Consider This When Buying Real Estate in Charleston’s Historic District

Ever feel nervous about buying a home or moving to a new location, and think “Is this the right move for me?

A quick city-guide or list of property details can give you some insight, but there are doubts. For those moving to Charleston’s Downtown Historic District, there’s a double whammy. First, you have to wonder if downtown Charleston is right for you. Then you have to answer if you should buy a historic real estate property.

Real estate is already filled with too many decisions. To narrow your choices and get you in the right mindset, let’s dive into the questions you should ask yourself before deciding on Charleston, SC.

  1. Should I buy a historic home in Charleston?

Charleston and the outlying suburbs offer plenty of choices for real estate. You can find ranch-style properties, modern living arrangements, houses on the beach, and homes situated within historic districts. All have different pros and cons.

Historic homes in Charleston are typically located on the peninsula, giving you quick access to many workplaces, restaurants, and other entertainment options. The main selling point to historic real estate is the character of the home. No property is the same and each has a layout that has been distinguished by its previous owners (some dating back to the early 1800’s).

Living in a historic home means you get to be a part of something unique. You get a glimpse into the past few are privy to. How cool is that?

Some things you may want to research before buying include:

  • What taxes will you pay? Are there any tax credits (or incentives) from state and local governments?
  • What restrictions are there for renovating historic homes?
  • What kind of costs will you face with maintaining a historic property?
  • Does the location create a setting you want to live in or be away from?

  1. Is downtown Charleston the right location for me?

Downtown Charleston is naturally alluring. You’re connected to almost everything -- entertainment, work, travel spots, and so on. Choosing Charleston means understanding what kind of vibe you want to live among.

Downtown is more energetic and lively than other suburbs like Mount Pleasant or James Island. Restaurants and events are just blocks away. Each weekend is its own adventure. You don’t have to worry about sitting through traffic, since you’re already in the heart of things.

The price for living in downtown Charleston means less space for your dollar. Properties, here, don’t have acre-sized backyards. You’re choosing to live in a traditional, Southern home where you’re close to your neighbor. Other things to consider include knowing your flood zone. Charleston is located in a flood zone and does, occasionally, experience inclement weather. This means paying more for home and flood insurance.

  1. Does the home (or location) have the right amenities?

Depending on your lifestyle, Charleston’s Downtown Historic District may or may not be the right place for you. If you’re someone who wants to be on the beach, surfing every day … downtown Charleston may not be the best option, since you can choose a home on Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, or Folly Beach.

But if you love being in the heart of activity and cherish opportunities to try new things, downtown is a great choice. Before selecting a property, perform a local Google Map search. See what parks, schools, and other venues are nearby. Example: if you’re a sailor, you’ll enjoy the marina just down the road.

Double check what effort it will take to live your lifestyle and see if it’ll be a happy (and easy) one.

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24 Photos 99 King Street Charleston, SC 29401

99 King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 24029877 / Active
3 br, 3 ba, 2043 Sqft

Situated on high ground in the coveted South of Broad neighborhood, this beautifully renovated and stylish home offers you a lifestyle that is unma... 

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$2,725,000
Provided courtesy of William Means Real Estate, LLC
21 Photos 11 Humphrey Court Charleston, SC 29403

11 Humphrey Court
Charleston, SC 29403
Elliottborough
Residential

MLS# 24029478 / Active Contingent
6 br, 2 ba, 1568 Sqft

Duplex - 6 bedrooms, 2 baths / TWO renovated 3 bedroom/1 bath houses situated in a quiet alley with 4 off street parking spots., washer dryers, gra... 

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$1,100,000
Provided courtesy of Coastal Point Real Estate
33 Photos 20 Poulnot Lane Charleston, SC 29401

20 Poulnot Lane
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 24029455 / Active
2 br, 1 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1500 Sqft

No HOA-townhome, on high-ground, steps to Broad Street, Colonial lake and all of the exceptional amenities of downtown Charleston. Extremely rare p... 

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$1,000,000
Provided courtesy of Peace Sotheby's International Realty
36 Photos 154 Tradd Street Charleston, SC 29401

154 Tradd Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 24029336 / Active Contingent
2 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1426 Sqft

Nestled on one of Charleston's oldest streets, 154 Tradd Street beautifully blends historic charm with modern elegance through thoughtful renovatio... 

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$1,275,000
Provided courtesy of Lois Lane Properties
32 Photos 49 America Street Charleston, SC 29403

49 America Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Eastside
Residential

MLS# 24029325 / Active
3 br, 2 ba, 2180 Sqft

Whether you're searching for an investment property, vacation home, or a new place to call home, 49 America St delivers exceptional rental potentia... 

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$1,100,000
Provided courtesy of Capital Center, LLC
24 Photos 9 Humphrey Court Charleston, SC 29403

9 Humphrey Court
Charleston, SC 29403
Elliotborough
Residential

MLS# 24029319 / Active Contingent
4 br, 2 ba, 1176 Sqft

A Charleston classic 4 bedroom / 2 bath with double porches on a quiet alley recently renovated. A perfect location a few blocks from MUSC, COC and... 

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$800,000
Provided courtesy of Coastal Point Real Estate
75 Photos 85 Spring Street UNIT A&B Charleston, SC 29403

85 Spring Street UNIT A&B
Charleston, SC 29403
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Residential

MLS# 24029238 / Active
6 br, 5 ba, 2 Half Bath, 2962 Sqft

Historic charm meets modern luxury in this top-producing short term rental in downtown Charleston. This exquisite property is the perfect blend of ... 

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$3,199,000
Provided courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Charleston West Ashley
68 Photos 24 Ogier Street UNIT B Charleston, SC 29403

24 Ogier Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential

MLS# 24029024 / Active
4 br, 4 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2487 Sqft

Discover the perfect blend of modern design and urban convenience in this stunning 4-story home, built in 2017 and situated in the heart of Charles... 

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$1,795,000
Provided courtesy of Keller Williams Realty Charleston West Ashley
30 Photos 184 Broad Street Charleston, SC 29401

184 Broad Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 24029026 / Active Contingent
2 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1984 Sqft

A real Charleston charmer! This updated property features 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, overlooking iconic Broad Street. Constructed in the late 1800s,... 

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$1,895,000
Provided courtesy of Carriage Properties LLC
3 Photos 2 Ducs Court Charleston, SC 29403

2 Ducs Court
Charleston, SC 29403
Eastside
Residential

MLS# 24028926 / Active
2 br, 1 ba, 1100 Sqft

This Piazza Style Southern home in downtown Charleston would be a Great Investment to enjoy. Property shall be SOLD in ''AS IS'' - ''WHERE IS CONDI... 

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$950,000
Provided courtesy of Bascome & Associates, LLC
75 Photos 1 Atlantic Street Charleston, SC 29401

1 Atlantic Street
Charleston, SC 29401
South Of Broad
Residential

MLS# 24028869 / Active Contingent
4 br, 3 ba, 1 Half Bath, 3281 Sqft

Circa 1830, the Captain Benjamin Smith House. Rated ''valuable'' architecturally. This and 3 Atlantic Street were both built by Smith, a local ship... 

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$3,500,000
Provided courtesy of Carriage Properties LLC
38 Photos 74 Vanderhorst Street Charleston, SC 29403

74 Vanderhorst Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
Residential

MLS# 24028793 / Active
2 br, 2 ba, 1300 Sqft

This beautifully restored Charleston Single home is situated in the heart of the historic Radcliffeborough neighborhood. Recent upgrades were compl... 

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$1,025,000
Reduced -$25,000
Provided courtesy of William Means Real Estate, LLC
51 Photos 17 Princess Street UNIT D Charleston, SC 29401

17 Princess Street UNIT D
Charleston, SC 29401
Downtown
Residential

MLS# 24028771 / Active
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2536 Sqft

Stunning urban enclave in a PRIME downtown location with off street parking! Thoughtfully renovated in 2018, this hidden gem is tucked away just of... 

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$2,350,000
Provided courtesy of AgentOwned Realty Charleston Group
75 Photos 93 Beaufain Street UNIT B Charleston, SC 29401

93 Beaufain Street UNIT B
Charleston, SC 29401
Harleston Village
Residential

MLS# 24028721 / Active
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1842 Sqft

Welcome to 93 Beaufain Street, Unit B--a stunning blend of Charleston charm and luxurious modern craftsmanship. Built by Charleston's own Discovery... 

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$1,690,000
Provided courtesy of Smith Spencer Real Estate
42 Photos 18 Sheppard Street Charleston, SC 29403

18 Sheppard Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Eastside
Residential

MLS# 24028754 / Active
4 br, 4 ba, 1 Half Bath, 2293 Sqft

HIGH QUALITY NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME with an amazing Rooftop! This beautiful home features 4 bedrooms & 4.5 bathrooms built by award winning HND2 Bui... 

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$1,575,000
Provided courtesy of Brand Name Real Estate
42 Photos 1 Wall Street Charleston, SC 29401

1 Wall Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential

MLS# 24028590 / Active
4 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 3467 Sqft

Located on the corner of Laurens St. and Wall St., 1 Wall is one of the last grand homes in Ansonborough to remain untouched. The neighborhood of A... 

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$3,100,000
Reduced -$239,000
Provided courtesy of Handsome Properties, Inc.
48 Photos 52 Hasell Street Charleston, SC 29401

52 Hasell Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
Residential

MLS# 24028588 / Active
5 br, 3 ba, 1 Half Bath, 4530 Sqft

Welcome to 52 Hasell Street, a classic brick Charleston single home on a spacious 0.16-acre lot in the historic Ansonborough neighborhood. Built ar... 

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$4,195,000
Provided courtesy of William Means Real Estate, LLC
41 Photos 49a Morris Street Charleston, SC 29403

49a Morris Street
Charleston, SC 29403
Radcliffeborough
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MLS# 24028583 / Active
3 br, 2 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1449 Sqft

This move-in ready, modern townhouse in Radcliffeborough offers a blend of sophistication and style reiminiscent of a Charleston single house. Feat... 

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$995,000
Provided courtesy of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty
27 Photos 14 Lockwood Dr UNIT 1c Charleston, SC 29401

14 Lockwood Dr UNIT 1c
Charleston, SC 29401
Ashley House
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MLS# 24028545 / Active
2 br, 1 ba, 1 Half Bath, 1031 Sqft

Located in vibrant downtown Charleston, this fully furnished 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom condo offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and st... 

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27 Photos 3 Kracke Street UNIT C Charleston, SC 29403

3 Kracke Street UNIT C
Charleston, SC 29403
Elliottborough
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MLS# 24028351 / Active Contingent
1 br, 1 ba, 533 Sqft

Experience the best of city living in this stunning, single-family detached condo nestled in Charleston's vibrant Cannonborough-Elliotborough neigh... 

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$574,900
Provided courtesy of Brand Name Real Estate
36 Photos 33 Society Street UNIT A Charleston, SC 29401

33 Society Street UNIT A
Charleston, SC 29401
Ansonborough
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MLS# 24028308 / Active Contingent
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Prime location in a rare X flood zone steps from East Bay Street and just blocks to King Street and CofC! Turnkey and sold furnished or unfurnished... 

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