Market Report - Bluffton and Hilton Head Island South Carolina

Our trusted colleague who has spent decades helping buyers find Bluffton real estate summed up the current market position beautifully when he said to us, “the past five years have been the ultimate stress test on Bluffton’s golf communities”. What he meant was through the worst real estate recession, South Carolina coastal golf communities continue to show signs of strength by undertaking golf course renovations, clubhouse expansions, and building of new model homes. The Lowcountry area has not overwhelmed by short sales and foreclosures to the degree of other regions in the country, such as Florida, Nevada, and Arizona. Underpriced Bluffton real estate continues to be quickly gobbled up as savvy buyers stake their claim along the coast planning for retirement in one of the best retirement states.

When you travel east on Highway 278 from Interstate 95, it doesn’t take long to recognize why this area is one of the fastest growing areas in the Lowcountry. The combination of exquisitely designed master planned communities, new retail shopping complexes, and easy access to Hilton Head Island’s pristine beaches are among the most obvious attractions. As you dig deeper, you’ll understand more about why the milder year round weather is a driving force behind relocating Baby Boomers drawn to coastal South Carolina.

In our observation, several Bluffton real estate developers had incredible insight into the overall long term well being of their South Carolina coastal golf communities, by requiring property owner’s to become a member of the club from day one. In today’s market, this can be a double edged sword for master planned communities. Communities who enforce memberships from day one, benefit by avoiding a division between property owners, between those who are members and those who are not. Communities benefit by all property owners having a vested interest in the condition of the amenities and by everyone helping with the expense. On the flip side of the coin, buyers who desire to save money may be opposed to enforced membership commitments for amenities they may never use. Buyers who want to build later, may choose alternative communities without mandatory club memberships to avoid the high carrying costs. The bottom line, Bluffton is no doubt a hot spot for retirement and there are plenty of options out there.

Here’s what’s happening at four South Carolina coastal golf communities we approved in the Bluffton area:

BELFAIR  - Who could not love a drive through Avenue of the Oaks just beyond Belfair’s gated entrance? This stunning golf community is home to two Tom Fazio golf courses and the Jim Ferree Learning Center. The West Course bunker renovations were well underway along with the clubhouse expansion. The location of Belfair’s clubhouse is particularly appealing enhanced by its great lawn overlooking the Colleton River, something you’d expect to see visiting a castle in Europe. Both improvements are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year with no special assessments to property owners. During the early phase of development, Belfair had streamlined the building process offering signature home designs verses custom home building. This kept the home building costs down and accelerated this South Carolina coastal golf community's growth.

BERKELEY HALL - The Disney effect is how we would best describe this core golf community. Attention to detail at every level, from the gorgeous landscaping to the upscale community amenities. Instead of the golf clubhouse facing the Colleton River as does Belfair’s, Berkley Hall’s commanding great lawn greets you with its Jeffersonian-style clubhouse seated in the backdrop. The back veranda of the clubhouse overlooks the course and community lakes. The two Tom Fazio golf courses at Berkeley Hall have been designed to be like a walk in the park verses a community subdivision with homes lining the golf course. The natural beauty and deliberate attention to detail is captivating. Berkeley Hall is an avid golfers campus, home to the 2,000 square foot Berkeley Hall Golf Learning Center which has been recognized as one of the best golf learning centers in the country. Buyers searching for Bluffton real estate will find Berkeley Hall offers a large variety of home style choices including homes with deepwater access.

COLLETON RIVER PLANTATION CLUB - Situated on a peninsular, three sides of this community are bordered by saltwater marsh, wetlands and deep water. After you pass through the gated entrance, the four mile drive leads you through the forested Heritage Preserve, as if you were driving through a forested state park. The community has two golf clubhouses and golf courses, one designed by Jack Nicklaus and one by Pete Dye. The Pete Dye golf course is a links-style course and the clubhouse showcases long range views of the Colleton River beautiful balcony. Community amenities include a comprehensive tennis center, fitness center and resort-style swimming pool near the Nicklaus clubhouse. Of the two communities mentioned above, Colleton River Plantation Club is the closest South Carolina coastal golf community to Hilton Head Island. Deepwater homes provide ocean access along with the new community dock.

HILTON HEAD LAKES - Arguably, some may say Hilton Head Lakes is not in Bluffton. From our point of view, it is highly visible along the short corridor to Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, just west of Interstate 95. Folks searching for an affordable golf and lake community may find Hilton Head Lakes to be just the right choice. Man-made lakes weave in and around this South Carolina golf community on the south side of the highway. The Lake Club was currently under construction and is scheduled to be completed in December 2012. It is planned to include a fitness center, media room, viewing decks, swimming pool, catering kitchen, and beach area, while adjoining resort pools, a bathhouse and tennis courts are planned as well. Homeowners who own lakefront homes can navigate the waterways by boat to the Lake Club to enjoy the wellness amenities. Waterfront homes have backyard dock capabilities. Citizens Homes currently has twelve popular home plans of which we saw six. Property owners also have excellent custom home options. There is no mandatory building timeframe and home/lot packages typically start under $200k.

We have just scratched the surface in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island. We first scored the most recognized master planned communities on the mainland. But you don’t have to wait until we finish scoring the rest. Our trusted colleague in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island can quickly prepare a list of desirable Bluffton real estate matching your criteria and budget. Just ask us to introduce you. 


We also have a list of Discovery Packages available. These South Carolina coastal golf communities are friendly and want to show off the lifestyle they can offer you. Why stay at hotel when you have the chance to be a ‘member’ for a weekend? Write info@communityfinder.com or call us toll free at 866.384.1799 for more info.

This is how we help folks in the real estate market, by saving you time and making your search as enjoyable as possible.