Published November 2026 | By Abe Safa, Century 21 The Harrelson Group
Short answer: choose a new construction townhome if you want more space, lower HOA dues and a builder warranty; choose a resale condo if you want the beach, the view or nightly rental income.
Both are good ways to own on the Grand Strand. The numbers below show what each one gives you for the money.
I am Abe Safa with Century 21 The Harrelson Group, local since 1988, with over 1,300 closed transactions in 11 years. Call or text (843) 360-2145.
New vs. Resale by the Numbers
Builders have added a lot of townhomes and condos around Myrtle Beach. Over the last 12 months, 1,222 townhome and condo listings were in homes built in 2024 or later, and 772 of them sold. Here is how they compare with the older resale market.
| Built 2024 or later vs. older | New construction (2024+) | Resale (built before 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Median sold price | $272,000 | $220,000 |
| Median heated size | 1,528 sq ft | 1,070 sq ft |
| Median price per sq ft | $180 | $212 |
| Median monthly HOA | $235 | $570 |
| Share with 3+ bedrooms | 94% | 35% |
| Median days on market (sold) | 161 | 96 |
| Sold price vs. original list | 96.8% | 93.4% |
Figures are from Coastal Carolinas MLS (CCMLS) data pulled November 4, 2026, for South Carolina listings on the Grand Strand.
The headline is space for the money. New construction costs more in total but less per square foot, because most new units are larger townhomes with three bedrooms. Builders also held their prices better: new units sold at 96.8% of the original list price, compared with 93.4% for resale.
The Fair Comparison: Three Bedrooms
Most new townhomes have three bedrooms, so compare them with three-bedroom resale units. That is where the gap in monthly cost shows up.
| 3+ bedroom units that sold | Median sold price | Median monthly HOA |
|---|---|---|
| New construction townhomes and condos (2024+) | $270,000 | $175 |
| Resale, not oceanfront | $278,000 | $462 |
| Resale, oceanfront | $510,300 | $1,167 |
A new three-bedroom townhome and an older three-bedroom condo away from the ocean sell for about the same price. The new townhome carries about $287 a month less in HOA dues. That difference adds up to more than $3,400 a year, which can go toward your mortgage, your insurance or furniture. For the full monthly picture, read the full cost to own a condo and what Myrtle Beach HOA fees cover.
Why Buyers Choose New Construction
- More room. The typical new unit is about 1,528 square feet, more than 40% larger than the typical resale condo.
- Lower dues. No oceanfront tower to insure or maintain means a smaller association budget.
- A builder warranty. New homes come with a builder warranty on workmanship and systems, so the first years of ownership are more predictable.
- Current building codes. New homes are built to current wind and energy codes, which can help with insurance and utility costs. Get your insurance quote early; the coastal insurance guide explains what to ask.
- Choices. Buying early in a phase can let you pick the floor plan, lot and finishes.
- Incentives. Builders often offer closing cost help or rate buydowns through their preferred lender. See how builder incentives work.
Why Buyers Still Choose a Resale Condo
- The beach. Most new townhome communities are inland, in Conway, Longs, Carolina Forest and Murrells Inlet. If you want to walk to the sand, that is mostly resale.
- Rental income. Many oceanfront and resort buildings allow nightly rentals. Many new townhome communities do not.
- Move in now. A resale condo closes in 30 to 45 days, and many come furnished.
- Lower entry price. Older one- and two-bedroom condos start below most new townhomes.
With older buildings, check the reserves, the master insurance policy and any planned assessments, and confirm the building qualifies for your loan. Our guide to warrantable vs. non-warrantable condos explains the financing side, and the condo vs. townhome guide covers the ownership differences.
New Townhome Communities to Know
These are some of the most active new townhome and condo communities over the last 12 months, by number of new listings. The builder named is the listing builder in the MLS.
| Community | Builder | Area | Median sold | Median HOA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Townes at Amber Bluff | DR Horton | Conway | $237,500 | $100 |
| Meadows Edge Townhomes | Ryan Homes | Conway | $244,120 | $161 |
| Collins Walk | Lennar | Conway | $219,950 | $170 |
| Stoneridge | Ryan Homes | Myrtle Beach | $261,130 | $105 |
| The Cove at Glenns Bay | DR Horton | Surfside Beach | $275,000 | $140 |
| Course Club Villas at Prince Creek | Ryan Homes | Murrells Inlet | $320,918 | $175 |
| Grande Dunes North Village | Ryan Homes | Longs | $353,018 | $386 |
| Bally Castle | Mungo Homes | Murrells Inlet | $419,900 | $400 |
Median sold price and HOA are for units built in 2024 or later. Builder sources: drhorton.com, ryanhomes.com, lennar.com and mungo.com.
For new single-family neighborhoods, see where new construction is being built around Myrtle Beach.
How We Help You Decide
Most buyers we meet are weighing both options. We start with how you plan to use the home (full-time, second home or rental), your budget for the total monthly cost, and how soon you want to move in. Then we tour new townhome communities and resale buildings side by side, so you can see what the same budget buys in each.
On a new construction purchase, we register with the builder at your first visit, compare incentives across builders, review the builder's contract with you and schedule independent inspections during construction and before closing. On a resale condo, we pull the building's HOA documents, reserve information and recent closed sales. Read why to bring your own agent to the model home, and get pre-approved before you start touring so you know your budget. If you are new to buying on the coast, the first-time condo buyer guide and the flood zone guide are good places to start.
What Buyers Say
Clients describe Abe and the team as trustworthy, straightforward and responsive. The team is top-rated on Google and Zillow, Abe has more than 270 client reviews on Realtor.com, and he has closed over 1,300 transactions in 11 years. These are reproduced from published client reviews.
- "Second time working with Abe. Professional, knowledgeable, and personable. He is extremely prompt with returns and knows the Myrtle Beach real estate market inside out." F. Gallipani, verified Zillow review
- "Abe's knowledge of local and national trends was very valuable. His guidance was immensely helpful in our Myrtle Beach transaction." D. Warnock, verified Zillow review
- "Abe is the best realtor I’ve dealt with in over 30 years of buying and selling property. Knowledgeable, courteous, and professional." F. Vucci, verified Zillow review
Quotes are reproduced from the published client reviews on the Abe Safa Sales Team reviews page, which carries the Google and Zillow ratings and more reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a new construction townhome a better buy than a resale condo in Myrtle Beach?
It depends on what you want the home to do. Townhomes and condos built since 2024 sold for a median of $272,000 with a median HOA of $235 a month and about 1,528 square feet, while older resale condos sold for a median of $220,000 with a median HOA of $570 and about 1,070 square feet. New construction usually gives you more space, lower dues and a builder warranty. A resale condo usually gives you the beach location, the view and, in many buildings, short-term rental potential.
Why are HOA fees lower in new townhome communities?
Most new townhome communities have no shared elevators, pools on the oceanfront or large commercial buildings to insure and maintain, so the association covers less. Condo dues in older beach buildings often include the master insurance policy, building repairs and reserves. Always compare what the dues cover, not only the amount, and plan for your own insurance on a townhome.
Can I rent out a new construction townhome in Myrtle Beach?
Many new townhome communities restrict short-term rentals, and most allow long-term leases with limits. Read the community's covenants before you sign, because rental rules are set by the HOA and local zoning. If nightly rental income is the goal, an oceanfront or resort condo that allows it is usually the better fit.
How long does it take to close on a new construction townhome?
A completed or quick move-in home can close in about 30 to 45 days, like a resale. A home that is under construction or not yet started can take several months, so ask the builder for the estimated completion date and how delays are handled in the contract.
Do I need my own agent to buy a new construction townhome?
You do not have to, but it helps. The on-site sales consultant works for the builder. Your own agent represents you, compares communities and builders, helps you weigh incentives and upgrades, and schedules independent inspections. Many builders require your agent to be registered at your first visit, so bring your agent or name them when you sign in.
Who can help me compare new townhomes and resale condos in Myrtle Beach?
Abe Safa and the Abe Safa Sales Team at Century 21 The Harrelson Group, local since 1988, have closed over 1,300 transactions in 11 years and are top-rated on Google and Zillow. The team's ten agents work with buyers in new construction communities and resale condos from Little River to Pawleys Island. Call or text (843) 360-2145.
