Zillow Predicts a Home Price Drop in 2025: What Does It Mean for Greenville, SC?

Zillow just sent shockwaves through the real estate industry by forecasting a nearly 2% drop in home prices nationwide for 2025. But what does this really mean for homebuyers and sellers in Greenville, South Carolina?

Let's break down Zillow’s prediction, unpack why Greenville may defy this national trend, and explore what it all means if you're thinking about buying or selling in the area.

Zillow Forecasts Home Price Dip in 2025—Here’s Why

According to Zillow’s recent housing report, the national real estate market could see home values decline by approximately 1.7% in 2025. While that number might not sound massive, it’s significant for an industry that's seen meteoric price increases over the past few years.

So what’s driving this forecast?

Zillow cites:

• Persistent economic instability

• Fluctuating interest rates

• Concerns over global tariffs and the stock market

In short, uncertainty is cooling off buyer confidence across the U.S.—but Greenville may be the exception.

Why Greenville, SC Is Still a Real Estate Hotspot

Despite national concerns, Greenville continues to shine. The key driver? Population growth.

Greenville has been ranked as one of the Top 10 Hottest Real Estate Markets for 2025. Combine that with South Carolina being ranked #1 or #2 for fastest inbound migration, and you've got a recipe for a resilient housing market.

People are relocating to Greenville for a host of reasons—affordability, quality of life, job opportunities, and more.

Affordable Living Still Exists in Greenville

While home prices in Greenville have increased significantly since 2020, the city still remains more affordable than many metro areas in the U.S.

Affordability index remains strong, especially for newcomers moving from higher-cost states. That’s making homeownership in the Upstate both attractive and attainable.

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Positive Signs: Wage Growth and Housing Demand

A 5% wage increase between 2023 and 2024 has added buying power for local residents. And with closed sales up nearly 9%, it’s clear there’s still strong demand in the Greenville market.

Home values in the area are still appreciating, with year-over-year price increases ranging from 1.7% to 6.2%, depending on the metric.

That doesn’t sound like a cooling market—it sounds like one that’s holding its own.

Why Greenville May Be Shielded from a National Slowdown

Zillow’s most vulnerable markets tend to be tech-heavy cities like San Francisco and Austin—places highly sensitive to layoffs and industry shifts.

Greenville, by contrast, has a diversified economy:

• Anchored in manufacturing

• Home to global employers like BMW (which is expanding in the area)

• Employment spread across various industries, creating stability

Unless there’s a major exodus or a company like BMW pulls out—which, again, it’s not—Greenville is poised to remain strong.

Don’t Let the Headlines Scare You—Here’s What to Do Next

While national trends are helpful to monitor, real estate is ultimately local.

And in Greenville, the story is different.

If you’re thinking about making a move, don’t base your decision on national headlines alone. Instead, talk to a local expert who understands the nuances of this market and can help you navigate it confidently.