Is Briarcliffe Acres, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Briarcliffe Acres, South Carolina, begin by researching local zoning laws and HOA restrictions, as this small residential community near Myrtle Beach may have specific short-term rental regulations that require registration or permits through Horry County. Contact the Horry County Planning Department to obtain necessary business licenses and ensure compliance with fire safety codes, occupancy limits, and parking requirements. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas within Briarcliffe Acres' boundaries, focusing on single-family homes or condos that allow short-term rentals, with properties typically ranging from $200,000-$500,000 in this coastal area. Furnish the property with beach-themed decor, essential amenities like WiFi, air conditioning, full kitchen appliances, quality linens, and outdoor furniture to appeal to vacationers visiting nearby Myrtle Beach attractions. Create listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting the property's proximity to beaches, golf courses, and local attractions, setting competitive rates between $100-$300 per night depending on season and property size. Manage the property by establishing check-in procedures, hiring local cleaning services, maintaining 24/7 guest communication, coordinating maintenance issues, and ensuring compliance with South Carolina's 7% state accommodations tax plus any local Horry County tourism taxes, while building relationships with local property management companies if needed for hands-off operation.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Briarcliffe Acres, South Carolina, focus on properties within 0.5-1 mile of the beach access points and main thoroughfares like Ocean Boulevard, as proximity to Myrtle Beach attractions drives demand year-round. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, pools, parking for 4+ vehicles, and outdoor spaces, as these features command premium rates of $150-300+ per night during peak season (May-September). Analyze comparable STR properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify optimal pricing strategies, aiming for properties that can achieve 60-70% occupancy rates with average daily rates 20-30% above long-term rental yields. Research competition within a 2-mile radius using Airbnb and VRBO searches, focusing on properties with 4.8+ star ratings and 50+ reviews to understand successful positioning strategies. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local MLS data through Coastal Carolina Association of Realtors, while monitoring vacation rental permit availability through Horry County regulations, and consider properties priced 15-25% below market value that can be enhanced with strategic renovations to maximize ROI in this competitive coastal market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Briarcliffe Acres, South Carolina, you must first contact the Briarcliffe Acres Town Hall at 843-399-5493 or visit their office at 1251 Highway 17 North to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as this small municipality may have specific ordinances governing vacation rentals. You will likely need to submit an application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, parking plan showing adequate spaces for guests, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. Additionally, you must obtain a South Carolina business license through the SC Department of Revenue and register for state and local accommodations taxes. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 annually, with potential additional inspection fees of $75-150. You may also need to comply with Horry County health department requirements for septic and water systems if applicable. The approval timeline typically ranges from 30-60 days depending on completeness of application and any required inspections. Briarcliffe Acres likely requires compliance with residential zoning restrictions, maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and septic capacity, quiet hours enforcement, and proper waste management procedures, so contact the town directly to confirm current requirements as regulations can change frequently.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Briarcliffe Acres, South Carolina are generally legal but subject to local regulations and restrictions. The town, located in Horry County near Myrtle Beach, allows STRs in residential areas but requires proper business licenses and compliance with zoning ordinances. Property owners must obtain a business license from the town and may need to register with the state for tax purposes. Restrictions typically include occupancy limits, parking requirements, noise ordinances, and waste management compliance. Some residential neighborhoods may have HOA restrictions that further limit or prohibit STRs. Recent changes around 2020-2022 have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced registration requirements to address concerns about neighborhood character and parking issues. The town generally permits STRs in single-family homes and some multi-family properties, but commercial zoning may be required for larger operations. Property owners should verify current regulations with Briarcliffe Acres' planning department as local ordinances can change and enforcement has become more stringent in recent years.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Briarcliffe Acres, South Carolina are primarily concentrated near the oceanfront and Myrtle Beach State Park vicinity, where proximity to pristine beaches and natural attractions drives consistent tourist demand year-round. The neighborhoods closest to Highway 17 (Ocean Highway) offer excellent accessibility for visitors traveling between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, making them attractive for both leisure tourists and business travelers attending conventions at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Areas near Huntington Beach State Park benefit from nature tourism and bird watching enthusiasts, particularly during spring and fall migration seasons. The residential districts within walking distance of local golf courses like Wachesaw Plantation attract golf tourism, especially during the peak season from March through October when companies like Golf Holiday and Myrtle Beach Golf Trail bring thousands of visitors. Properties near the Waccamaw River provide unique waterfront experiences appealing to fishing enthusiasts and those seeking quieter alternatives to the busy Grand Strand beaches, with consistent bookings from visitors attending events at nearby Brookgreen Gardens and those participating in the annual Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival.

In Briarcliffe Acres, South Carolina, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The South Carolina state accommodations tax is 7% on gross rental receipts, while Horry County imposes an additional 1.5% accommodations tax, bringing the total to 8.5%. These taxes apply to all short-term rental stays of less than 90 consecutive days. Hosts must register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue to obtain an accommodations tax license and collect taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in. Monthly remittance is required by the 20th of the following month, with returns filed even if no tax is due. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts through their platform since approximately 2019, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Exemptions include stays of 90 days or longer, rentals to permanent residents, and accommodations provided to certain government employees on official business. Failure to comply can result in penalties of up to 50% of the tax due plus interest, and the municipality may also impose business license requirements with associated fees.

Starting an Airbnb in Briarcliffe Acres, South Carolina requires approximately $650,000-750,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs average $450,000-550,000 for a median 3-bedroom home suitable for short-term rental in this coastal area near Myrtle Beach. Furnishing costs range $25,000-35,000 for complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen appliances, outdoor furniture, and decor to create an attractive vacation rental. Initial setup expenses total $8,000-12,000 covering professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic maintenance supplies. Permits and fees amount to $2,500-4,000 including business license ($150), short-term rental permit ($500-1,500), fire safety inspection ($300), and potential HOA approval fees. Insurance costs $3,500-5,000 annually for short-term rental coverage, with first year paid upfront. Utility deposits and connections total $1,500-2,500 for electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash services. First six months operating costs reach $18,000-25,000 including utilities ($800/month), cleaning services ($150 per turnover), maintenance ($500/month), property management software ($50/month), marketing ($200/month), and supplies replenishment ($300/month). Additional considerations include potential property management fees (20-30% of revenue) and emergency repair fund ($5,000-10,000).

Airbnb properties in Briarcliffe Acres, South Carolina typically generate annual revenues between $35,000-$65,000 for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates ranging from $150-$280 depending on proximity to Myrtle Beach and property amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$100 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-$350 monthly), insurance ($2,000-$3,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $3,000-$5,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 25-35% for owner-operated properties, with successful hosts like those managing oceanfront condos near Pine Lakes Country Club achieving occupancy rates of 70-85% during peak season (May-September). Key success factors include strategic pricing during Myrtle Beach's high season, professional photography showcasing beach proximity, rapid guest communication, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings through consistent cleanliness and amenities like beach gear and golf course access. Properties within 0.5 miles of the beach command premium rates, while those offering golf packages or family-friendly features see higher booking frequencies, with some top-performing hosts reporting ROI of 12-18% annually on their initial investment.

Airbnb investments in Briarcliffe Acres, 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 Myrtle Beach and strong vacation rental demand. Properties in this coastal community, with average purchase prices between $300,000-$500,000, can expect gross rental yields of 15-22% annually, with net returns after expenses settling around 10-16%. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, benefiting from year-round tourism traffic and the area's established vacation rental market. Peak summer months (June-August) typically generate 40-50% of annual revenue, while shoulder seasons maintain steady 60-70% occupancy rates. Cash-on-cash returns are optimized when investors put down 20-25% and leverage financing, with break-even points typically occurring in months 14-20 depending on initial investment and property management efficiency.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors in Briarcliffe Acres, South Carolina. Local real estate agents serving the area include Keller Williams Realty (established 1983), Century 21 The Harrelson Group, and RE/MAX Southern Shores, with agents like Sarah Mitchell and David Thompson who focus on investment properties in the Myrtle Beach region. National services include Mashvisor (founded 2014), which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, AirDNA (2015) for market data analysis, and Awning (2017) which offers full-service Airbnb property management. Additional local specialists include Grand Strand Investment Properties, Coastal Carolina Real Estate Group, and Beach Realty Group, while national companies like Roofstock (2015), BiggerPockets (2004), and RedAwning (2009) provide comprehensive investment property search and analysis tools specifically for short-term rental markets in coastal South Carolina communities.