Is Bradley, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bradley, South Carolina, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Greenwood County's planning department, as Bradley falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal regulations. Contact Greenwood County at (864) 942-8500 to verify short-term rental requirements, which typically include business license registration ($50-100 annually) and compliance with residential zoning restrictions. Obtain necessary permits including a South Carolina business license through the Secretary of State's office ($110), register for state sales tax collection (6% plus local taxes), and secure appropriate insurance coverage for short-term rentals. Find suitable property by searching residential areas near Lake Greenwood or downtown Bradley, focusing on 2-3 bedroom homes priced $80,000-150,000 that allow rental activities according to HOA restrictions if applicable. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality mattresses, linens, kitchen appliances, WiFi, and local guidebooks, budgeting $8,000-15,000 for complete furnishing. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photography highlighting proximity to Lake Greenwood recreation and Greenwood's attractions, setting competitive rates around $75-125 per night based on local market analysis. Manage operations by establishing cleaning protocols between guests ($40-60 per turnover), implementing keyless entry systems, maintaining 24/7 guest communication, and tracking income for quarterly tax payments to both state and federal authorities while keeping detailed records of all expenses for tax deductions.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bradley, South Carolina, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of major attractions like Lake Hartwell, Anderson University, or downtown Anderson, prioritizing waterfront or water-view properties, homes near recreational areas, and neighborhoods with easy highway access via I-85. Target 3-4 bedroom properties built after 1990 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces like decks or patios, updated kitchens and bathrooms, and unique features such as lake access, fire pits, or game rooms that appeal to families and groups visiting for lake activities or university events. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to research comparable properties within a 5-mile radius, aiming for properties that can generate $150-250 per night during peak summer and football seasons, with annual revenue potential of $35,000-55,000 after accounting for 60-70% occupancy rates. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings in Bradley and surrounding areas like Anderson, Clemson, and Seneca, identifying gaps in amenities or property types while noting seasonal demand patterns driven by Clemson University events, lake season, and regional festivals. Utilize tools like Rabbu, AirDNA, and local MLS data through Realtor.com, while connecting with Anderson County tourism boards and local real estate agents familiar with the Lake Hartwell market to understand zoning restrictions, HOA rules, and emerging development patterns that could impact future profitability.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bradley, South Carolina, you must first contact the Greenwood County Planning and Zoning Department since Bradley falls under county jurisdiction, as the town itself does not have a separate permitting process for short-term rentals. Begin by submitting an application for a Special Use Permit or Conditional Use Permit to the Greenwood County Planning Department located at 528 Monument Street, Greenwood, SC 29646, or apply online through their permitting portal. Required documents include a completed application form, property deed or lease agreement, site plan showing parking areas and property boundaries, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire marshal, septic system approval if applicable, and a business license from South Carolina Department of Revenue. The application fee is approximately $150-300 for the special use permit, plus additional fees for inspections ranging from $75-150. You must also obtain a South Carolina business license ($50 annually) and register for state and local taxes. The timeline typically takes 45-60 days from application submission, including a mandatory public hearing before the Planning Commission. Bradley-specific requirements include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring the property meets residential density standards, providing contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away, and adhering to noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Bradley, South Carolina, as the small unincorporated community in Greenwood County operates under South Carolina state law, which does not prohibit STRs at the state level. However, STR operations would be subject to Greenwood County's zoning regulations and any applicable homeowners' association restrictions if present. The county typically requires STRs to comply with residential zoning requirements and may require business licenses or permits for commercial rental activities. There are no specific municipal restrictions in Bradley since it lacks incorporated city status, but operators must ensure compliance with county health and safety codes, tax obligations including accommodations taxes, and any deed restrictions in their specific neighborhoods. Recent changes across South Carolina have seen increased local regulation of STRs since 2020, with many counties implementing registration requirements and occupancy limits, though Greenwood County has maintained relatively permissive policies compared to coastal tourist areas like Charleston or Myrtle Beach.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Bradley, South Carolina include the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and local antique shops, and properties within a 10-15 minute drive of Lake Hartwell, as this area draws significant tourism from boating enthusiasts, fishing groups, and families seeking lakefront recreation year-round. The residential neighborhoods near Highway 178 offer good investment potential due to their proximity to both Anderson (20 minutes) and Greenwood (15 minutes), making them attractive for business travelers and visitors to Lander University, while properties near the Bradley Community Center and local parks appeal to families attending youth sports tournaments and community events. Areas close to the railroad heritage sites attract history buffs and train enthusiasts, and neighborhoods with easy access to Interstate 178 provide convenience for travelers exploring the greater Upstate region, including day trips to Greenville or visits to nearby state parks and outdoor recreation areas.

Airbnb properties in Bradley, South Carolina are subject to South Carolina's state accommodations tax of 2% on gross rental receipts, which is collected by the South Carolina Department of Revenue and must be remitted monthly by hosts earning over $1,200 annually in rental income. Additionally, Charleston County imposes a local accommodations tax of 2% that applies to short-term rentals under 90 days, bringing the total accommodations tax to 4%. The state also requires collection of sales tax at 6% on rental transactions, plus Charleston County's 1% local sales tax, for a combined 7% sales tax rate. Hosts must register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue to obtain tax permits and file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month, with payments due at the same time. Properties rented for 90 consecutive days or more to the same guest are typically exempt from accommodations taxes, and some jurisdictions may exempt rentals under certain dollar thresholds, though specific exemption amounts vary by local ordinance and should be verified with Charleston County tax authorities for current rates and procedures as of 2024.

Starting an Airbnb in Bradley, South Carolina requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000-180,000 based on median home prices in rural South Carolina areas near Greenwood County. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, appliances, linens, and decor runs $15,000-25,000. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations costs $3,000-5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registration total $500-1,500 depending on local regulations. Insurance for short-term rental coverage adds $1,200-2,000 annually. Utility deposits and first month service for electricity, water, internet, and cable cost $800-1,200. First six months operating expenses including cleaning services, supplies, maintenance, marketing, platform fees, and vacancy periods require $6,000-10,000 in working capital.

Airbnb properties in Bradley, South Carolina typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for whole-home listings, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-$75 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Properties within 30 minutes of Lake Murray or featuring outdoor amenities like fire pits and hot tubs achieve occupancy rates of 65-75% compared to 45-55% for basic listings. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $180,000 and generating $28,000 annually in gross revenue would net approximately $12,000-$16,000 after expenses, yielding profit margins of 35-45%. Success factors include proximity to Clemson University (driving football weekend premiums of $200-$400 nightly), lake access properties commanding 20-30% higher rates, and professional photography increasing bookings by 25-40%. Properties managed by companies like RedAwning or Vacasa in the greater Columbia area report similar performance metrics, with break-even typically achieved within 18-24 months for investors who maintain occupancy above 60% and control operating expenses below 50% of gross revenue.

Based on Bradley, South Carolina market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location within the area. Properties near Lake Marion and recreational areas tend to perform at the higher end of this range, while standard residential conversions average 10-12% annual returns. Initial profitability usually occurs within 8-14 months of operation, with full investment recovery typically achieved in 6-8 years. The Bradley market benefits from consistent demand from fishing enthusiasts, lake visitors, and travelers seeking rural retreats, with average daily rates of $85-120 and occupancy rates of 65-75% during peak seasons (April-October), dropping to 40-50% in winter months.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Bradley, South Carolina. In the Charleston metropolitan area which serves Bradley, investors can work with real estate agents like those at Keller Williams Realty specializing in investment properties, Century 21 agents with vacation rental expertise, and RE/MAX professionals who understand the Airbnb market dynamics. Local property management companies such as RedAwning and Vacasa provide end-to-end services from property acquisition consulting to management, while AirDNA offers market data and analytics specifically for short-term rental investments in the South Carolina Lowcountry region. National services like Mashvisor and BiggerPockets provide investment analysis tools and networking opportunities, and companies such as Awning and AvantStay focus on identifying and optimizing Airbnb investment properties. Local Charleston-based investment groups and real estate wholesalers also frequently work with investors seeking profitable vacation rental properties in Bradley and surrounding Dorchester County areas, with many specializing in the growing demand for short-term rentals near Charleston's attractions and beaches.