South Carolina is pushing forward on a major housing affordability initiative with construction soon beginning on 130 new homes designed to be accessible for moderate-income households across the state.
Five builders have officially signed on to the Made It Home! program, a statewide initiative launched in August by the South Carolina Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing). The goal: rapidly increase the number of homes priced far below the state’s current median listing price of $350,000.
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The homes — ranging from $175,000 for two-bedroom models to $200,000 for three bedrooms — will be built in seven target counties where affordable housing shortages are especially challenging: Richland, Orangeburg, Dorchester, Florence, Darlington, Spartanburg, and Sumter.
Participating builders include:
• McGuinn Homes – 45 homes
• D.R. Horton Myrtle Beach division – 40 homes
• Gainey Construction, Sumter – 15 homes
• Oak and Ave Property Group, Spartanburg – 15 homes
• Housing Development Corporation of Rock Hill – 15 homes
Homes must meet strict guidelines:
✔ 1,000 sq. ft. with 2 beds or 1,200 sq. ft. with 3 beds
✔ Both models include 2 bathrooms
✔ No pricing above program caps
To help make construction viable, SC Housing is offering a $12,500 subsidy per home. The program also supports buyers directly by offering $25,000 in forgivable assistance for down payment and closing costs, paired with a 30-year mortgage from partner lenders. Buyers must earn $135,000 or less, depending on county, and agree not to rent out or use the home as a second property.
The South Carolina Legislature allocated $5 million in this year’s budget — enough to expand the original concept from 30 homes to more than quadruple that number.
While some builders previously questioned whether rising land and construction expenses would prevent participation, industry collaboration helped fine-tune the program.
Howie Mason, regional construction manager for McGuinn Homes, said SC Housing listened to builder feedback. Some requirements for materials were updated to reflect modern, cost-efficient options. Developers also provided McGuinn with slight lot discounts.
“Plus, we want building community to be not just something we advertise but something we do,” Mason said of McGuinn’s decision to commit.
McGuinn has seen first-time buyers increasingly priced out due to higher interest rates and construction costs. This initiative reopens the door for that group.
McGuinn’s first 10 to 15 homes will be located in Lower Richland, at the Reserves at Mill Creek neighborhood south of Columbia. Construction is scheduled to begin in January, with homes expected on the market by spring.
Although extras like window blinds and fenced yards will not be included, Mason said the homes will still feature a one-car garage and feel visually consistent with existing neighborhood properties.
Next, McGuinn will expand in Orangeburg County, where there is demand but limited modern housing stock. Mason noted that in some rural areas, finding available homes can be “nearly as hard” as in the state’s largest metro regions.
Future homes may also be built near Spartanburg or Beaufort, reflecting the builder’s multiple regional offices.
McGuinn Homes has previous experience with affordable housing efforts through relationships with the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority and Columbia Housing Authority. Mason believes the Made It Home! structure is sustainable and could become a recurring program.
“It puts more power and ability into the hands of the builders,” he said. “And if you let us help, we will.”
As construction kicks off, local officials and housing advocates see Made It Home! as a significant step toward rebuilding affordability in communities where residents increasingly struggle to stay rooted.
Originally reported by
Jessica Holdman in SCdailygazette.
