Single Family Homes, Cottages, Villas and New Builds

Which Kiawah Island Home Works Best For You?

When looking for a home on Kiawah Island, you’re presented with a variety of options. From single family homes and cottages, to villas and homesite builds, Kiawah Island Real Estate has the variety and availability of home types you’re looking for. 

Before deciding on a Kiawah Island home type, you must first determine your list of needs and must-haves for your Kiawah Island home. Will you need an expansive home to accommodate family vacations, or a smaller cottage for just you and your spouse? Do you value the beauty of a well-maintained landscape design, or would you prefer a lack of landscaping altogether? Would you rather buy a home, or build one?

The answers to these questions and others like them will allow you to determine which Kiawah Island home type is best for you. If you’re not sure how to answer these questions, that’s okay — we’re here to help. 

To help you gain a better understanding of the different home types on the Island, we’ve provided the key information below. Our goal is to make your decision as easy as possible, and bring you one step closer to calling Kiawah Island home. 

Let’s begin. 

Kiawah Island Home Type: Single Family Homes

There’s nothing quite like a Kiawah Island home. After all, they’re more than just homes, they’re works of art. 

While each home is designed within the nature surrounding it, they’re far from disappearing into the view. Kiawah Island homes are standouts. If you find a home you love on Kiawah, you won’t find another like it.

Price

The average price for a Kiawah Island home varies, but most homes list for $1 million and above. However, there are available homes that may be more affordable, so be sure to work with your Kiawah Island Real Estate Sales Executive to determine the right budget for you. 

Size

In comparison to cottages and villas, homes are undeniably the largest. It’s not uncommon to find homes in excess of 6,000 square feet, with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. This amount of space is highly accommodating to homeowners who simply require more space for guests, family members, storage and more. 

Acreage

Most Kiawah Island homes sit on at least an acre of land, but many come with multiple acres. This not only gives you the space to perfect your landscaping, but also provides privacy, granting you your own secluded getaway. 

Views

Homes on Kiawah Island offer a variety of views, some even with multiple view points. You can find available homes with an oceanfront, lagoon, marsh or river view, as well as homes with a view of exclusive golf courses, tennis courts, parks and more. 

Privacy

Every Kiawah Island home is private, meaning you won’t have neighbors sharing a wall like you might in a villa. Whether you’re lounging indoors or out, you’ll feel totally at peace in one of our private homes. 

Club Membership 

Kiawah Island Club Memberships are only available to buyers purchasing a home or homesite. The Club has a variety of benefits, such as access to exclusive Island amenities, five-star services, and one-of-a-kind offerings for property owners. From golfing, water sports and social events, there’s something for everyone as a Kiawah Island Club Member. 

Click here to view our properties with access to the private club membership. 

Kiawah Island Home Type: Homesites

When considering Kiawah Island home types, don’t forget to consider homesites. These exclusive lots of land are scattered throughout the Island, allowing homebuyers to find the perfect location to build their dream home. 

Price

In 2019, homesite purchases averaged just under $700,000 but the median price was just under $400,000 proving a wide price range available.  Discuss your options with your Sales Executive to determine the best price and location for you. 

Size

When it comes to building a home, the size is ultimately up to you! There may be limitations due to the location of the homesite, but building a home gives you the opportunity to make it as expansive or cozy as you want.

Acreage

The price of a homesite is highly dependant on the acreage and location. For example, homesites with an acre or more of land with an oceanfront view may range into the millions. Alternatively, homesites with small acreage and a forest view may only cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

Either way, both small and large amounts of acreage are available when purchasing a homesite. 

Views

Just like the size of your Island home, the view is up to you, too! If you want to live on the ocean, you can purchase a homesite there. If you prefer the golf course, you can have that, too. This level of buying freedom is truly is the beauty of purchasing a homesite rather than an existing home. 

Privacy

Privacy isn’t an issue when purchasing homesites since you get to build and design your Island home. You can choose the landscaping and features of the home to maximize privacy, or remain open to enjoy the view and Island community. 

Club Membership 

Like homes, homesite buyers may have access to the Kiawah Island Club and its many amenities. Not all homes and homesites come with a membership though. If you’re looking for a homesite with a guaranteed Club Membership, be sure to explore our homesites at The Estuary, Eagle Island, Little Eagle Island, Garden Cottages,  Clubhouse Village, and Marsh Walk among others. 

Learn more about the benefits of building your Island home in our blog,

Build or Buy? 5 Reasons To Build Your Vacation Home

Kiawah Island Home Type: Cottages

While quaint, Kiawah Island cottages offer the same elegance as other homes on the Island. If you’re looking for a true “island” home, a cottage could be the perfect fit for you. 

Cottages are an ideal choice for someone looking to visit the Island throughout the year since they require less upkeep, landscaping and maintenance.

Price

Cottages range in price depending on their size and location, however they typically cost an average of $500,000. 

Size

Cottages are also much smaller in size — usually less than 2,000 square feet — but that doesn’t make them any less spacious. Many cottages offer multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, providing plenty of space for a growing family. 

Acreage

Purchasing a cottage also means less landscaping, which is ideal for someone looking to use their Island home periodically throughout the year. A smaller amount of land requires less upkeep, yet still provides you with the beloved scenic environment of Kiawah. 

Views

Where you may compromise on size, you won’t on views. Cottages boast the same exquisite views as homes, especially when it comes to marsh, lagoon and forest views. You’ll likely even spot some Kiawah Island wildlife in the backyard! 

Privacy

Like Island homes, cottages are standalone and private, giving you seclusion and community all at once. 

Club Membership

Cottage owners do not have access to the Kiawah Island Club. However, all cottage owners have access to the Kiawah Island Community Association flagship amenity, The Sandcastle, boasting  an oceanfront pool, family pool, fitness rooms with an ocean view, and The Castle Grille and Sandbar serving delicious food and beachy beverages. 

Kiawah Island Home Type: Villas

Our villas simplify island life, making it easier than ever to relax and enjoy everything the Island has to offer. Many of our villas are merely steps away from the ocean, allowing you to walk the beaches of Kiawah Island whenever you please. 

Price

Villas typically cost upwards of $1 million and are the ideal rental property. Many villa owners rent out their property to vacationers throughout the year. This supplemental income is of high value to many homebuyers, and something to consider when contemplating a villa purchase. 

Size

Villas are quite spacious, with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms that are perfect for hosting friends and family. A majority of villas are in excess of 2,000 square feet, which is quite large considering villas aren’t standalone homes! 

Acreage

There is no acreage associated with villas. For some, not having land to maintain may be an issue. However, for others, the lack of maintenance is in large part the appeal of this Kiawah Island home type. 

Views

Ocean, lagoon and golf course views are in abundance for Island villas — which are undeniably some of the most beautiful views on the Island!

Privacy

Villas are not standalone properties like a home or cottage. Villas commonly share a floor, wall or ceiling with other properties. 

Club Membership 

Villa owners do not have access to the Kiawah Island Club. However, all cottage owners have access to the Kiawah Island Community Association flagship amenity, The Sandcastle, boasting an oceanfront pool, family pool and fitness rooms with an ocean view, as well as The Castle Grille and Sandbar serving delicious food and beachy beverages. 

Ready to Call Kiawah Island Home? We Can Help

No matter which Kiawah Island home type you choose, we’re here to support you the entire way. Each has its benefits, and it’s ultimately up to you which option complements the needs of you and your family the best. 

If you’re ready to buy, now is the time to do it. Let us help you determine which Kiawah Island home is right for you. Contact our team for more information, resources and expert advice.