The successful release of a new collection of homesites in the country club neighborhood of Daniel Island Park last week indicates that demand for residential property on Daniel Island remains strong. On May 10, Daniel Island Real Estate released 36 lots with deepwater, golf, marsh and park views. Framed by Ralston Creek and the Daniel Island Club’s newly opened, Rees Jones-designed Ralston Creek golf course, the release represented the island’s first offering of deepwater sites in over two years. Prices ranged from $350,000 for interior sites to $2.25 million for deepwater sites with shared or private docks. All but four of the 36 homesites were sold on the morning of the release, totaling over $25 million in gross sales.

"The allure of a club lifestyle with golf courses by Tom Fazio and Rees Jones and the opportunity to be a part of an active and vibrant community puts Daniel Island Park on the short list for many who are looking for a primary or second home in the region," said Matt Sloan, chief operating officer of the Daniel Island Company. "Waterfront access and the magnificent setting of Daniel Island Park are also part of the attraction," he added.

Just over half of the homesite sales were to existing Daniel Island property owners, with other local buyers coming from Charleston, Mt. Pleasant and Kiawah Island. Buyer interest from the national market was strong, with out-of-state buyers from Charlotte, Raleigh and Massachusetts.

Sales to existing island property owners has become a developing trend in this island town. "Because we’re a diverse community, we offer a wide range of homes and prices. Young families may buy their first home here and ‘move up’ to larger homes or a different neighborhood as their needs change. We even have different generations within families moving here. The kids may be starting out with a townhome and their parents get excited and move here to be on the water or the golf course," says Sloan.

Despite a commonly perceived cooling of the local residential real estate market, sales on Daniel Island remain strong. "Our sales year-to-date have exceeded our projections, and we’re particularly pleased with the response to this latest release of homesites," said Dan Kingsbury, Vice President of Sales for Daniel Island Real Estate. He attributes this strong interest in Daniel Island to the island’s thriving downtown business and retail community, the appeal of the community’s master plan, the selection and quality of homes and amenities and the wide range of recreational options on the island.