Home Equity in South Carolina: How Much Can You Cash Out? (2026)
With South Carolina's median value near $320,000 and a typical $176,000 balance, homeowners can access about $96,000 at 85% combined LTV — through a HELOC, a fixed home equity loan, or a cash-out refinance.
In South Carolina, the cheapest way to tap equity is usually a second lien (HELOC/home equity loan) if your current mortgage rate is low; a cash-out refinance replaces the whole loan at 80% LTV.
Accessible equity by South Carolina county
| County | Est. Value | Equity at 85% CLTV |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville County | $360,000 | $108,000 |
| Richland County | $260,000 | $78,000 |
| Charleston County | $560,000 | $168,000 |
| Horry County | $340,000 | $102,000 |
| Spartanburg County | $290,000 | $86,500 |
| Lexington County | $300,000 | $90,000 |
| York County | $320,000 | $96,000 |
| Berkeley County | $320,000 | $96,000 |
| Anderson County | $320,000 | $96,000 |
| Aiken County | $320,000 | $96,000 |
| Beaufort County | $320,000 | $96,000 |
| Dorchester County | $320,000 | $96,000 |
| Florence County | $320,000 | $96,000 |
| Pickens County | $320,000 | $96,000 |
| Sumter County | $320,000 | $96,000 |
| Lancaster County | $320,000 | $96,000 |
| Oconee County | $320,000 | $96,000 |
| Orangeburg County | $320,000 | $96,000 |
| Laurens County | $320,000 | $96,000 |
| Darlington County | $320,000 | $96,000 |
| Georgetown County | $320,000 | $96,000 |
| Kershaw County | $320,000 | $96,000 |
How to tap equity in South Carolina
Start with your numbers: home value minus what you owe, capped at 85% of value. Then pick the tool — a revolving HELOC for flexible access, a fixed home equity loan for a lump sum, or a cash-out refinance if a new first-mortgage rate beats your current one. Compare two or three lenders, since margins and fees vary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How much home equity can I tap in South Carolina?
- On a $320,000 home with a $176,000 balance, about $96,000 at 85% CLTV. Your exact limit depends on the lender, your credit, and the appraisal.
- Is a HELOC or cash-out better in South Carolina?
- If your first mortgage rate is low, a HELOC or home equity loan is usually cheaper because it keeps that rate. A cash-out refinance only wins when today's rate beats your current one.