Home Equity Loan Rates in South Carolina (January 2025)

A home equity loan (HEL) can help you maximize your home equity, whether you're looking to fund home improvement projects or consolidate debt.

South Carolina's home equity loan rates are slightly above national averages — 7.9% APR for a 10-year term (7.7% nationally) and 8.1% APR for a 15-year term (7.9% nationally). We've compiled detailed insights on current home equity loan rates in South Carolina, including city-specific rates, top lenders, and tips on securing the best rates for using your home's equity.

Key Takeaways

blueCheck icon

Higher LTV ratios lead to higher rates. The average APR for a 15-year HEL in South Carolina with an 80% LTV is 8%, compared to 8.4% for a 90% LTV.

blueCheck icon

HEL rates vary by city in South Carolina. For example, for 15-year loans, Johns Island has an average APR of 6.2%, whereas Hilton Head Island's is 9.8%.

blueCheck icon

Different lenders offer varying rates for the same loan types. Carolina Bank & Trust Company's average APR is 3.8%, whereas PNC Bank's is 10%.

MoneyGeek examined 26 different banks and credit unions in South Carolina using S&P Global's SNL Depository Rates dataset to stay current on the latest home equity loan rates.

This data is accurate as of January 2025.

26Lenders Analyzed

Current Home Equity Loan Rates in South Carolina

The current average APR for a 15-year home equity loan in South Carolina is 8.1%, but several factors might affect what lenders offer. For instance, a higher credit score can lead to a lower APR, while a larger loan amount might result in a higher rate. Repayment terms also play a role in determining loan rates. Compare the current home equity loan rates in South Carolina across different loan terms to find the best fit for your financial needs.

10Year7.9%
15Year8.1%
5Year7.6%

Interest rates for home equity loans change daily. Monitoring these changes can help you save money, as a lower rate means you'll pay less in interest over the life of the loan. Additionally, with favorable rates, financing renovations or repairs becomes more affordable.

For instance, a 15-year home equity loan with an 8.1% APR results in a monthly payment of $481 and a total interest of $36,529. On the other hand, a 10-year loan with a 7.9% APR has a monthly payment of $604 and a total interest of $22,480. Keeping an eye on current rates can guide you in choosing the right loan term for your financial needs.

loanVsLoan icon
HOME EQUITY LOANS VS. HELOCS IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are popular options for homeowners to tap into their home's equity. Home equity loans have fixed rates, averaging 7.9%, while HELOC rates in South Carolina are variable, averaging 8.1%.

Fixed rates mean consistent monthly payments, providing financial predictability. Variable rates can start lower but may increase, leading to higher payments over time.

Home Equity Loan Rates by LTV Ratio

The rate you qualify for depends on your loan-to-value ratio, which measures how much you owe on your mortgage compared to your home's appraised value. To calculate your LTV ratio, divide your current mortgage balance by your home's appraised value and multiply by 100. For example, if your home is valued at $300,000 and you owe $240,000 on your mortgage, your LTV ratio is 80%.

A higher LTV ratio presents greater risk to lenders, leading to higher interest rates. In South Carolina, the average APR for a 15-year equity loan with an 80% LTV is 8%, compared to 8.4% for a 90% LTV. Use the table below to explore average home equity loan rates you might qualify for based on your LTV ratio.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Repayment Terms:10Year
7.9%8.1%

Home Equity Loan Rates by City in South Carolina

Average APRs also vary between cities in South Carolina. Cities with higher living costs may see slightly higher rates, as lenders face increased operational expenses. Additionally, differences in property taxes or local fees can influence rates, affecting overall borrowing costs.

In South Carolina, Johns Island has an average APR of 6.1%, while Hilton Head Island has an average APR of 10.0%. Below is a table showing the cities in South Carolina and their average APRs for home equity loans with different terms.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
City:Charleston
10Year8.3%
15Year8.4%
5Year8.5%

Home Equity Loan Lenders in South Carolina

Home equity loan rates in South Carolina vary significantly between lenders, influenced by each lender's policies, risk assessments, and market strategies. For instance, Carolina Bank & Trust Company offers the lowest average APR at 3.8%, while PNC Bank has the highest at 10%.

Comparing rates and terms from different lenders is the best way to secure the lowest home equity loan rates. Explore the interactive table below to see which lenders offer the lowest rates in your city.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
City:Charleston
First National Bank of Pennsylvania6.8%
Navy Federal Credit Union7.6%
United Community Bank8.2%
South Carolina Federal Credit Union8.4%
PNC Bank10.0%
State Department Federal Credit Union
vs icon
COMPARING HOME EQUITY LOAN RATES: BANKS VS. CREDIT UNIONS

Considering credit unions in your lender options can be beneficial as they often offer lower home equity loan rates in South Carolina. While commercial banks in the state have an average APR of 8.4%, credit unions provide a more competitive rate of 7.8%. Keep in mind that credit unions might have stricter membership requirements.

How to Get the Best Home Equity Loan Rate in South Carolina

Getting the best possible home equity interest rates can lower your monthly payments and reduce total borrowing costs, freeing up funds for other financial goals. This can make a significant difference in your financial flexibility. To secure the best home equity loan rates in South Carolina, consider these strategies:

    bank icon

    Compare lenders

    Lenders may offer different APRs for the same loan amount and credit profile. For instance, Neighbors United Federal Credit Union advertises an average APR of 6.0%, while PNC Bank offers 10.0%. Comparing different home equity loan lenders in South Carolina can help you find better rates.

    house2 icon

    Increase your home's equity

    Having more equity in your home can result in more competitive rates from lenders. South Carolina homeowners can increase their home's equity by adding screened porches or hurricane-proofing.

    excellentCredit icon

    Improve your credit score

    Increasing your credit score can lead to more competitive home equity loan rates. Pay bills on time and reduce credit card debt to improve your credit score. The average credit score in South Carolina is 692, according to Equifax.

    discount icon

    Decrease debt-to-income ratio

    A lower debt-to-income (DTI) ratio — the percentage of your monthly income that goes toward paying debts — can lead to better rates as lenders see you as a less risky borrower.

cash

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Provide your income and recurring payments to calculate your DTI.

Monthly Income Before Taxes

$

Recurring Monthly Debts

Enter all applicable payments to ensure accurate results.

$
$
$
$
$

FAQ About Home Equity Loan Rates in South Carolina

MoneyGeek addresses common homeowner questions about home equity loan rates in South Carolina. We provide clear, factual information to help you understand how these rates work and what factors may influence them. By offering reliable insights, MoneyGeek ensures you can make informed decisions about your home equity options.

What is the interest rate on a home equity loan in South Carolina?

How do you calculate your home equity in South Carolina?

Do home equity loan rates vary between cities in South Carolina?

Does a home equity loan in South Carolina have tax benefits?

What are possible drawbacks of securing a home equity loan in South Carolina?

How long does it take to get a home equity loan in South Carolina?

How do you get a home equity loan in South Carolina?

What can I use my funds for? Are there any home equity loan use restrictions in South Carolina?

Can you only take out a home equity loan in South Carolina on your primary residence?

What other home equity products can you consider if you want to tap into your home's equity in South Carolina?

What's the difference between a HELOC and a home equity loan?

About Zachary Romeo, CBCA


Zachary Romeo, CBCA headshot

Zachary Romeo is a certified Commercial Banking and Credit Analyst (CBCA), and the Head of Loans and Banking at MoneyGeek. Previously, he led production teams for some of the largest online informational resources in higher education, with over 13 years of experience in editorial production.

Romeo has a bachelor's degree in biological engineering from Cornell University. He geeks out on minimizing personal debt and helping others do the same through people-first content.


sources