Building on Your Lot in Kiawah Island, SC – Here’s What to Know

Are you considering purchasing Kiawah Island real estate? Perhaps you are considering building a custom home on Kiawah Island? Discover the luxurious estate homes for sale that offer stunning beaches and a pristine environment.

Pam Harrington Exclusives is a recognized leader in professional real estate services on Kiawah Island. We are here to assist you when you are ready to invest in your island dream.


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Pam Harrington Exclusives realtors have over 45 years of experience bringing island dreams to life. We will help you locate and purchase your home site. Our informative agents can advise you on the necessary, sequential details of building your new island home.

Please browse our current Kiawah Island lot listings for sale and contact our agents for more information or to schedule a visit.
 

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Overall Benefits of Living on Kiawah Island


Pristine Natural Environment: Kiawah is renowned for its 10-mile beach, abundant wildlife, and preserved natural landscapes. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities like biking, kayaking, birdwatching, and enjoying the natural surroundings. Estate homes for sale on Kiawah Island offer luxurious living amidst this stunning environment.

World-Class Golf: Kiawah is a golfer’s paradise with several championship golf courses.

Convenient Location: While offering a secluded island atmosphere, Kiawah is only 23 miles from historic Charleston, providing access to cultural attractions, dining, and shopping.

Understanding Kiawah Island Real Estate


When you are ready to build on your own lot in Kiawah Island, SC, you may opt to live in your new custom home full time and enjoy a lifestyle unmatched in any other Charleston island community. Or, you may be purchasing property intended primarily to be an investment, and enjoy it as a second home. 

Many investors build homes on Kiawah Island and offer them as a vacation rental to offset costs. When you’re ready to sell your Kiawah Island home, you may elect for a 1031 exchange towards another investment property or list and sell like any other residential property.

Kiawah Island real estate offers a unique blend of scenic beauty and convenience, making it an attractive destination for those looking to buy or sell a home. With a range of properties available, from oceanfront homes to single-family homes and new construction homes, there’s something for every prospective buyer.

Whether you’re looking for a dream home with a screened porch or a luxurious estate with golf course views, Kiawah Island has it all. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and helping you navigate the Kiawah Island real estate market with ease.

Kiawah Island Community and Lifestyle


Kiawah Island is a private island community located in the temperate South Carolina Lowcountry, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and luxury living. The island is home to a range of amenities, including famous fairways, top-tier tennis, and unparalleled amenities.

With 10 miles of pristine Atlantic shoreline, Kiawah Island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The community offers a variety of architectural styles, defining the aesthetic of each neighborhood, and a range of activities, including golfing, boating, swimming, birdwatching, fishing, dining, shopping, socializing, and relaxation.

Things to Consider When You Build a Custom Home in Kiawah Island, SC


Building your dream home on Kiawah Island starts with choosing the perfect location. Here's a breakdown:

Advantages of Building a home in Vanderhorst Plantation


Exclusivity and Privacy: Vanderhorst Plantation is Kiawah’s most exclusive community, behind a second set of security gates, providing an extra layer of privacy and security. This creates a secluded and tranquil environment, away from the busier areas of the island. Estate homes for sale in Vanderhorst Plantation offer luxurious options for those seeking an exclusive and serene lifestyle.

Architectural Excellence: The community is known for its elegant homes designed by renowned architects, ensuring a cohesive, high-quality aesthetic. This contributes to the overall prestige and value of the area.

Natural Beauty: Vanderhorst is surrounded by lush semi-tropical foliage and tranquil lagoons. It also offers direct access to 10 miles of private beach on Kiawah Island. This creates a stunning natural backdrop and enhances the sense of peace and tranquility.

Proximity to Amenities: While offering seclusion, Vanderhorst is still conveniently located within Kiawah Island, providing easy access to the island’s various amenities, including shops, restaurants, and other recreational facilities.

Building a home in the Vanderhorst Plantation section of Kiawah Island, particularly on a rare oceanfront homesite like 112 Flyway Drive, offers unparalleled advantages for those seeking luxurious coastal living or a lucrative portfolio investment.

Specific advantages of 112 Flyway include:

  • Rare Kiawah Island Oceanfront Location: This is a key selling point. Oceanfront homesites for sale on Kiawah, especially on Flyway Drive, are extremely rare. This lot guarantees unobstructed ocean views, direct beach access, and the prestige of owning prime beachfront property.
  • One-Acre Lot: The generous one-acre lot provides ample space for building a substantial home with plenty of bedrooms and baths for a growing family, along with privacy and the potential for expansive outdoor living spaces, such as pools, gardens, and patios.
  • Breathtaking Views: The property offers panoramic ocean views, capturing both sunrises and sunsets, maximizing the enjoyment of the coastal setting.
  • Kiawah Island Club Membership Opportunity: This is a significant added value. Membership grants access to a wide range of world-class amenities, including:

2 Championship golf courses(plus 5 Kiawah Island Resort Golf courses)

Tennis courts

Fine dining options

A private beach club

A state-of-the-art sports complex

A luxury spa

Vibrant social events

Multiple clubhouses

Imagine building your dream home on a half-acre marsh front lot with breathtaking views of the ocean and the world-famous Ocean Course.

21 Ocean Course on Kiawah Island offers just that. This prime property provides a rare opportunity to embrace the ultimate Lowcountry lifestyle, where natural beauty meets luxury living.

Just a one-minute walk from the beach access road, this homesite offers:

 

  • Panoramic Views: Marvel at expansive marshlands, calming ocean waves, and pristine golf fairways.
  • Serene Setting: Enjoy the gentle sounds of nature right at your doorstep.
  • Coveted Kiawah Island Club Golf Membership: A Kiawah Island Golf Membership is available upon purchase, granting access to world-class amenities.

Location and Accessibility


Kiawah Island is situated just 25 miles (about 40 minutes) from Charleston, making it an ideal location for those who want to balance the tranquility of island living with the convenience of city amenities.

The island is comprised of three main areas: West Beach Village, East Beach Village, and Vanderhorst Plantation, each with its own unique character and charm. With its proximity to Charleston and other popular destinations in South Carolina, Kiawah Island is an attractive option for those looking for a convenient and accessible location.

Once you select your home site in your desired neighborhood, you are ready to embark on your journey to becoming a Kiawah Island homeowner. Read through our Strategic Stages to Building Your Dream Home” on Kiawah Island to get a feel for next steps.

Strategic Stages: Building your Custom Home on Kiawah Island


Once you have chosen a particular home site, here are the stages of building your dream home on Kiawah Island:

Your next steps begin with a plan for envisioning your dream home. A good architect gets to know you, your family, and your tastes. A great architect offers valuable insights and brings value to your project.

You may work with an architect as a project manager, overseeing the entire building process. We suggest interviewing several licensed professionals before choosing the architect to build your home on Kiawah Island.

It is essential to meet with several custom home builders.  Ensure the builder is properly licensed to work on Kiawah Island and experienced with the nuances and regulations of our beachfront community.

Oftentimes architects partner with builders, offering a synergistic relationship from vision to build out.

Here is an excellent resource for identifying several top custom home builders in the Charleston area.        

Once you have hired your architect and builder, the design process begins.

Typically, the timeline for building a custom home on Kiawah Island is 14-18 months. 

Design approvals, changes to the design or changes in materials, and weather may impact the timeline from start to completion. Once you select an architect and builder, it’s time to build your Kiawah Island home.

Before you commence, we have one more recommendation to add to your project team - Consult with a professional designer.  Building a home long distance can be challenging. There are so many elements to consider when building a home. 

Lighting, furnishings, décor and how your family will use your home are just a few considerations. 

A professional designer will help create beautiful, functional spaces and can be the onsite point person who oversees the purchase and installation of furnishings and décor.

Next Steps for Your Kiawah Island Build


1. Get a feel for your home site.

Spend some time walking your home site. Visit at different times of the day. Envision your view, where the prevailing breezes flow and how the sun rises/sets over your home site. Consider how your home will blend in with its natural surroundings.

2. Bring your design to life with your architect.

Your architect will draft the schematic plans and submit them to the Kiawah Island Architectural Review Board aka ARB, for approval.

3. The Builder creates the construction plan.

This detailed construction plan includes pricing and will be submitted to the ARB for final approval.

4. Submit the ARB approved construction plan to the Town of Kiawah Island for approval.

The Town of Kiawah Island reviews all permits for building. Once approved, materials may be procured.

5. Preparing the site and acquiring materials.

The construction plan is ready to proceed after one more step! The materials, once on-site, will be reviewed to ensure they comply with the design and are harmonious with the community standards.

6. The building of your dream home begins!

Explore Kiawah Island Real Estate with Pam Harrington Exclusives


Completing a build on your own lot in Kiawah Island, SC is no small endeavor. When all is said and done, it’s well worth the time and effort to truly customize your dream home with the views of the Lowcountry that you love.

Choosing Pam Harrington Exclusives to purchase Kiawah real estate offers distinct advantages. Estate homes for sale through Pam Harrington Exclusives provide luxurious options that highlight the stunning beaches and pristine environment of Kiawah Island.

Kiawah Island New Construction

Our deep local expertise provides invaluable insights into the nuances of the Kiawah market, including specific neighborhood characteristics, building regulations, and future development plans.

This knowledge ensures you make an informed investment decision, maximizing the potential of your property.

Our established relationships within the Kiawah Island community, from builders and architects to local officials, streamline the often complex building process. Pam Harrington Exclusives is a dedicated advocate, guiding you through every step, from initial land acquisition to connecting you with the right resources to bring your Kiawah Island house to life.

Our local agents are well versed in 1031 exchanges, South Carolina investment properties and vacation rentals. When you see something that peaks your interest, we’ll be here to help with every detail of the process.

Charleston’s growing popularity means that our luxury properties often sell fast. You’ll have an advantage when details about our new listings are sent directly to your inbox.

Sign up for our Real Estate Alerts to receive the latest listings, and let our professionals help you secure a home your family will enjoy for years to come.
 

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Final Considerations


When considering Kiawah Island real estate, it’s essential to work with a reputable and experienced agent who can provide you with accurate and reliable information. At Pam Harrington Exclusives, we strive to provide exceptional customer service and assist clients throughout each step of the buying process.

Our team is dedicated to helping you identify prospective properties that meet your needs and budget, and we’re committed to making your Kiawah Island real estate transaction as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Whether you’re looking for a beachfront property, a golf course home, or a luxurious estate, we’re here to help you find your dream home on Kiawah Island.