People often ask me what do I gain or lose by choosing to buy property inside a plantation or gated community.  I will start off by defining plantations as being planned communities with some amenity structure, an independent owners association, private security, gates and often offering a unique lifestyle. While this definition is more of a generalization, the important idea to grasp is that plantations generally offered a specific structure that varies from the surrounding area and often creates a unique lifestyle.  Take Wexford Plantation or Colleton River Plantation as examples.  These communities offer a private golf experience, with instructors, a driving range, well manicured greens and fairways on one or more private courses that are not open to the public.  Both clubs have magnificent dining experiences, regularly planned social activities and are well maintained by their ownership.  While these communities also offer tennis, boating and several amenities, their focus is to appeal to the elite golfer that desires the live in the ultimate golf “lifestyle” experience. 

Port Royal Plantation, like Leamington in Palmetto Dunes Resort, offer a private (meaning no short term, week to week rental) oceanfront resort lifestyle with semi-private golfing (meaning there are membership options, but play is also open to non-property owners).  Two of the most popular resorts on the island, Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines offer a resort lifestyle with a strong variety of all elements from 3+ miles of oceanfront, 3+ golf courses, nationally ranked tennis programs, harbors and planned activities for all ages.

Each Plantation Ownership Association, often referred to as the “POA,” governs the changes within the boundaries of the community, conducts annual meetings to determine budgets and fees, and have boards to maintain the lifestyle and appeal of the community.  The Architectural Review Board or ARB is one example of a committee set up to maintain the appeal of the plantation by controlling construction and landscape options.

Hilton Head Island, SC as a whole is very unique as it is structured on covenants that protect and preserve the land.  The sheer beauty and enhancements do not all come naturally.  The Town of Hilton Head is very much like a POA for the entire island, lacking some jurisdiction within the Plantations.  The appeal of Hilton Head Island can be accredited to the work the Town has put into the island over the years.  The strict building regulation and growing ownership of the land by the Town helps to ensure all Hilton Head Real Estate owners that the majestic draw of the island will always be there and most likely be enhanced over time.  The convenience of all of life’s commercial amenities are within a 10 minute drive, but many do not recognize them as they are hidden behind the trees and the lighting at night is extremely subtle keeping the stars shining brightly above.  The ease of transportation provides the ability to get to your restaurant, grocery store or shopping center quickly and then allowing you to quietly tuck away into your plantation or development without commercial distraction.  The structure of Hilton Head Island creates a lifestyle that any island property owner has the privilege of experiencing, whether inside or outside of a plantation.

So what do you lack by not living within a plantation?  Well, you certainly do not lack the Lowcountry or Hilton Head lifestyle.  You still enjoy all of the beauty, ease of transportation and access to most of the area plantations’ amenities.  Some might say you lack the security of a gated community; however, most will note no difference.  The value of property is higher in a plantation because of the convenience of access to the amenities.  While these amenities are very nice, there is also some common area maintenance cost your annual POA fee typically ranging from $900-1,600 in oceanfront resort communities, which you would lack off plantation.  The rental income from real estate away from the ocean is typically stronger within oceanfront resort plantations as they are able to book additional weeks from the Fall and Spring to golfers, tennis player’s, boaters, etc. because of onsite amenities.

If you are considering Hilton Head Real Estate, I will always expose you to all of your options and it is important that you make the determination of what is right based on your preferences. 

Hilton Head Plantation Real Estate is leading the way this year with approximately 60 properties sold year to date with another 40+ currently under contract.  As we are approaching the halfway point, it is safe to say that with 150 listings on the market, we now have less than a full year supply of inventory. 

Why is this market moving?

Hilton Head Plantation is a community offering all of the island's best amenities with the only exception being direct oceanfront access.  The price points in this area provide the most home for the dollar in a gated plantation on Hilton Head.  Plus millions of baby-boomers are retiring for years to come and this is an extremely common option for full time residents.

If you are looking to buy Hilton Head Real Estate in Hilton Head Plantation, it is time to act!

Harbourfest in Shelter Cove has kicked off for another summer with outdoor music, fireworks and entertainment for people of all ages. This event happens every Tuesday night starting around 6pm.

As the summer is now in full swing, there are plenty of events on a daily basis to keep your family and friends entertainted.  The Hilton Head Island Chamber website can keep you informed on contacts, time and locations.

If you are relocating to hilton head island, it is important to identify an experienced REAL ESTATE EXPERT.  As there are a variety of planned communities both on and off of the island, one might find themselves overwhelmed and confused by the variation in options.  Fees including FLOOD, WIND, HAIL, HAZARD INSURANCE as well as REGIMES, POA (PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION) FEES, TAXES and TRANSFER FEES vary from property to property.  DANIEL MOSKOWITZ is an expert LICENSED SOUTH CAROLINA REAL ESTATE BROKER that specializes on and around HILTON HEAD ISLAND and is a consistent TOP PRODUCER.

I specialize in representing buyers and sellers in real estate transactions in and around HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC.  For on island properties, I have spent more time in the OCEANFRONT communities of PALMETTO DUNES, SEA PINES, SHIPYARD, FOREST BEACH, SHIPYARD,SINGLETON BEACH, BURKES BEACH, FOLLY FIELD, and PORT ROYAL.  I also serve more of the private golf and boating oriented communities on the back side of HILTON HEAD ISLAND including WEXFORD, LONG COVE, SHELTER COVE,   PALMETTO HALL, HILTON HEAD PLANTATION, INDIGO RUN and SPANISH WELLS.  I also serve clients in off of the island in COLLETON RIVER, BELFAIR, BERKELEY HALL, SUN CITY, ROSE HILL, EAGLES POINT and THE CRESCENT.  As BLUFFTON is more difficult to specialize in because of the diverse community and neighborhood structures, I will always refer to an agent that I trust will service your best interest. 

Our local Hilton Head Island, SC Real Estate market continues to exceed national trends and averages, but why?  Aside from the quality of life and natural beauty our island has to offer, there are several advantages our local economy will continue to thrive on as it has in the current state of our national economy. 

How does Hilton Head Island thrive?  We are a target market for the near 80 million baby boomers that will retire over the next 15-20 years.  Local industry both on and off of the island continue to grow within the limits that the restrictive environmental covenants allow, and our core values that drive people to our area continue to be enhanced annually by building more parks, walkways, and nature preserves.  We are not rural and suburban America where industry that initially drove settlement is now leaving, we are the next dream home to many generations to come and our Town keeps a strong focus on staying on the top of the ladder. 

Great values that hit our market continue to sell within days, sometimes with multiple offers.  There are daily transactions amongst area homes and villas of all price ranges.  We have seen more multi million dollar purchases in the second half of this year, and many island communities show the same transactions numbers as this time last year indicating we are leveling.  Remember, real estate is local and Hilton Head Island, SC is unique and as soon as you know it is the bottom of our market, it is too late.