Waterbridge Real Estate Market Update 2026: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know
An inside look at Waterbridge in Carolina Forest, Myrtle Beach, including 2025 vs. 2026 home sales, pricing trends, and what makes this community unique.
By Jason T. Ellis | Broker-in-Charge, JTE Real Estate
October 2026
Waterbridge continues to be one of Carolina Forest's most distinctive residential communities. Known for its gated entrances, beautiful lakes, custom homes, and exceptional amenities, Waterbridge offers a lifestyle that stands apart in the Myrtle Beach market.
From established luxury homes to new construction, the community attracts buyers looking for quality, privacy, and convenient access to everything the Grand Strand offers.
Why Buyers Choose Waterbridge
One of Waterbridge's greatest attractions is its resort-style amenity complex, featuring an expansive swimming pool, clubhouse, fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and additional recreational facilities.
The community also offers scenic lakes, preserved natural areas, and a variety of homesites, including waterfront and wooded settings.
Its location in Carolina Forest provides convenient access to shopping, dining, schools, healthcare, and the beaches of Myrtle Beach.
Another important feature is the variety of homes available. Waterbridge includes distinctive custom residences, new construction, and established resale properties, with different floor plans, finishes, and homesite characteristics.
Waterbridge Real Estate: 2025 vs. 2026
A comparison of MLS closed sales from January 1 through October 24 in both 2025 and 2026 reveals some interesting trends.
Because Waterbridge includes several types of construction, I have separated D.R. Horton and Chesapeake Homes sales from the remaining residential market.
| Sales category | 2025 sales / median price | 2026 sales / median price |
|---|---|---|
| D.R. Horton | 84 / $492,803 | 22 / $493,500 |
| Chesapeake Homes | 41 / $635,000 | 24 / $649,950 |
| Custom, other new construction, and resale homes | 48 / $735,500 | 52 / $725,000 |
| All home sales | 173 | 98 |
While overall transactions declined from 173 to 98, much of that change reflects fewer builder-direct closings.
The remainder of the residential market actually recorded more sales, increasing from 48 in 2025 to 52 in 2026.
The median sale price in that segment remained relatively stable, moving from $735,500 to $725,000.
Resale transactions also increased from 34 to 40 during the reporting periods.
These figures highlight why understanding Waterbridge requires looking beyond a single neighborhood-wide average. Different homes, construction types, and locations can appeal to very different buyers.
Builder categories reflect sales by D.R. Horton and Chesapeake Homes. Previously built homes sold by subsequent owners are included with other residential sales.
What This Means for Waterbridge Homeowners
If you're thinking about selling in Waterbridge, your home's value depends on much more than the community's median sale price.
Homesite size, lake or preserve views, construction quality, floor plan, upgrades, outdoor living space, and the level of competition all influence pricing.
A custom residence on an oversized homesite should not automatically be compared with a smaller production-built home simply because both properties share the same neighborhood.
Understanding those differences is essential when determining the right asking price and marketing strategy.
Explore Available Homes in Waterbridge
Considering a move to Waterbridge? Explore these three beautiful homes currently offered in the community.
Availability and pricing are subject to change.
Why Local Experience Matters
I have been actively involved in Waterbridge real estate for more than a decade, representing buyers and sellers in custom homes, new construction, resale properties, and vacant homesites.
My MLS sales history reflects 68 Waterbridge transactions dating back to 2015, including residential and land sales. That history also includes a $1.2 million transaction involving a package of 22 homesites.
This experience provides firsthand knowledge of the community's builders, property differences, homesite values, and buyer expectations.
As Broker-in-Charge of JTE Real Estate, my goal is to provide accurate market information and develop a strategy based on each property's individual characteristics.
Buying or Selling in Waterbridge?
Whether you're considering a custom home, exploring available resale properties, or thinking about selling, I'd welcome the opportunity to help.
For buyers: Contact me for available Waterbridge homes and a private community tour.
For homeowners: Request a private home value review based on recent MLS sales, competing properties, and the unique features of your home.
Jason T. Ellis
Broker-in-Charge | JTE Real Estate
Licensed in SC, NC, FL & WV
Call or Text: 843-222-2672
jason@jteRealEstate.com
jteRealEstate.com
Source: Waterbridge MLS closed sales, January 1–October 24, 2025 and 2026.
