Lake Keowee Real Estate Market Update – January 2026

(December 2025 Data for Waterfront & Off-Water Homes)

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home on Lake Keowee, the December 2025 numbers tell a very clear story: prices are still surging, inventory is extremely tight, and the market is quietly setting up for a major 2026 shift.

This report covers all single-family homes (waterfront and off-water) and reflects closed sales and activity from December 2025, reported in January 2026.

📊 December 2025 Market Snapshot – Lake Keowee

• Median Sales Price: $2,200,000 (▲ 66.9% YoY)
• New Listings: 5 (Flat year-over-year)
• Pending Sales: 0 (▼ 100% YoY)
• Closed Sales: 13 (▲ 18.2% YoY)
• Average Days on Market: 94 (Unchanged YoY)
• List-to-Sold Price Ratio: 98.2% (▲ 2.5% YoY)

🏆 What These Numbers Really Mean

1️⃣ Prices Are Still Rising — And Fast

A 66.9% year-over-year increase in median price is extraordinary, especially in a luxury lake market. This confirms:

• High-end and premium waterfront sales are driving the market
• Buyers are still willing to pay strong prices for the right homes
• Lake Keowee continues to attract out-of-state, cash, and lifestyle buyers

This is not a market that is “cooling” in terms of values — it is re-pricing upward into a new normal.

2️⃣ Inventory Is Critically Low

Only 5 new listings came to market in December — and zero homes went under contract.

That tells us:

• Many buyers are waiting for new inventory
• Many sellers are still on the sidelines
• The market is experiencing a temporary stall due to lack of selection, not lack of demand

This is classic inventory compression — and it usually leads to strong price moves when supply returns.

3️⃣ Homes Are Still Selling — Even With No New Pending Contracts

Despite zero new pending sales, 13 homes closed, which means:

• These were contracts written in prior months
• The deal pipeline is still clearing
• Buyers are being very selective, but still decisive when the right home appears

4️⃣ Days on Market at 94 = A More Thoughtful Buyer

The market is no longer a frenzy — and that’s healthy.

• Buyers are taking time
• Due diligence matters
• But well-priced, well-presented homes still sell

5️⃣ Sellers Are Getting Closer to Their Ask

A 98.2% list-to-sold ratio is excellent in a luxury market and shows:

• Pricing is becoming more accurate
• Negotiation gaps are shrinking
• The market is more professional and strategic, not emotional

🔮 What This Means for 2026 at Lake Keowee

Here’s my professional outlook based on these trends:

📈 1. Prices Should Remain Strong in 2026

• Inventory is still structurally limited
• Lake Keowee remains a destination lifestyle market
• Expect continued strength in premium and waterfront segments
• Don’t expect “discounts” — expect normalization and selectivity

🏗️ 2. More Listings Are Likely Coming

Many sellers have been waiting for:

• Interest rates to stabilize
• Election uncertainty to pass
• The market to “prove” price levels

2026 is likely to bring more inventory — but not a flood.

🧠 3. Buyers Will Be More Strategic, Not Gone

The zero pending contracts in December does not signal a dead market.

It signals:

• Buyers waiting for better choices
• Buyers being more disciplined
• A market shifting from emotional to strategic

🏡 4. Sellers Will Need Real Strategy in 2026

In 2026:

• Presentation, pricing, and positioning will matter more
• Overpriced homes will sit
• Homes that are well marketed and well priced will still perform extremely well

✅ Bottom Line

Lake Keowee is not in decline.
It is transitioning into a more mature, high-price, low-inventory luxury market.

For sellers, 2026 will still offer excellent opportunities — if you price and market correctly.
For buyers, 2026 will likely offer more options, but not cheaper ones.

📞 Thinking About Buying or Selling at Lake Keowee?

If you want a real strategy based on your exact property, your timeline, and your goals, I’m happy to help.

Eric Stegall
Lake Keowee Real Estate Pro
📱 Call or Text: 864-903-5719
🌐 https://www.lakekeoweerealestatepro.com