Adverse possession in South Carolina
In South Carolina, a suit to recover real property requires that the owner or a predecessor held or possessed it within ten years before the suit (S.C. Code Ann. 15-3-340).
How long it takes in South Carolina
Where the claim rests on a written instrument, ten years of continued occupation makes the included premises held adversely (S.C. Code Ann. 15-67-220).
Sources: SC ten years; SC written instrument
What the statute requires
Another person's occupation is treated as under the legal title unless the premises were held adversely for ten years before the suit (S.C. Code Ann. 15-67-210).
Without a written instrument, land counts as possessed only when it was protected by a substantial enclosure and usually cultivated or improved (S.C. Code Ann. 15-67-250).
Source: SC presumption for title holder
Land and people the clock does not run against
Time while the owner is under eighteen or insane does not count toward the limitation period (S.C. Code Ann. 15-3-370).
Source: SC disability tolling
Common questions
How many years for adverse possession in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, a suit to recover real property requires that the owner or a predecessor held or possessed it within ten years before the suit (S.C. Code Ann. 15-3-340).