Principal Advisors launches quarterly report on Lowcountry commercial real estate
October 15, 2026
Principal Advisors Commercial Real Estate launched “The Bay Street Brief,” a quarterly report that examines commercial real estate trends in Beaufort and Jasper counties, including property values, leasing activity, financing conditions, and regional development. The first edition, covering the third quarter of 2026, examines a changing regional market and offers data intended to help property owners, investors, business owners, buyers and tenants make more informed decisions.
“The Bay Street Brief is designed to give business owners, property investors and decision-makers a clearer understanding of what’s happening in our local commercial real estate market,” said Matt Flewelling, broker-in-charge and president of Principal Advisors Commercial Real Estate. “National trends don’t always reflect the realities of Beaufort and Jasper counties. By focusing on local data and firsthand market experience, we want to provide practical information that helps people make informed decisions about buying, selling, leasing and investing in commercial property.”
A key finding from the third-quarter 2026 edition of “The Bay Street Brief” is that Jasper County permitted more new housing than Beaufort County for the first time in 36 years. The shift highlights changing regional development activity and raises questions about how population growth and construction could affect future commercial investment.
The report also examines the financial pressures facing commercial property buyers. For instance, a $700,000 building demonstrates how fluctuations in interest rates over the course of a year can significantly impact a buyer’s ability to finance a property at a fixed rate, ultimately altering their purchasing power.
“The Bay Street Brief” utilizes data from the Lowcountry Regional MLS for Beaufort and Jasper counties, as well as public permitting, interest-rate data, and information collected through the company’s leasing, property management, sales, and maintenance operations.
The next quarterly “The Bay Street Brief” is expected in mid-January 2027, and all reports are available on the company’s website.
