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Expert analysis on Hilton Head Island luxury real estate, investment strategies, and Lowcountry living

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January 19, 2026

Featured Article

Hilton Head Island 2026 Infrastructure & Community Projects

Hilton Head Island isn't content to rest on its laurels. In 2026, the town is embarking on a range of transformative projects to safeguard its beaches, upgrade transportation, improve stormwater management, expand cultural facilities, create workforce housing and add new recreation amenities.

Donna Gilmore

Donna Gilmore

6 min read

Market Update7 min read

Hilton Head Island Real Estate Market Outlook 2026

The Hilton Head Island real estate market continues to hold strong in 2026 despite economic headwinds elsewhere. Buyer interest remains high, driven by the island's unmatched quality of life, limited oceanfront inventory, and growing appeal among remote workers and retirees.

Donna GilmoreJanuary 19, 2026
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Lifestyle5 min read

2026 Hilton Head Island Events & Festivals Guide

Hilton Head Island may be best known for its pristine beaches and golf courses, but it also boasts a calendar packed with festivals and special events. From world-class tennis and golf tournaments to food and wine celebrations, there's something for everyone.

Donna GilmoreJanuary 19, 2026
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Luxury Market6 min read

Oceanfront Real Estate Hilton Head Island: Limited Inventory & Luxury Living

Oceanfront real estate on Hilton Head Island sits at the pinnacle of coastal luxury. Strict zoning rules, environmental protections, and a finite shoreline mean that oceanfront inventory is extremely limited — and demand continues to outpace supply.

Donna GilmoreJanuary 19, 2026
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Luxury Market6 min read

Luxury Oceanfront Homes on Hilton Head Island: What Defines the Elite Tier

Not all oceanfront homes are equal. On Hilton Head Island, luxury oceanfront properties represent the top tier of coastal living — featuring direct beach access, architectural distinction, premium finishes, and locations within the island's most prestigious gated communities.

Donna GilmoreJanuary 19, 2026
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Investment5 min read

Is Hilton Head Island Oceanfront Real Estate a Smart Luxury Investment?

Luxury investors often ask whether Hilton Head Island oceanfront real estate is a wise long-term investment. The answer is a resounding yes — limited supply, strong rental demand, and consistent appreciation make oceanfront properties one of the most resilient asset classes.

Donna GilmoreJanuary 19, 2026
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Buyer Guide7 min read

How to Evaluate Oceanfront Property Quality in Hilton Head

Evaluating oceanfront property on Hilton Head Island requires more than curb appeal. From erosion setbacks and flood zone classifications to construction quality and community amenities, this guide walks you through the critical factors that separate a sound investment from a costly mistake.

Donna GilmoreDecember 9, 2025
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Market Update6 min read

The Best Seasons to Buy or Sell on Hilton Head Island

Timing matters in real estate, and Hilton Head Island's seasonal market patterns can work in your favor. Whether you're a buyer looking for off-season deals or a seller aiming for peak demand, understanding the island's market cycles is essential to maximizing your outcome.

Donna GilmoreNovember 26, 2025
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Investment8 min read

2026 Hilton Head Investor Hub: Cost Segregation, STR Loophole & Tax Strategy Guides

This page brings together all of the 2026 guides on cost segregation, the STR loophole, and advanced tax strategies for Hilton Head real estate investors. Whether you own a short-term rental or are considering your first investment property, these resources will help you maximize returns.

Donna GilmoreNovember 25, 2025
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Investment7 min read

2026 Hilton Head Cost Segregation Calculator & Tax Savings Guide

Use this calculator to estimate first-year bonus depreciation, total accelerated depreciation, and potential tax savings for your Hilton Head investment property. Cost segregation is one of the most powerful strategies available to real estate investors.

Donna GilmoreNovember 25, 2025
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Investment6 min read

The 2026 Cost Segregation Calculator for Hilton Head Real Estate Investors

Cost segregation is one of the most powerful tax strategies available to Hilton Head and Bluffton real estate investors. By reclassifying components of your property into shorter depreciation schedules, you can accelerate deductions and significantly reduce your tax burden.

Donna GilmoreNovember 25, 2025
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Investment7 min read

How to Qualify for STR Non-Passive Status or Real Estate Professional Status in 2026

Understanding the difference between STR non-passive status and Real Estate Professional Status (REPS) is critical for Hilton Head investors looking to offset W-2 income with rental losses. This guide breaks down the qualification requirements for each.

Donna GilmoreNovember 21, 2025
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Investment8 min read

Cost Segregation Case Studies for Hilton Head Investors: $400K vs $750K vs $1.2M

See how cost segregation works at three different price points for Hilton Head investment properties. These case studies compare a $400K condo, a $750K villa, and a $1.2M oceanfront home to show the real-world tax savings available through accelerated depreciation.

Donna GilmoreNovember 20, 2025
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Investment6 min read

Why Hilton Head Short-Term Rental Owners Benefit from the STR Loophole

The STR loophole allows short-term rental owners to treat rental losses as non-passive — meaning you can use them to offset your W-2 or active business income. For Hilton Head property owners, this can mean tens of thousands in annual tax savings.

Donna GilmoreNovember 19, 2025
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Investment9 min read

The 2026 Hilton Head Guide to Cost Segregation: The Tax Strategy Every Investor Should Know

Cost segregation is one of the most powerful, underutilized, and financially impactful tax strategies available to real estate investors. This comprehensive guide explains how it works, who qualifies, and how Hilton Head property owners can save significantly on taxes.

Donna GilmoreNovember 18, 2025
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Investment7 min read

How to Evaluate Vacation-Rental Potential on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island consistently ranks as one of the most desirable vacation destinations in the Southeast. Because of that, vacation rental properties here can generate strong income — but not every property is equally suited for short-term rental success.

Donna GilmoreNovember 11, 2025
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Agent Growth8 min read

20 Smart Questions to Ask When Choosing a Real Estate Broker

Choosing the right brokerage is one of the most important decisions a real estate agent can make. Whether you're a new licensee or a seasoned producer considering a move, these 20 questions will help you evaluate brokerages on what truly matters.

Donna GilmoreNovember 11, 2025
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Investment8 min read

The 5 Best Neighborhoods for Investment on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is one of the most sought-after real estate markets in the Southeast. For investors, the key is knowing which neighborhoods offer the best combination of appreciation potential, rental income, and lifestyle appeal.

Donna GilmoreNovember 8, 2025
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Market Update6 min read

Hilton Head Real Estate Market Update — November 2025

As we move through November 2025, Hilton Head Island's real estate market continues to show why it remains one of the strongest and most resilient coastal markets in the Southeast. Inventory levels, pricing trends, and buyer demand all point to sustained strength.

Donna GilmoreNovember 4, 2025
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Market Update7 min read

Why Hilton Head Island's Real Estate Market Is One of the Strongest in the Southeast

Hilton Head Island continues to outperform many coastal markets in the Southeast. Strong buyer demand, limited inventory, quality of life, and a favorable tax environment combine to make this one of the most resilient luxury markets in the region.

Donna GilmoreNovember 4, 2025
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