Columbia Midlands Market Update - September 2026

September brings cooler mornings to the Midlands, and the market has cooled with them. Not a slow market, a steadier one: inventory is up in most areas, prices have leveled off, and about two out of three homes sell below list. Buyers have more room to breathe than they have had in years, and sellers who price against today's numbers still get homes sold.

Lake Murray

The lake is still its own story. Closed sales run between $450,000 and $500,000, with prime shoreline in Lexington and Chapin closing north of $1 million. Waterfront inventory stays thin, around two and a half months of supply, and a good dock property goes under contract within about a month. Buyers on the water must act quickly; the lake-adjacent market gives real choices.

Lexington

Lexington's median holds around $330,000 to $350,000, and homes go under contract in 35 to 45 days. Inventory has climbed through the summer, so buyers have more selection than in years. For sellers, today's comps are the whole game: price it right and show it well, and it moves.

Irmo

Irmo's median runs $255,000 to $270,000 depending on the neighborhood, and homes take the mid-40s to low-50s in days on market. Inventory is steady, which keeps prices honest and gives buyers time to compare. Sellers here sell on merits, not momentum.

Chapin

Chapin's median sits in the low to mid $400,000s, and most homes take 50 to 60 days to sell. The exception is the water: lakefront listings near Chapin are scarce, and the ones priced fairly still draw buyers fast. Off the water, buyers have room to negotiate.

Northeast Columbia

Northeast Columbia, especially the 29229 corridor, has cooled the most. The median dipped to around $250,000, a step down from last year, and homes sit close to 50 days. New construction keeps coming, holding inventory steady and prices in reach. It stays one of the most accessible parts of the metro for first-time buyers.

What This Means for You

This market has patience in it, and that works for both sides. Buyers can compare, get an inspection, and negotiate. Sellers can win with honest pricing and a house that shows its best. Street to street, local knowledge matters.

If you want to talk through what these numbers mean for your situation, reach out. I am happy to walk through them with you, no pressure. Warm regards, and make it a great day.