March 2026

 

February sales numbers are in, and we’re off to a strong start. Nine waterfront homes and two dockable lots closed in February.

Prices are holding steady, with no signs of falling. The average home sale in the first two months closed for $1.3 million – – well below the almost $1.5 average price tag in 2025. However, one-third of sales to date are considered “cabins” — structures originally built 40+ years ago, most with 2 or fewer bedrooms and an average size of under 1400 square feet.

In all of 2025, eleven sales were classified as “cabins”. In January/February, six cabins sold, with more in the hopper (pending sales). Cabins (and the land they are on!) are in high demand on Lake Wylie.

Could it be the Year of the Cabin?

 

Taking some time . . .

In 2021, the average time on the market for waterfront homes was just 35 days, about a fourth the time it took to sell prior to the global pandemic. The “buyer frenzy” continued for about three years, and now we are seeing the average time on market climb back up. In 2025, waterfront homes spent an average of just over 7 weeks on the market prior to going under contract, and lot spent about 15 weeks.

Overpricing can be an issue.

Of the waterfront home sold in 2025, 20% were on the market three months or longer. These properties sold for just 88% of the original asking price.

Conversely, 41% of the waterfront homes were on the market 2 weeks or less prior to going under contract. These properties sold for 99% of the asking price.

 

While it may be tempting to “just try” a high initial asking price, the data is consistent: Overpricing results in more time on market, and deeper discounts at the negotiating table.

 

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or would like to discuss your property, please call or send me an email. I’d love to help you in any way I can.

 

Nearly half of sales in January 2026 — and about a quarter of current listings — could be classified as “river cabins” — homes originally constructed as “weekenders” or 2nd homes.

When these structures were built (many 50+ years ago!), the owners were often “locals”, people who lived in town in Rock Hill, Charlotte and surrounding areas. Some leased the land from Duke Power, thus did not invest a great deal in the construction of the cabins. Most had 1-2 bedrooms, and were built as simple shelters for families enjoying the lake in the summertime.

In the 1970s, Duke Power released many lots for sale, and gave the leaseholders the first right to purchase. Over time, some of these houses have been removed for new construction, some have been completely refurbished and updated with modern amenities, and a few have remained “as is.”

The land under these small homes can be very valuable, as the original properties were often on the main channel or in prime locations on the lake.

Currently, the listings in this category are priced from $525,000 (for a potential “fixer upper”) up to $1.6 million (a cottage in a prime location, situated on 5 acres). The asking price for these properties can vary based on the location, topography and build-ability of the lot, overall condition, view and surroundings.

While ALL lake property transactions benefit from the expertise of a seasoned waterfront Realtor, cabin sales in particular often encounter out-of-the-ordinary considerations that can stump an agent inexperienced in lake property sales. You can rely on The Lake Wylie Man for unparalleled guidance towards a successful transaction.