COLUMBIA, S.C. —  The South Carolina Housing agency has announced a new “workforce housing” program to increase the number of affordable homes on the market.

The new program seeks to build 30 high-quality single-family homes to sell at a maximum price of $175,000.

Entry-level homeownership is “increasingly out of reach” as the median listing prices of homes in the state has risen to $350,000, according to state housing officials.

“This program tackles the challenge head-on by incentivizing the construction of smaller, affordable homes for working families and individuals,” S.C. Housing officials said in a statement.

Participating builders will receive $10,000 per home to help with the costs. Each home must be 1,000 square feet and there are no specific restrictions on location.

Qualifying homebuyers will also receive $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance from S.C. Housing.

Interested homebuilders have until April 23, 2025 to submit an application.