Is Central, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Central, South Carolina, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Pickens County planning department, as Central typically follows county guidelines for short-term rentals which may require special use permits or conditional use permits depending on the zoning district. Contact the Town of Central clerk's office at (864) 639-2411 to verify specific municipal requirements and obtain necessary business licenses, which typically cost $25-50 annually. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings, Zillow, or working with local realtors like Keller Williams or Century 21, focusing on properties near Clemson University (15 minutes away) or Lake Hartwell for higher demand, with average property prices ranging $150,000-300,000. Obtain required permits including a business license from Central, register with South Carolina Department of Revenue for sales tax collection (currently 6% state plus 1% local), and ensure compliance with fire safety codes through Pickens County Fire Marshal. Furnish the property with essential amenities including WiFi, linens, kitchen supplies, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $5,000-15,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting proximity to Clemson, outdoor activities, and Southern charm, setting competitive rates around $75-150 per night based on local market analysis. Manage bookings through automated messaging systems, coordinate cleaning services (typically $50-75 per turnover), maintain 24/7 guest communication, and consider hiring local property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning if needed, while keeping detailed records for tax purposes and monitoring occupancy rates which average 60-70% in the Central area.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Central, South Carolina, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell, as waterfront or water-view properties command premium rates of $150-300 per night compared to $80-150 for standard homes. Target 3-4 bedroom properties built after 1990 with outdoor amenities like decks, fire pits, or boat access, as these features increase occupancy rates by 20-30% in this recreational market. Analyze comparable STR properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify optimal pricing strategies, with peak summer rates typically 40-60% higher than off-season rates due to lake activity demand. Research competition within a 5-mile radius using Airbnb and VRBO searches, focusing on properties with similar bedroom counts and amenities while noting gaps in luxury or unique offerings. Utilize Rabbu and STR Helper for Central-specific market data, monitor Lake Keowee real estate trends through local MLS systems, and consider properties near Clemson University (30 minutes away) for additional demand during football season and graduation periods, which can boost annual revenue by 15-25% through strategic event-based pricing.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Central, South Carolina, you must first contact the Central City Hall at 104 South Main Street or call (864) 639-2411 to inquire about their specific short-term rental ordinance requirements, as many small South Carolina municipalities have adopted STR regulations since 2020-2022. You'll typically need to submit a business license application ($50-100 fee), provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a site plan or property survey, obtain liability insurance coverage of at least $1 million, and complete a safety inspection checklist covering smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Required documents usually include a completed STR permit application, property deed or lease, driver's license, liability insurance certificate, emergency contact information, and parking plan showing adequate off-street parking spaces. The application fee ranges from $100-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of $75-150, and the process typically takes 30-60 days from submission to approval. Central likely requires compliance with residential zoning restrictions, limits on the number of guests (usually 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional), quiet hours enforcement from 10 PM to 7 AM, and registration with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for accommodations tax collection, which must be remitted monthly at rates between 2-5% depending on local ordinances.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Central, South Carolina, as the town does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2024. However, operators must comply with South Carolina state regulations and Pickens County requirements, which typically include business license registration, tax collection responsibilities, and adherence to zoning restrictions that may limit STRs in certain residential areas. The town of Central follows standard residential zoning guidelines that generally allow home-sharing activities, though properties must meet basic safety and occupancy standards. Recent trends across South Carolina municipalities show increasing regulation of STRs, with some towns implementing registration requirements, occupancy limits, and noise ordinances, but Central has maintained a relatively permissive approach compared to larger cities like Charleston or Myrtle Beach which have enacted stricter controls. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and obtain necessary business licenses through Pickens County, as regulations can change and enforcement has become more common statewide since 2022.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Central, South Carolina include the downtown historic district near Main Street, which attracts visitors exploring the town's antique shops, local festivals, and proximity to Clemson University (15 miles away) bringing consistent parent and alumni traffic. The residential neighborhoods around Central-Clemson Recreation Area offer appeal to outdoor enthusiasts visiting for hiking, fishing, and water activities on Lake Hartwell. Areas near Highway 93 corridor provide strategic positioning for business travelers and visitors to nearby industrial facilities including automotive suppliers and manufacturing plants that have expanded in the region since 2018. The neighborhoods within walking distance of Central Elementary and the town's community events like the annual Spring Fling Festival create demand from families visiting for school activities and local celebrations. Properties near the Central Fire Department and town center benefit from the area's growing reputation as a quiet, safe alternative to busier tourist destinations while maintaining easy access to both Clemson University events and the greater Greenville-Spartanburg metropolitan area, making them attractive to visitors seeking authentic small-town experiences with modern conveniences.

In Central, South Carolina, Airbnb properties are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The South Carolina state accommodations tax is 2% of gross rental receipts, while Pickens County imposes an additional 2% accommodations tax, bringing the total lodging tax rate to approximately 4%. These taxes apply to short-term rentals of less than 90 consecutive days and are collected from guests at the time of booking. Airbnb typically collects and remits the state accommodations tax directly to the South Carolina Department of Revenue on behalf of hosts through their automated tax collection system, which began around 2019. However, hosts may still be responsible for collecting and remitting the local Pickens County accommodations tax directly to the county tax office on a monthly basis by the 20th of the following month. Properties rented for 90 days or more consecutively are generally exempt from accommodations taxes, and certain properties used for permanent residency may also qualify for exemptions. Hosts should register with both state and local tax authorities and maintain detailed records of all rental transactions and tax collections.

Starting an Airbnb in Central, South Carolina requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs average $165,000 based on median home prices in the Central area as of 2023. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically runs $8,000-12,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and basic appliances. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations total around $2,500-4,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $300-800 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees required by Pickens County. Insurance including landlord coverage and short-term rental protection averages $1,200-1,800 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable run approximately $500-800 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150/month), cleaning services ($75 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing budget total roughly $3,000-5,000 depending on occupancy rates and seasonal demand in the South Carolina foothills region.

Airbnb properties in Central, South Carolina typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for single-family homes and $8,000-$18,000 for apartments, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-$50 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts in the area reporting annual profits of $8,000-$15,000 on properties valued between $150,000-$250,000. Key success factors include proximity to Clemson University (driving demand during football season and graduation periods), competitive pricing strategies that undercut hotels by 20-30%, professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and offering amenities like high-speed internet and parking. Properties within 15 miles of Clemson perform significantly better, with occupancy rates of 65-75% compared to 45-55% for more distant locations, and seasonal peaks during football season can drive daily rates up to $200-$400, substantially boosting annual profitability for hosts who optimize their pricing strategies around university events and local festivals.

Airbnb investments in Central, 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 Clemson University and outdoor recreation attractions like Lake Hartwell. Properties within 10-15 minutes of Clemson University command premium rates of $120-180 per night during football season and graduation periods, while lakefront or lake-view properties average $90-140 nightly year-round. Initial investment recovery and profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with average occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. The market benefits from consistent demand from university visitors, families accessing Lake Hartwell recreation, and corporate travelers to nearby Greenville-Spartanburg corridor businesses, with seasonal peaks generating 25-40% higher revenues during fall football season and summer lake activities.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Central, South Carolina, providing market analysis and investment metrics. Local real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments in the Central area include Keller Williams Realty agents who focus on investment properties, Century 21 agents with vacation rental expertise, and independent agents familiar with Lake Murray and surrounding recreational areas. National services like AirDNA (founded 2015) and Mashvisor offer market data and property analysis for Central's short-term rental market, while companies such as RedAwning and Vacasa provide property management services for investors. Local property management companies including Lake Murray Property Management and Midlands Vacation Rentals assist with Airbnb operations, and real estate investment firms like BiggerPockets-connected agents help source properties in the Central market. Additional services include short-term rental consultants, local contractors specializing in vacation rental renovations, and financing specialists familiar with investment property loans in Newberry County where Central is located.