South Carolina Home Equity Calculator 2026 — HELOC & Cash-Out Refi

Last updated: April 2026 · Source: Zillow, Freddie Mac, Tax Foundation

Quick Answer

If you bought a $310,000 home in South Carolina with 10% down, your starting equity is $31,000. After 5 years of payments at 6.88%, your equity grows to approximately $44,950 through principal paydown (not counting appreciation). Most lenders allow you to borrow up to 80–85% of your home's value minus your mortgage balance.

South Carolina Housing & Mortgage Data

Median Home Price$310,000
30-Year Fixed Rate6.88%(State average, Apr 2026)
Property Tax Rate0.57%(Effective rate)
Avg HO Insurance$2,200/yr ($183/mo)
Typical Down Payment10% ($31,000)
Median Household Income$58,000/yr

Key Facts for South Carolina

  • South Carolina median home price is $310,000 as of 2026
  • 30-year fixed mortgage rates in South Carolina average 6.88%
  • Property taxes in South Carolina are 0.57% — below the national average of 1.10%
  • Homeowners insurance averages $2,200/year in South Carolina
  • A household earning $77,500/year can typically afford the median South Carolina home

More South Carolina Calculators

Frequently Asked Questions — Home Equity Calculator in South Carolina

How much equity can I borrow in South Carolina?
Most South Carolina lenders allow you to borrow up to 80–85% of your home's appraised value minus your existing mortgage balance (combined loan-to-value of 80–85%). On a $310,000 home with a $217,000 mortgage, you could access up to $31,000–$46,500 via a HELOC or cash-out refinance.
What is the difference between a HELOC and a cash-out refinance in South Carolina?
A HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) is a revolving credit line at a variable rate — you draw funds as needed and pay interest only on what you use. A cash-out refinance replaces your entire mortgage with a new, larger loan at a fixed rate, giving you the difference in cash. HELOCs have lower upfront costs but variable rates; cash-out refis have closing costs but lock in your rate.
What is the average mortgage payment in South Carolina?
The average monthly mortgage payment (principal + interest) in South Carolina is approximately $1,834 for a $279,000 loan at 6.88% over 30 years. Adding property tax ($147/mo) and homeowners insurance ($183/mo) brings total PITI to about $2,165/month.
What credit score do I need for a mortgage in South Carolina?
Most South Carolina lenders require a minimum 620 credit score for conventional loans and 580 for FHA loans (with 3.5% down). For the best rates in South Carolina, aim for 740+. A higher score can reduce your rate by 0.5–1.0%, saving $41,850 over the life of a 30-year loan.
How much down payment is required to buy a home in South Carolina?
You can buy a home in South Carolina with as little as 0% down (VA, USDA loans for eligible buyers), 3% down (conventional), or 3.5% down (FHA). On the South Carolina median home price of $310,000, a 20% down payment is $62,000 and lets you avoid PMI. South Carolina also has state-level down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers.
What are current mortgage rates in South Carolina?
Current 30-year fixed mortgage rates in South Carolina average 6.88% as of April 2026. 15-year fixed rates are typically 0.5–0.75% lower. Rates vary by lender, credit score, and loan-to-value ratio. Compare at least 3–5 lenders to ensure you get the best South Carolina mortgage rate.
What is the property tax rate in South Carolina?
South Carolina's effective property tax rate is 0.57%. On the South Carolina median home value of $310,000, annual property taxes are approximately $1,767 ($147/month). Property taxes in South Carolina are typically escrowed in your monthly mortgage payment.