Is Atlantic Beach, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Town of Atlantic Beach planning department, as the town requires short-term rental permits and has specific occupancy limits typically capped at 8-10 guests depending on property size. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Atlantic Beach (approximately $50-100 annually), a short-term rental permit (around $200-300), and ensure compliance with Horry County health department requirements for properties with more than 4 bedrooms. Find a suitable property within residential zones that allow short-term rentals, focusing on areas near the beach or main attractions, with typical investment costs ranging from $200,000-500,000 for oceanfront properties. Furnish the property with coastal-themed, durable furniture including essentials like linens, kitchen supplies, beach equipment, and safety items like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, budgeting approximately $15,000-25,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with professional photography highlighting ocean views and proximity to Atlantic Beach attractions, setting competitive rates between $150-400 per night depending on season and property size. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests (typically $100-150 per turnover), implementing keyless entry systems, maintaining 24/7 guest communication, and ensuring compliance with Atlantic Beach's noise ordinances and parking restrictions, while considering hiring local property management companies like Myrtle Beach area vacation rental managers who charge 15-25% of gross revenue.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, focus on oceanfront or ocean-view properties within 2-3 blocks of the beach, particularly along Ocean Boulevard and nearby streets, as these command premium rates of $200-400+ per night during peak summer season. Target 3-6 bedroom single-family homes or condos with modern amenities like updated kitchens, multiple bathrooms, parking spaces, and outdoor areas such as decks or pools, as families and groups are the primary market driving 70-80% occupancy rates from May through September. Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO to ensure your pricing strategy captures the $150-350 nightly range depending on size and proximity to beach, while monitoring local competitors' occupancy calendars and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Research the area's seasonal patterns, noting that Atlantic Beach attracts primarily African American families during peak season due to its historical significance, creating a unique market dynamic that savvy investors can capitalize on by understanding cultural preferences and marketing accordingly. Utilize tools like AirDNA, Mashvisor, and local MLS data to analyze revenue potential, while connecting with Atlantic Beach-specific property management companies like Coastal Getaways or Beach Vacations to understand operational costs, local regulations, and the town's short-term rental ordinances that may affect profitability.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, you must first contact the Atlantic Beach Town Hall at 109 30th Avenue North or call (843) 272-5495 to obtain the short-term rental application form. Required documents typically include a completed application, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), emergency contact information, parking plan, and a $200-300 application fee. You'll need to schedule an inspection with the town's building department, which usually occurs within 2-3 weeks of application submission. Atlantic Beach requires STR properties to have working smoke detectors in each bedroom and common area, carbon monoxide detectors if gas appliances are present, fire extinguisher on each floor, posted maximum occupancy limits, and designated parking spaces (typically 2 spaces minimum). The property must also comply with zoning regulations, with most STRs allowed in residential zones but subject to density restrictions. After passing inspection and meeting all requirements, the permit is typically issued within 4-6 weeks of initial application, with an annual renewal fee of approximately $150-250. The town may also require registration with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes and adherence to noise ordinances with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 8 AM.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, but operate under specific municipal regulations that require property owners to obtain business licenses and comply with zoning restrictions. The town typically limits STRs to certain residential zones and requires properties to meet safety standards, maintain adequate parking, and follow noise ordinances to minimize impacts on permanent residents. Atlantic Beach, being a small coastal community in Horry County, has implemented these regulations around 2018-2020 to balance tourism revenue with neighborhood character preservation. Properties must register with the town, pay applicable fees, and some areas near residential neighborhoods may have density restrictions or prohibition of new STR permits. Recent changes have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and potential caps on the total number of STR permits issued, particularly in response to community concerns about housing availability for year-round residents and the impact of vacation rentals on the town's character as a historically significant African American beach community.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina include the oceanfront corridor along 21st Avenue North and surrounding blocks, which offers prime beachfront access and attracts summer tourists, families, and weekend visitors seeking direct beach proximity. The area near the Atlantic Beach Boardwalk and surrounding streets provides excellent rental potential due to its central location, proximity to restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues that draw visitors year-round. Properties within walking distance of the historic Atlantic Beach area, particularly around 30th Avenue North, are attractive for their cultural significance as part of the "Black Pearl" heritage tourism market, drawing visitors interested in African American beach history and the annual Atlantic Beach Memorial Day BikeFest which brings thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts. The residential areas between Highway 17 and the beach, especially around 27th and 29th Avenues, offer good investment opportunities with slightly lower property costs while maintaining easy beach access, appealing to budget-conscious families and groups. Additionally, properties near the border with Myrtle Beach provide dual market access, benefiting from Atlantic Beach's more relaxed atmosphere while capitalizing on Myrtle Beach's extensive tourism infrastructure, golf courses, and business conference facilities that generate consistent demand for short-term rentals throughout the year.

In Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The South Carolina state accommodations tax is 2% of gross rental receipts, while Horry County imposes an additional accommodations tax of 1.5%, bringing the total accommodations tax to 3.5%. The City of Atlantic Beach also levies a local hospitality tax of approximately 2% on prepared food and beverages, though this typically doesn't apply to lodging rentals unless food service is provided. These taxes are collected from guests at the time of booking when using Airbnb's platform, as Airbnb automatically collects and remits accommodations taxes to South Carolina and participating local jurisdictions since 2019. For properties not booked through platforms that auto-collect, hosts must register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue and remit taxes monthly if collections exceed $100. Exemptions include stays of 90 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and rentals to permanent residents. Hosts should also be aware that rental income is subject to standard state and federal income taxes, and properties may be subject to local business license requirements in Atlantic Beach.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina is approximately $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase costs around $400,000-$475,000 based on median home prices for beachfront properties in the area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom vacation rental requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, appliances, linens, and decor that appeals to beach vacationers. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees range from $500-$1,500 depending on local regulations. Insurance for a short-term rental property costs $3,000-$5,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility deposits and setup fees for electricity, water, internet, and cable total approximately $1,000-$1,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,800), cleaning services ($3,600), maintenance ($2,000), property management software ($300), and marketing ($1,000) total around $8,700. Additional working capital of $5,000-$10,000 should be reserved for unexpected expenses and initial vacancy periods before bookings stabilize.

Airbnb properties in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina typically generate annual revenues between $35,000-$65,000 for oceanfront units and $20,000-$40,000 for properties within walking distance of the beach, based on average daily rates of $150-$300 during peak summer months and $80-$150 in off-season periods with occupancy rates averaging 60-75% annually. Operating expenses generally range from $15,000-$25,000 per year including property management fees (20-25% of revenue), cleaning costs ($75-$125 per turnover), utilities ($2,400-$3,600 annually), insurance ($1,500-$2,500), maintenance and repairs ($3,000-$5,000), and property taxes ($2,000-$4,000), resulting in net profit margins of 35-55% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to the beach (properties within 200 yards command 40-60% higher rates), professional photography and staging, responsive guest communication, and strategic pricing during events like the annual Atlantic Beach Bikefest and summer holiday weekends when rates can increase 150-200%. A typical 3-bedroom oceanfront condo purchased for $400,000 in 2022 generated approximately $52,000 in gross revenue with $18,000 in expenses, yielding a 8.5% cash-on-cash return, while inland properties show more modest returns of 4-6% but require lower initial investment and carry reduced hurricane insurance costs.

Airbnb investments in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% based on current market conditions. Properties within 2-3 blocks of the beach command premium rates of $150-250 per night during peak summer season (June-August) and $80-120 during shoulder seasons, with average occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Initial investment recovery and profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with vacation rental management companies like Vacasa and RedAwning reporting strong performance metrics in the Grand Strand market. Three-bedroom oceanfront or ocean-view properties purchased in the $300,000-500,000 range can generate gross rental income of $45,000-65,000 annually, while factoring in expenses including property management fees (20-25%), maintenance, insurance, and taxes typically results in net cash flow of $15,000-25,000 per year depending on financing structure and property condition.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties and provides comprehensive market analysis for Airbnb investors in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina. Local real estate agents who focus on investment properties in the area include Keller Williams Realty agents specializing in vacation rentals, Century 21 The Boulevard coastal property specialists, and RE/MAX Ocean Forest agents with short-term rental expertise. National services that assist Airbnb investors include Awning (property management and investment analysis), RedAwning (vacation rental investment platform), Mashvisor (real estate investment analytics), AirDNA (short-term rental data and market insights), and Vacasa (full-service vacation rental management with acquisition services). Local companies such as Myrtle Beach Area Investment Properties, Grand Strand Property Management, and Coastal Carolina Real Estate Investors also provide specialized services for finding and managing profitable Airbnb properties in the Atlantic Beach market, with many of these services emerging and expanding significantly between 2018-2023 as the short-term rental investment market grew in the South Carolina coastal region.