Is Bonneau, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bonneau, South Carolina, begin by researching local regulations through Berkeley County's zoning department and the Town of Bonneau's municipal offices, as short-term rentals may require special use permits or business licenses depending on zoning classifications. Contact Berkeley County Planning Department at (843) 719-4073 to verify if your property is zoned for short-term rentals and obtain necessary permits, which typically include a business license ($50-100 annually) and potentially a conditional use permit if in residential zones. Find a suitable property by searching areas near Lake Moultrie or historic downtown Bonneau, considering properties with 2-4 bedrooms that can accommodate fishing and boating tourists, with average purchase prices ranging $150,000-300,000. Furnish the property with durable, lake-themed decor including quality mattresses, linens, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and outdoor furniture for porches or patios, budgeting approximately $15,000-25,000 for complete furnishing. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting lake access, fishing opportunities, and proximity to Moncks Corner (15 minutes) and Charleston (45 minutes), setting competitive rates of $80-150 per night based on seasonal demand. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, installing keyless entry systems, creating detailed house rules regarding noise and occupancy limits to maintain good neighbor relations, and consider hiring local cleaning services in nearby Moncks Corner since Bonneau has limited service providers, while maintaining responsive communication with guests and monitoring reviews to ensure consistent 4.5+ star ratings.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bonneau, South Carolina, focus on waterfront or water-view properties near Lake Moultrie, as this area attracts fishing enthusiasts, boaters, and nature lovers year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom homes with outdoor amenities like docks, fire pits, or large decks, built after 1990 to minimize maintenance issues, and ensure reliable internet for remote workers. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings within 10 miles, noting that properties typically rent for $80-150 per night depending on size and amenities, with higher rates during fishing tournaments and summer months. Study competition using AirDNA or Mashvisor to assess occupancy rates and revenue potential, while monitoring listings in nearby Moncks Corner and Santee for market saturation. Utilize Berkeley County property records through the assessor's website, Zillow rental estimates, and local Facebook groups like "Berkeley County Real Estate" for market insights, while considering proximity to Santee State Park and Francis Marion National Forest as key selling points for outdoor recreation guests.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bonneau, South Carolina, you must first contact the Berkeley County Planning Department at 1003 Highway 52, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, as Bonneau falls under county jurisdiction for zoning and permitting. Submit an application for a Special Exception or Conditional Use Permit along with required documents including property deed, site plan, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, proof of liability insurance ($1 million minimum), septic system approval if applicable, and parking plan showing adequate spaces. The application fee is approximately $350-500, with additional fees for inspections around $150-200. You'll also need to register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for accommodations tax collection and obtain a business license from Berkeley County ($50-75 annually). The process typically takes 45-60 days including a public hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals, property inspection, and final approval. Specific Bonneau requirements include maintaining the residential character of neighborhoods, providing one parking space per bedroom plus one additional space, ensuring septic systems can handle increased capacity, and complying with noise ordinances. Once approved, you must display your permit number in all listings and remit 2% local accommodations tax plus 7% state tax monthly.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Bonneau, South Carolina, as the town does not appear to have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2024. However, operators must comply with Berkeley County regulations and South Carolina state requirements, including business license registration, tax collection, and safety standards. The town follows Berkeley County's zoning regulations, which typically allow STRs in residential areas with some restrictions on occupancy limits and parking requirements. There are no specifically prohibited areas within Bonneau's small municipal boundaries, though properties must meet standard residential zoning compliance. Recent changes in South Carolina have focused on standardizing tax collection procedures for platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, with the state requiring registration through the Department of Revenue. Property owners should verify current local business license requirements with Berkeley County and ensure compliance with fire safety codes, as enforcement has increased statewide since 2022-2023.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Bonneau, South Carolina include the Lake Moultrie waterfront districts, particularly along the western and southern shores where properties offer direct lake access and boat docks, attracting fishing enthusiasts, boaters, and weekend vacationers from Charleston and Columbia. The historic downtown Bonneau area near Highway 52 presents opportunities for investors targeting visitors to nearby Moncks Corner and those exploring the Santee Cooper Lakes region, with properties benefiting from proximity to restaurants and local amenities. The residential neighborhoods between Bonneau and Lake Moultrie, especially those within walking distance of public boat launches and fishing areas, are attractive for family vacation rentals and fishing tournament participants. Areas near the Santee National Wildlife Refuge access points draw nature lovers, bird watchers, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts year-round. Properties along the quieter northern sections of Lake Moultrie offer secluded retreat experiences for guests seeking peaceful getaways while remaining accessible to Charleston (45 minutes) and Columbia (90 minutes) for business travelers extending their stays, with peak demand during spring and fall fishing seasons, summer boating months, and hunting seasons.

Airbnb properties in Bonneau, South Carolina are subject to South Carolina's 7% state accommodations tax, which applies to stays of less than 90 consecutive days and is collected by the host and remitted monthly to the South Carolina Department of Revenue by the 20th of the following month. Berkeley County imposes an additional 2% local accommodations tax on short-term rentals, bringing the total accommodations tax to 9%, with collection and remittance following similar procedures through the county tax office. The standard South Carolina sales tax of 6% also applies to lodging services, collected and remitted through the same monthly process. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes directly on behalf of hosts in certain jurisdictions as part of their tax collection agreements with the state, which began around 2019. Properties rented for 90 days or more consecutively are typically exempt from accommodations taxes, and some jurisdictions may exempt rentals to permanent residents or government employees, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria with local tax authorities as regulations can change.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Bonneau, South Carolina would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the Berkeley County area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would cost $8,000-$12,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registration would total $300-$800. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage would cost $1,200-$2,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable would be $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900), cleaning supplies ($300), maintenance ($600), marketing ($400), and platform fees on estimated $18,000 revenue ($2,700) would total approximately $4,900. Property taxes for six months would add another $1,800-$2,400 to the initial investment.

Airbnb properties in Bonneau, South Carolina, typically generate annual revenues ranging from $15,000-$35,000 for modest 2-3 bedroom homes, with higher-end lakefront properties near Lake Moultrie earning $40,000-$60,000 annually. Operating expenses generally consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-$3,000 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-$5,000 yearly). Net profit margins typically range from 15-25% for well-managed properties, with lakefront and fishing-focused rentals achieving the highest returns due to Bonneau's proximity to Lake Moultrie's bass fishing tournaments and recreational boating activities. Success factors include strategic pricing during peak fishing seasons (March-May and September-November), offering boat parking and fishing equipment, maintaining strong relationships with local fishing guides, and targeting the Charleston metropolitan area market located 45 minutes away. Properties that emphasize outdoor amenities, waterfront access, and cater to fishing enthusiasts consistently outperform generic vacation rentals, with some lakefront properties achieving occupancy rates of 65-75% compared to 45-55% for standard residential properties in the area.

Airbnb investments in Bonneau, South Carolina typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, based on the area's proximity to Lake Moultrie recreational activities and Charleston's tourism spillover effects. Properties in this Berkeley County market, particularly lakefront or lake-view rentals, can achieve profitability within 18-24 months due to steady demand from fishing enthusiasts, boaters, and weekend visitors seeking affordable alternatives to Charleston accommodations. The average daily rate for short-term rentals in Bonneau ranges from $85-150 depending on property size and lake access, with occupancy rates typically running 60-75% annually. Initial investment recovery timeframes average 6-8 years for traditional financing scenarios, while cash purchases can see break-even points within 4-6 years, supported by the town's growing reputation as a recreational destination and relatively low property acquisition costs compared to coastal South Carolina markets.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market data, providing comprehensive tools for identifying profitable short-term rental opportunities in Bonneau, South Carolina. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Realty agents in the Charleston metro area, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage specialists, and RE/MAX professionals who focus on Berkeley County investment opportunities. National services like Awning (formerly RedAwning) offer full-service Airbnb property management and investment guidance, while Mashvisor provides property analysis tools specifically for short-term rental investments. Local companies such as Charleston Property Company and Kiawah Island Real Estate have agents experienced in vacation rental investments, and national platforms like BiggerPockets connect investors with local professionals. Specialized services include AirDNA for market analysis, Rabbu for property management, and local property management companies like Vacasa and RedAwning that also assist with property acquisition strategies in the Lake Moultrie and Charleston area markets.