The South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing) recently published the 2026 9% Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Preliminary Application List, marking an important early step in the competitive process for federal tax credits that help fund affordable rental housing across the state. In our region, four applications have been submitted in the preliminary application round.
What’s Next in the 2026 LIHTC Cycle
Full applications are due by May 15, 2026. Final tax credit reservations and award announcements are expected later in 2026 as part of SC Housing’s LIHTC schedule. Applications will be reviewed and scored under SC Housing’s Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) to determine eligibility for the next round of funding awards. If successful through the full application process, it could deliver much-needed affordable homes in a part of the Lowcountry where housing options are limited for essential workers and local residents.
The LIHTC program continues to be a cornerstone of affordable housing development in South Carolina, enabling both nonprofit and for-profit developers to create and preserve rental homes that are affordable to families earning at or below area median income levels.
A Regional Opportunity
Beaufort and Jasper Counties continue to face housing supply shortages that impact teachers, healthcare workers, hospitality employees, first responders, and other essential members of our workforce.
The inclusion of several Beaufort County applications and a Hardeeville proposal in the 2026 preliminary list represents an important opportunity to expand the housing pipeline. Strong, visible community backing will help signal that our region is ready to support thoughtfully planned, income-restricted housing developments that serve local residents.
As the competitive review process advances, now is the time for stakeholders across the Lowcountry to demonstrate unified support for solutions that address our housing challenges head-on.
“Having four potential LIHTC applications in the pipeline for Beaufort and Jasper Counties is incredibly encouraging for our region. Each proposal represents not just new housing units, but real opportunities for working families, seniors, and essential employees to live in the communities they serve. It signals strong developer interest, growing regional collaboration, and meaningful momentum toward expanding our workforce and affordable housing inventory. We are excited about the possibilities these applications bring and remain committed to supporting efforts that move quality housing developments from concept to construction.” – Claude Hicks, Executive Director BJHT
