Is Awendaw, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Awendaw, South Carolina, begin by researching Charleston County's short-term rental regulations, as Awendaw falls under county jurisdiction and typically requires a business license and may need special use permits for properties not in designated commercial zones. Contact Charleston County Planning Department to verify zoning compliance and obtain necessary permits, which usually cost $50-200 and take 2-4 weeks to process. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings, considering proximity to Francis Marion National Forest and coastal attractions that draw tourists to the area. Furnish the space with coastal-themed decor, essential amenities like WiFi, air conditioning, and kitchen supplies, budgeting approximately $5,000-15,000 depending on property size. Create listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting the property's proximity to beaches, nature preserves, and Charleston (about 30 minutes away), setting competitive rates around $80-150 per night based on local market analysis. For ongoing management, establish cleaning protocols between guests, respond promptly to inquiries, maintain property insurance that covers short-term rentals, collect and remit South Carolina's 7% sales tax plus Charleston County's 2% accommodations tax, and consider hiring local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa if you live out of area, though many Awendaw hosts successfully self-manage due to the town's small size and close-knit community.

To identify profitable STR properties in Awendaw, South Carolina, focus on waterfront or marsh-view locations within 15-20 minutes of Charleston, particularly properties near Francis Marion National Forest or Sewee Bay for nature tourism appeal. Target 3-4 bedroom homes built after 1990 with outdoor amenities like decks, fire pits, kayak storage, and fishing access, as these attract families and outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Lowcountry. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties in Mount Pleasant and Isle of Palms, aiming for $150-250 nightly rates depending on waterfront access and amenities. Research competition by studying listings within a 10-mile radius, noting occupancy rates typically peak during spring/fall months and Charleston event weekends, while identifying gaps in pet-friendly or boat-accessible properties. Utilize Charleston County property records, Zillow rental estimates, and local STR management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa for market insights, while connecting with Awendaw town officials regarding short-term rental regulations and permitting requirements that may affect profitability in this small coastal community.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Awendaw, South Carolina, you must first contact the Town of Awendaw Planning and Zoning Department at Town Hall located at 1289 Highway 17 North, as the town implemented short-term rental regulations around 2019-2020. Submit a completed short-term rental permit application along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, site plan showing parking and occupancy layout, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, septic system inspection certificate, and business license from Charleston County. Pay the application fee of approximately $200-300 plus annual renewal fees of $150-200. The review process typically takes 4-6 weeks and includes zoning compliance verification, health department approval for septic systems, and fire safety inspection. Awendaw-specific requirements include maximum occupancy limits based on bedroom count (typically 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional), minimum 2 off-street parking spaces, 24-hour local contact person, quiet hours enforcement from 10 PM to 8 AM, and compliance with the town's flood zone regulations since much of Awendaw is in flood-prone areas. Properties must also meet Charleston County health department standards for well water and septic systems, and owners must register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for accommodations tax collection.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Awendaw, South Carolina, as the town has not implemented specific prohibitive ordinances against vacation rentals as of 2024. However, STR operators must comply with Charleston County zoning regulations and obtain proper business licenses, as Awendaw falls under county jurisdiction for many regulatory matters. The town requires STRs to meet standard residential zoning requirements and may have occupancy limits based on septic system capacity, which is common in this rural coastal area. Property owners typically need to register their rentals with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for tax purposes and may need to collect accommodations taxes. While there are no specific prohibited areas within Awendaw's small municipal boundaries, operators should verify compliance with any homeowners association restrictions and ensure proper parking and noise management. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of STRs in Charleston County due to housing concerns, but Awendaw has maintained a relatively permissive stance compared to nearby municipalities like Charleston and Folly Beach, likely due to its rural character and smaller population of approximately 1,400 residents.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Awendaw, South Carolina are primarily concentrated near the Francis Marion National Forest boundary and along the Intracoastal Waterway corridor, particularly around Buck Hall Recreation Area and the Sewee Visitor Center vicinity. These locations attract nature enthusiasts, hunters, and outdoor recreation visitors year-round, with peak seasons during hunting season (fall/winter) and summer camping periods. The area near Awendaw Creek and adjacent to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge offers strong potential due to proximity to pristine beaches, kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities that draw eco-tourists and weekend visitors from Charleston (30 minutes away) and Columbia markets. Properties within 2-3 miles of Highway 17 provide optimal accessibility while maintaining the rural charm that attracts visitors seeking authentic Lowcountry experiences, with additional demand from researchers and volunteers working with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and various conservation organizations operating in the region.

Airbnb properties in Awendaw, South Carolina are subject to the state accommodations tax of 2% on gross proceeds from short-term rentals under 90 days, which is collected by the South Carolina Department of Revenue and must be remitted monthly by the 20th of the following month. Charleston County imposes an additional 2% accommodations tax that applies to Awendaw rentals, bringing the total accommodations tax to 4%, with county taxes also remitted monthly to Charleston County. The town of Awendaw may impose its own local accommodations tax of up to 3% under South Carolina law, though specific rates should be verified with local authorities. All accommodations taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking and must be remitted separately from sales tax. Properties rented for 90 days or more continuously to the same guest are generally exempt from accommodations taxes. Hosts must register with the appropriate tax authorities, obtain tax licenses, and file returns even in months with no rental activity, with penalties applying for late payments or non-compliance.

To start an Airbnb in Awendaw, South Carolina, expect total costs around $420,000-$480,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $350,000-$400,000 for a median-priced home suitable for short-term rental in this coastal area near Charleston. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and outdoor amenities. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually for specialized short-term rental coverage. Utilities including electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service average $200-$300 monthly or $1,200-$1,800 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($100-$150 per turnover), maintenance, supplies, platform fees (3% of bookings), marketing, and property management tools total approximately $8,000-$12,000 depending on occupancy rates and property size.

Airbnb properties in Awendaw, South Carolina, demonstrate moderate profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $120-180 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating approximately $35,000-55,000 in annual gross revenue based on 60-70% occupancy rates during peak seasons from March through October. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-100 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($200-300 monthly), insurance ($1,500-2,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $3,000-5,000 yearly. Net profit margins generally range from 15-25% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts capitalizing on Awendaw's proximity to Charleston (30 minutes), Francis Marion National Forest access, and coastal attractions. Properties featuring amenities like hot tubs, waterfront access, or unique architectural elements command premium rates of $200-300 nightly, while basic suburban homes struggle with sub-$100 rates and lower occupancy. Success factors include professional photography, responsive guest communication, strategic pricing during Charleston events and wedding seasons, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings, with top-performing properties achieving 80%+ occupancy and profit margins exceeding 30% through effective revenue management and cost control.

Airbnb investments in Awendaw, South Carolina typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, driven by the area's proximity to Charleston and coastal attractions. Properties within 15 minutes of beaches or historic sites command premium rates of $150-250 per night during peak season (March-October), while off-season rates average $80-120 nightly. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with break-even typically achieved by month 14-20 depending on occupancy rates that average 65-75% annually. The market benefits from consistent demand from Charleston tourists seeking quieter accommodations, with successful operators reporting gross rental yields of 15-22% on properties purchased between $200,000-400,000, though investors should factor in 25-35% operating expenses including cleaning, maintenance, and platform fees.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Awendaw, South Carolina. Local Charleston-area real estate agents like those at Carolina One Real Estate, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, and RE/MAX Advanced Realty have extensive knowledge of the Awendaw market and vacation rental potential near the coast. National services include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for investment property analytics, and BiggerPockets for connecting with local investors and agents. Regional companies like Charleston Property Company and Kiawah Island Real Estate have expertise in coastal South Carolina vacation rental markets. Additional services include RedAwning for property management insights, Awning for short-term rental management, and local property management companies like Charleston Rental Properties and Lowcountry Vacation Rentals who can provide market intelligence on profitable areas near Francis Marion National Forest and the nearby beaches that attract tourists to the Awendaw region.