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Whether it’s your primary or secondary home, deciding to sell your Kiawah Island home is hardly an overnight decision.  We want to ensure you get the most out of your home, both in cherished moments and at closing price. To increase your home’s value at sale and appeal to potential buyers, it’s worth considering certain home renovations prior to listing.  Read on to learn about five renovations to increase your beach home’s value in 2025. 1. Simple Bathroom Renovations Let’s be honest; people spend a generous amount of time in their bathroom. And bathroom renovations typically see the highest return on investment—oftentimes returning over 100 percent of the total cost.  Installing a new sink, shower window, or cabinetry can immediately enhance any bathroom. Focusing on the walls and floors can also enliven a space that was once a dull afterthought. Many homeowners are now painting walls and retiling their bathroom floors to get the most out of their remodels.    2. Install A Kitchen Island or Walk-In Pantry In 2024, upgraded kitchens were one of the most significant selling points for buyers. In fact, even a minor renovation often recovers almost 96% of the investment. Adding an island with an additional sink takes your kitchen to a new level that will leave an impression on potential home buyers. Another simple kitchen upgrade is adding additional pantry/storage space, often done through a walk-in pantry. Walk-in pantries not only look great but are also extremely useful. They allow home cooks to glide in and out, grabbing the necessary ingredients for a meal. Related: The Chef’s Kitchen: A Culinary Dream 3. Reimagine the Floor Plan It’s likely no surprise that open-concept floor plans are popular among homeowners. An open floor plan can drastically improve the look of any home and offer more space for potential buyers.  It’s also important to keep storage in mind when renovating a floor plan. Vacationing families will need plenty of storage and “drop spots” for sandy items after a day at the beach—which is when the addition of a mudroom is perfect! Even villas can be renovated! Get inspired with this Ideal Villa Makeover. 4. Expand Outdoor Space A home’s outdoor space is often one of the first aspects a buyer will notice. Are your outdoor spaces organized logically? What about the landscaping? Is there a designated area for outdoor entertainment?   Sprucing up the outside of your home is just as important as improving the inside. So much so that outdoor renovations are known to result in a return of upwards of 85 percent.  Investing in tasteful and strategic landscaping can be a huge bonus, as can adding an entertainment area, such as a deck or gazebo. If your home already has a deck or patio, consider enhancing these areas with a water feature, outdoor fireplace, or landscape design. People wanting to purchase a home on Kiawah Island will be looking for homes that allow them to enjoy the outdoors and indoors, which is why investing in outdoor improvements is crucial.  5. Build or Convert a Home Office Home offices are huge bonuses, especially considering the more substantial work-from-home trend in recent years. Converting an unused bedroom into an office can give your home an edge during selling. Installing built-in shelving and cabinetry or adding warm office lighting to a bedroom can give it an office vibe. Properly staging the room to reflect an office environment is also vital to the selling process, so including a high-quality desk and desk chair is just as important as any permanent redesign. Learn More: Coastal Home Design Trends for 2025 Selling Your Beach Home on Kiawah Island At Kiawah Island Real Estate, we understand the difficulties of preparing your home for sale, especially if you’re trying to sell your home from afar.  We can walk you through the home-selling process seamlessly so you won’t have to worry about the intricacies and anxieties of selling. If you have questions about selling your Kiawah Island home, contact us below!

In today’s home-buying market, potential buyers often encounter sophisticated terms describing kitchens, such as “chef’s kitchen” or “gourmet kitchen.” With many modern kitchens featuring high-end materials and upscale finishes, it can be challenging to distinguish one from the other. Therefore, it is essential to clarify what constitutes a chef’s kitchen. While there is no formal definition for a “chef’s kitchen,” they can generally be described as kitchens that provide everything a professional chef requires. A chef’s kitchen typically includes high-end appliances, generous storage space, and ample room to accommodate multiple people working on a meal. When individuals are searching for a new home, the term “chef’s kitchen” may pique their interest; however, it is crucial to consider whether they will genuinely benefit from such a space. For home chefs who take delight in cooking, a chef’s kitchen could be the perfect fit. The following sections explore the features of a chef’s kitchen to help determine if it aligns with a prospective buyer’s culinary aspirations. Related: Designing Your Island Property: Kitchen Edition Features of a Chef’s Kitchen A Chef’s Island One of the essential elements of a chef’s kitchen is sufficient counter space. This feature enables multiple people to work efficiently on meal preparation simultaneously. Chef’s kitchens typically include a large island, and some may have two. These islands often encompass large sinks for washing ingredients, a cooktop, multiple storage cabinets, and electrical outlets for various appliances. Ample Space Like a chef’s island, an open floor plan with ample room to move around is vital to creating enough space. This extra space allows for multiple prep stations and easy maneuvering in the kitchen, improving efficiency and limiting accidents. Multiple Ovens In a chef’s kitchen, multiple dishes are often cooked simultaneously at varying temperatures. A chef’s kitchen features at least two high-end ovens, one of which is usually a convection or steam oven.  Sub Zero Refrigerator and Freezer A true chef’s kitchen requires large, professional-quality refrigerators and freezers. These appliances accommodate all of a chef’s many ingredients and often keep them fresh for as long as needed. These higher-end appliances often come equipped with vacuum seals and elaborate filtration systems that help eliminate odors and bacteria. Multiple Deep Sinks A chef’s kitchen frequently includes more than one deep sink, sometimes equipped with dual faucets for added convenience. It is common to find one sink situated on the countertop and another on the chef’s island, allowing each sink to serve its intended function during meal preparation.  Walk-In Pantry A chef needs access to a surplus of ingredients for large meals at home. A walk-in pantry is essential for keeping dry foods organized and within reach, making them easier to find and less of a hassle.  Read More: Designing Your Island Property: Walk-In Pantry Edition Plenty of Organizers and Drawers For effective meal preparation, having quick access to necessary tools and gadgets is vital. Consequently, a chef’s kitchen is often equipped with abundant storage options to efficiently organize all essential items.  What’s the Difference Between a Chef’s Kitchen and a Gourmet Kitchen? While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between a chef’s and a gourmet kitchen. Here are some of the notable differences: Chef’s Kitchen Composition: Has everything a professional chef would need to prepare a large meal. Equipment: Contains professional-level equipment. Size: It is close in size to a small restaurant’s kitchen. Gourmet Kitchen Composition: It is typically more personalized to the home cook’s likes and interests. Equipment: While not generally professional-level, the equipment is usually still high-end. Size: Larger than a standard home kitchen but smaller than a chef’s kitchen. Find the Kitchen of Your Dreams on Kiawah Island For those seeking a unique and luxurious culinary space, Kiawah Island Real Estate offers an array of stunning properties featuring chef’s kitchens that cater to the needs of passionate home chefs.  Browse the available properties below or view our built-for-sale options to design and build your dream kitchen!

When you are ready to buy your dream home, you might wonder whether building vs. buying makes the most sense. While custom homes can be an exciting way to meet all your home needs, they can also take a lot of time and money. On the other hand, buying a house with history behind it can be a fun experience as you work at making it your own.  Regardless of where you currently sit on the build vs. buy spectrum, both routes have pros and cons. Below, we will dive into each of these routes, discussing their strengths and weaknesses and ultimately determining which option might be right for you. So grab your hammer and nails as we delve into the build vs. buy debate! Building Pros Customization: The most obvious benefit of building your home is the opportunity to customize everything to your taste. From the floors to the lighting, appliances, cabinets, and much more, you can pick and choose. So, whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse feel or a mid-century modern, the choice is yours. Learn More: Built-For-Sale vs. Custom Building Reduced Maintenance: Newly-built homes must meet all current building codes and have up-to-date technology, so you won’t have to worry about major repairs or maintenance issues for the first few years. Perhaps best of all, you won’t have to worry about discovering any of the previous owners’ repairs. No Competition: When the real estate market is competitive, it can be a stressful experience trying to lock down a home when there are multiple other bidders. When you own the land and build on it, you don’t have to worry about fighting to secure a house just days after it reaches the market.  Lower Energy Costs: New homes often come with the latest energy-efficient appliances and materials, ensuring you receive much lower energy bills. In the long run, this is beneficial as older homes can end up costing a fortune in energy bills and the replacement of older, less efficient systems.  Cons Time: On average, constructing a new home takes seven to twelve months. Closing on an existing house typically takes 30 to 45 days. For some, the time it takes to build a home is already too much; for others, the cost of continuing to live somewhere else while the house is being built is too great to bear financially. Noise and Mess: This doesn’t apply to every scenario, especially if you are building somewhere remote, but noise and mess can be a major issue if you are building near other new homes. While you may be moved into your new home, other homes in your neighborhood may still be in progress, meaning a lot of noise and a potentially messy commute for you. Fixed or Growing Cost: Most home buyers go into the purchasing process expecting the ability to negotiate a lower price, which can often work out in their favor. Additionally, on average, the cost to buy a home in 2022 was $535,500, while the cost to build was around $645,000, meaning it was over $100,000 more expensive on average. Learn more about different architectural styles in our Complete Guide to South Carolina’s Architectural Styles. Buying Pros Better Choice of Location: As mentioned above, building a home can be costly. The money you save from buying an existing home can go towards snagging a great location. There may be a home in a historic neighborhood you have eyes on or a community you always loved growing up. Buying a home can allow you to move into nicer areas if that is one of your priorities.  Ability to Negotiate: As a buyer, you can negotiate the price on the home as well asrepairs and maintenance that need to be done before moving in. Negotiating closing costs is another way to save money when buying a home. Time Saved: When buying an existing home, you won’t need to wait for your contractor to finish up your hardwood floors or kitchen cabinets. Most transactions close within 30-45 days, so you can get into your new home quicker. Cons Updates and Repairs: The previous owner may have loved their leopard print wallpaper and orange tiled sink, but those may not match your style. When buying a home, you will most likely face updates that need to be made. On a similar note, you might also need to make some repairs, especially if you are purchasing an older home. So, it’s vital to always consider the age of your home when buying. Environmental Issues: While this isn’t applicable in every case, if you buy a really old home, you may need to deal with harmful chemicals, like lead paint or even asbestos. This would be another additional cost that you should consider in your home-buying process. Compromises: Chances are you won’t find a home that checks off everything on your wishlist, meaning you might have to settle for some things you don’t like or not everything you were hoping for. And while this is to be expected when buying a home, it is worth noting when considering building or buying. Related: When is the Best Time to Buy A Home on Kiawah Island  Which is Right for You? The debate between build vs. buy all comes down to your priorities. Building might be for you if you genuinely value making a home entirely yours and aren’t worried about additional cost or time. On the other hand, buying a home might be right for you if you value a great location in a great neighborhood and a home with some character. Either option can work for you if you go into it with the right mindset and understand that there are bound to be hiccups along the way, but they are challenges you can and will get through. Buy or Build Your Dream Home on Kiawah Island Regardless of your preference, we would love to have you join our fantastic community on Kiawah Island. We have beautifully designed existing homes, built-for-sale homes, and homesites available for viewing. Browse our properties below and reach out to our team to schedule a viewing!            

Home to unmatched natural beauty, pristine beaches, and professional golf courses, Kiawah Island is adored by its residents and Members. The Island houses various communities, each magical in its own way. With all the great communities on the Island, choosing just one can be a challenge. Allow us to do the work for you. Below, we break down each community and highlight its distinct characteristics. Later, we will provide a step-by-step guide to finding your perfect community on Kiawah Island. Cassique The unparalleled Cassique community is nestled where the Kiawah River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Each home in the community is expertly designed with an island-living feel sprinkled with Lowcountry style. Houses on large, well-planned sites with golf, creek, marsh, and long ocean views scatter this majestic community, making it one of the most beautiful districts on the Island. West Beach The West Beach community is nearest the main gate, providing convenient access to Charleston and other nearby destinations. The Sandcastle Community Center offers a variety of activities, including a gym, two pools, and seasonal dining options. West Beach offers multi-family and residential offerings, along with a plethora of oceanfront and river views. The addition of the Cougar Point Golf Course with its newly-designed Clubhouse shines a light on the community’s golf offerings.  East Beach The centralized location of the East Beach community provides easy access to all the Island offers. Outdoor enthusiasts delight in access to Night Heron Park and the Nature Center, while East Beach’s status as the central hub for tennis on the Island makes it ideal for athletic devotees. This community also includes two new pools and the top-ranked Turtle Point Golf Course, designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus.  Related: The History of Golf on Kiawah Island Vanderhorst The Vanderhorst community offers residents additional privacy with a second gate and spacious lots. Water lovers will find Vanderhorst enticing with its abundant water access, including Rhett’s Bluff Boat Landing, Eagle Point Landing in The Preserve, and the Cinder Creek Pavilion for all your canoe and kayaking needs. Golf lovers will find that Vanderhorst is home to three spectacular golf courses, including Osprey Point and the private River Course. Ocean Park Ocean Park is found on the Island’s eastern tip and rewards its residents with large homesites, spectacular nature, a mile-long ribbon park, and incredible views of the marsh, river, and ocean. This luxury community is also home to The Ocean Course, host of the 1991 Ryder Cup, 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships, and the future 2031 PGA Championship. Golfers who brave this course are treated with views of the Atlantic Ocean, marshland, and the 250-acre Little Bear Island preservation area. Residents of Ocean Park also enjoy access to Marsh House—a private community gathering spot spectacularly situated on Ocean Park’s expansive southern marsh. Finding the Right Kiawah Island Community for You Each of the communities on Kiawah Island has unique offerings that fit specific interests better than others. So, how do you find the right community for you? Follow along as we break down some steps you can take to determine which of our five communities may work for you. Learn More: Kiawah Island: A True Community 1. Determine Your Priorities With an abundance of available properties on Kiawah Island, the options are endless. To narrow your search, it’s essential to understand your priorities and how they should impact your community choice. Do you want to be closer to Charleston and nearby areas? Would you prefer being close to social action or living a more reserved and private life? Are athletic activities such as golf or tennis important to you? By answering these questions, you should be able to determine which communities check some or all of your boxes. 2. View Available Listings Once you have at least a general idea of your priorities, it’s essential to look at properties that may meet those needs.  Click here to view our current listings. What is great about this step is that you may surprise yourself and find some properties outside of your previously defined “priorities. ” This means you may need to reorganize your wants and needs and consider something a little outside your comfort zone. This type of mindset is a great way to ensure you are thorough in the search for your next home. 3. Speak to a Member of Our Team Once you have a few properties in mind, you should learn more about them and the communities they inhabit. A great way to gain additional insight into your desired properties and communities is to contact a Kiawah Island Real Estate sales executive. Our team of Island experts can help answer any questions you may have and also assist in narrowing down your search to a few properties or communities. 4. Schedule a Tour Doing your due diligence and researching online, coupled with speaking with our sales team, is definitely a good start, but to truly understand which community is right for you, it’s important to experience them in person. Talk to a sales team member about scheduling a tour, or stop by one of our offices during business hours, and a team member can take you around our beautiful Island.  Live Your Dream Life on Kiawah Island No matter which community you end up in on Kiawah Island, we are confident that you will love your choice. Let us help you in your home search. Reach out to a member of our team below. We look forward to helping you live your desired life on Kiawah Island!

Our luxurious communities, situated on 10,000 acres of coastal land, satisfy many unique tastes without compromising on the Island’s natural beauty. Whether you prefer ocean, river, or marsh views, there is surely a home for you here. Our communities all offer an assortment of luxurious amenities while maintaining uniqueness, setting each community apart in its own way. With so many Kiawah Island homes for sale, it can be hard to choose one that’s perfect for you. Our team here at Kiawah Island Realt Estate wants to make this process as seamless as possible for you. Our wonderful Island wouldn’t be what it is without the fantastic properties and homesites built on it. While we have many incredible listings available to view now, this blog will focus on our featured oceanfront homesites. With these homesites, you have the ability to build your dream home and make it completely yours. Below, we will break down three of these homesites and describe the unique features each one offers. 97 and 99 Flyway Drive These three-and-a-half-acre properties are the two largest remaining oceanfront homesites currently available. These properties offer 125 feet of oceanfront and 1200 feet of depth, impressive views, and unrivaled privacy. Lush with native greenery and filled with beautiful coastal dunes, these homesites immerse one in nature from sunrise to their beautiful sunsets. Both locations are conveniently a short bike ride from The Beach Club, meaning future residents will enjoy convenient access to all the Island offers.   97 Flyway and 99 Flyway provide an ideal space for building a family retreat away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The properties also offer access to a Social Membership to Kiawah Island Club, which provides endless opportunities to build life-long connections and memories on the Island.  112 Flyway Drive This rare piece of oceanfront property represents the first time in 12 years that a homesite has been listed for sale on Flyway Drive. This property is a transitory opportunity to purchase oceanfront property on one of the most beautiful Islands in the Southeast. Situated on one acre, 112 Flyway has spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, facing both the South and the West. This property is large enough for an estate-sized home of up to 12,000 heated square feet. A Kiawah Island Golf Club Membership is also available upon purchase of this property, giving its residents unrestrained entrance to the Club’s world-class amenities. This type of Membership offers residents access to dining options, fitness, golf, tennis, pools, and much more, all just a short walk or bike ride away! Club Membership Benefits Both properties offer Club Membership, sweetening the purchase price of these homesites. Future residents of these lots will have access to dining run by award-winning chefs, PGA-level golf courses, and meticulously designed gathering spaces for the entire family to enjoy. Becoming a Club Member truly enhances your Kiawah Island experience.  Club access offers more than the luxurious amenities mentioned above. It also provides access to exciting experiences such as a dolphin-watching cruise, full-moon kayaking, clay shooting, and unparalleled spa services. Club Members experience Island life at its very best. Find Your Dream Property Today!  Living on Kiawah Island is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with many activities to partake in. The Island is also a place for serene tranquility, offering residents a retreat from busy life and a reconnection with nature. Whether you enjoy swimming, biking, hiking, floating, or boating, the Island provides it all. We look forward to helping you find your next dream home!