4% year-over-year, hampered by high mortgage rates and affordability concerns.
The national median existing-home price rose 2.7%, reaching $403,700, even as more inventory came to market.
New-home sales nationally were up 6% year-over-year, and builders are sweetening the pot with incentives and discounts.

🔍 TAKEAWAYS FOR BUYERS & SELLERS

If You’re Buying:

You have more options—especially in the $500K–$750K and condo markets.
Sellers are more open to negotiation, with the percent of list price received dipping to 97.5%.
Luxury buyers should act now: competition is picking up in the $1M+ segment.

If You’re Selling:

Price carefully—homes are sitting longer, and overpriced listings are getting stale.
Presentation and condition matter more than ever. Buyers expect move-in ready homes.
Consider listing before summer ends, while inventory remains elevated but competition from new builds is still manageable.

✅ MARKET REPORTS

Looking for some detailed market reports for your community or town? Maybe a general overview of market conditions with a housing supply overview and monthly indicators?

📈 Click Here for the latest data

✅ FINAL THOUGHTS

The Bluffton and Hilton Head Island markets are transitioning. We’re seeing signs of more balance, which can be good for everyone—if you have the right strategy.

Whether you're looking to sell your home with maximum exposure, buy with expert guidance, or just want help understanding your position in today’s market, I’m here to help.

📞 Let’s talk about your goals—reach out any time for a personalized consultation.