Charleston Commercial Real Estate Market
Charleston's commercial real estate market is fueled by an economy that has diversified dramatically over the past two decades. Boeing's 787 Dreamliner final assembly line, Volvo's manufacturing campus, and Mercedes-Benz Vans have transformed the region into an advanced manufacturing hub. The Port of Charleston — the fastest-growing container port on the East Coast — drives industrial and logistics demand throughout the tri-county area. Tourism generates approximately $9 billion annually, supporting hospitality, restaurant, and retail properties from King Street downtown to the beaches of Sullivan's Island and Folly Beach.
The Charleston peninsula's historic district creates a commercial real estate dynamic unlike any other SC market: limited supply of irreplaceable historic buildings combined with tourist foot traffic exceeding 7 million visitors annually produces retail and hospitality rents that rival much larger cities. King Street, Upper King, and the Market area command premium pricing driven by national retailer and restaurant demand. Beyond the peninsula, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, and Summerville each operate as distinct commercial submarkets with their own growth dynamics, tenant profiles, and investment characteristics.
Charleston attracts the broadest buyer pool in South Carolina: institutional REITs targeting industrial and multifamily assets, hospitality-focused funds acquiring hotel and restaurant properties, high-net-worth individuals drawn to the lifestyle, and regional operators building portfolios across the tri-county area. This buyer diversity creates competitive bidding conditions across asset classes. For sellers, the critical success factor is matching your property to the right buyer segment — King Street retail appeals to a fundamentally different investor than a North Charleston warehouse, and marketing to the wrong audience leaves value on the table.
Top Property Types in Charleston
Industrial & Port Logistics
Boeing, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz Vans, and the Port of Charleston collectively drive industrial demand that has made the tri-county region one of the tightest industrial markets in the Southeast. Warehouse and distribution space in North Charleston, Summerville, and the airport corridor sees vacancy below 5%. Cold storage, automotive logistics, and e-commerce fulfillment operations compete for modern space with 32'+ clear heights and heavy power. The port's ongoing expansion — including the new Leatherman Terminal — ensures that logistics demand will continue growing, supporting both rental growth and property appreciation.
Retail & Tourism
King Street is among the most valuable retail corridors in the Southeast, where tourist foot traffic, affluent local residents, and a curated mix of national brands and independent retailers create rents that exceed many larger city markets. Upper King's restaurant row has become a nationally recognized dining destination. Beyond King Street, Mount Pleasant's Coleman Boulevard and Towne Centre, Daniel Island's town center, and Summerville's Main Street each serve distinct demographic and visitor profiles. Properties with historic character, outdoor dining capability, and pedestrian visibility command significant premiums.
Office & Mixed-Use
MUSC Health, Roper St. Francis, and Trident Medical Center anchor Charleston's healthcare economy, generating demand for medical office, outpatient surgery, and specialty clinic space across the tri-county area. The city's growing retiree population — Charleston consistently ranks among top retirement destinations — amplifies healthcare utilization beyond what the working-age population alone would produce. Medical properties near hospital campuses and in growing suburban corridors like Mount Pleasant and Summerville attract both regional healthcare investors and national medical REITs seeking Charleston's demographic growth story.
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Why Charleston Property Owners Work With John Salony
Dual Expertise
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Pre-qualified buyers. Realistic pricing from day one. Clean financials and marketing materials that attract serious offers, not tire-kickers.
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