An Overview of Greenville, SC Property Taxes & Relief

Close your eyes and imagine the excitement of embarking on a new life in charming Greenville, SC. Now, open your eyes. Welcome to the beginning of your homebuying journey with Dream Finders Homes! While property taxes may not be the first thing that comes to mind when dreaming of your new home, they’re an inevitable part of the process. We’re here to provide clarity and confidence as you navigate the ins and outs of Greenville, SC property tax. Let's turn your dream of homeownership into a reality – with our homes for sale near Greenville, SC!

What Is the Property Tax in Greenville, SC?

When it comes to Greenville, SC property taxes, understanding how they are assessed and what factors influence them can be essential for homeowners and potential buyers. Greenville County has a straightforward property tax system, but specific rates and calculations may vary depending on property type and eligibility for various exemptions.

How Are Tax Rates Calculated  

Property taxes in Greenville are crucial to funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. Local government entities within Greenville set rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Greenville estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. 

Property tax in Greenville, SC is calculated based on the tax assessed value, which often falls below the market value due to various exemptions, such as primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Greenville's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. 

The median property tax rate in Greenville, SC is 0.88%, which is lower than the national median of 0.99% but higher than the South Carolina state median of 0.72%. Whether you're living in the heart of Greenville or another part of the county, you should understand the local property tax system.

For example, in Greenville County, property taxes are assessed based on the fair market value of a property and are calculated by applying a specific assessment ratio to this value. South Carolina categorizes property into different classes, each with a unique assessment ratio:

1. Primary Residences: Assessed at 4% of fair market value.

2. Non-Primary Residences and Commercial Properties: Assessed at 6% of fair market value.

The fair market value is determined by the Greenville County Assessor's Office, which conducts periodic reappraisals of properties to ensure valuations reflect current market conditions. Reappraisals typically occur every five years, which may cause property tax bills to adjust up or down depending on fluctuations in the real estate market. 

In Greenville, once property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, the local tax rate, known as the millage rate, is applied to the assessed value to determine the tax bill. The millage rate can vary based on annual budgetary needs and public services funding. Millage rates in Greenville are expressed as the amount of tax per $1,000 of assessed value, and they can vary based on school districts, fire districts, and other specific local services.

Property Tax Relief and Exemptions in Greenville, SC

Several property tax exemptions and relief programs help reduce the tax burden in Greenville County for eligible homeowners:

1. Homestead Exemption in SC: South Carolina offers a Homestead Exemption for individuals over the age of 65, legally blind, or permanently disabled. This exemption removes $50,000 from the home's fair market value, potentially lowering the tax burden significantly.

2. Property Tax Relief Fund: The state Property Tax Relief Fund helps offset property taxes on primary residences. This program is automatic for eligible homeowners and does not require a separate application.

3. Legal Residence Exemption: Greenville offers an exemption for primary residences, which can significantly lower property taxes by applying the lower assessment ratio of 4% rather than the 6% applied to secondary residences and commercial properties.

4. Special Assessment for Agricultural Properties: Property owners who utilize their land for agricultural purposes may qualify for a special lower assessment rate, reducing their overall tax liability.

Property taxes in Greenville are manageable with these exemptions and relief programs, especially for qualified residents. Understanding property tax relief opportunities can help homeowners reduce costs while still enjoying the benefits of living in Greenville.

New Homes in the Best Greenville Neighborhoods

Greenville is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in the U.S. In 2023, Condé Nast Traveler readers gave it a place of honor in their Readers’ Choice Awards. And Greenville ranked 4th out of 150 metro areas in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 list of the best places to live in the U.S. With its reasonable cost of living, good schools, great food, and strong local economy, it’s not surprising that people love it here. 

Dream Finders Homes in Greenville offers new homes nestled in scenic neighborhoods, with easy access to downtown Greenville and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our communities provide homebuyers with a variety of floor plans and modern amenities, with a touch of Southern charm.  

Set in the heart of Duncan, our Macintosh community is all about comfort and contemporary living. It is an enticing option for young families, professionals, or retirees, offering new construction homes designed with modern lifestyles in mind. Community amenities feature a pond with a lookout, playground, sidewalk lined streets, all within the Spartanburg District 5 school zone. Single family homes start at $345,490.

Surrounded by rolling hills, natural wooded buffers and a duck pond, Morning Mist offers a unique country feel, with a community pool and a barn-themed clubhouse. It’s just a short drive from area schools, shopping, dining, and entertainment options in Simpsonville and nearby Greenville. This is the final phase of Morning Mist, offering our popular Palmetto Series floor plans. Single family homes start at $371,990.

Located on the shores of Lake Greenwood in the foothills of Upstate South Carolina, Palmetto Crossing combines lakefront living with a vibrant town center. A private clubhouse, an 84-slip marina and a boat ramp are steps away. An hour from downtown Greenville, Palmetto Crossing offers the perfect lake retreat with single family cottages and low maintenance townhomes inspired by the architecture of the Lowcountry and Carolina Coast. Homes start at $309,990.

Nestled in booming Simpsonville, The Settlement offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and charm. This exclusive community has its own playground, pool and parks yet is minutes from downtown Simpsonville's seasonal Farmers Market, restaurants, shopping. Enjoy easy access to top-rated schools and recreational facilities. Meticulously designed single-family homes and townhomes start at $319,990.

Coming Soon… Anderson Oaks in the charming town of Easley, SC. This community will offer oversized lots with basement and cul-de-sac homesites, and plans ranging from 1,700-3,000+ sq ft. Located just minutes from Southern Oaks Golf Course, it’s a quick drive to dining and shopping, and 25 minutes from lively Downtown Greenville. Close to area schools, and featuring ample parks and green spaces, Anderson Oaks is an idyllic community to call home.

Connect with Dream Finders Today!

While property taxes are an unavoidable part of homeownership, they shouldn't overshadow the joy of finding your perfect home. With South Carolina’s relatively low property taxes and various relief programs, living in a Dream Finders home can be an excellent long-term investment.