Garden City Beach, SC

---

Garden City (and Garden City Beach) sits just south of Surfside Beach and north of Murrells Inlet, hugging the Atlantic with easy access to U.S. 17 Business/Bypass. Locals love it for a laid-back beach-town feel—close to dining and the MarshWalk nearby—without the constant pace of the central Myrtle Beach resort core. Housing here is a mix of raised beach homes and cottages, condo and townhome buildings (many with short-term rental potential), and pockets of manufactured/modular communities a bit farther off the ocean.

Recent local trends suggest a more selective, negotiation-friendly market than the peak years. Prices have shown uneven month-to-month movement across property types (especially at the higher end), while inventory and time on market have generally been higher than earlier periods, giving buyers more choice and more leverage. In other words: well-positioned homes can still move, but pricing and presentation matter more, and “test-the-market” listings tend to sit longer.

What’s getting the most attention

• Beach-access and view-driven properties (ocean-view, second row, or strong “walkable to the sand” positioning), especially those that are move-in ready or recently updated.
• Condos/townhomes that pencil out on total monthly cost (HOA + insurance + taxes) and have clear, investor-friendly rules—when allowed.
• Homes with durable upgrades (roof/HVAC, impact-rated features where applicable, elevated parking/storage, updated kitchens/baths) that reduce near-term maintenance surprises.

What the market is signaling right now

• More competition among active listings means buyers can compare options and negotiate more confidently—particularly when a property has higher carrying costs or deferred maintenance.
• Days on market stretching points to a “prove it” environment: buyers want condition, value, and clarity (HOA docs, insurance history, rental rules) before committing.
• Price-per-square-foot trends can look steadier than raw sale price because Garden City has a wide mix of sizes, views, and second-home vs. primary-use properties—so smart pricing is about true comparables, not just headlines.

HOA and rental-policy guidance (especially important here)
HOA/POA structures vary dramatically—from lighter-touch associations to buildings with higher dues tied to amenities, exterior maintenance, reserves, and insurance. If you’re buying a condo/townhome (or any property with covenants), prioritize early review of:

• Short-term rental rules (allowed vs. restricted, minimum stays, registration requirements)
• Special assessment history / reserve funding
• Insurance responsibilities (master policy vs. HO6 coverage, deductibles, wind/hail considerations)
• Parking, pets, and renovation restrictions
  These items often matter as much as the sales price because they shape your monthly cost and resale pool.

Practical guidance

• For sellers: Plan for a market that rewards realism. Strong photos, clean inspection-ready condition, and a pricing strategy that anticipates buyer negotiation tend to outperform “reach” pricing—especially for properties without standout location advantages.
• For buyers: Use the added selection to your advantage—compare total cost of ownership, ask smart questions about HOA/insurance, and don’t be afraid to negotiate when a listing has been sitting or needs updates.
• For investors/second-home buyers: Treat rental rules, fees, and insurance as first-class underwriting inputs. Two similar condos can perform very differently based on restrictions and carrying costs.

Notes & compliance: This is general market guidance based on the attached report and local trend charts; information may be incomplete and isn’t guaranteed, and it is not an appraisal or a financing valuation. Always verify property-specific details (HOA documents, zoning/rental rules, permits, and insurance quotes) during due diligence. Equal Housing Opportunity.