Is Cleveland, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Cleveland, South Carolina, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Greenville County's planning department, as Cleveland falls under their jurisdiction, and verify that short-term rentals are permitted in your chosen area since some residential zones may restrict commercial activities. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Greenville County (approximately $50-100), register for state and local taxes with the South Carolina Department of Revenue, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and building inspections if required. Find a suitable property by analyzing the local market around Cleveland's proximity to attractions like Campbell's Covered Bridge and Paris Mountain State Park, considering properties within 30-45 minutes of Greenville for better booking potential, and evaluate neighborhoods for safety and accessibility. Purchase appropriate furnishing focusing on comfort and durability, including quality mattresses, linens, basic kitchen appliances, WiFi setup, and local guidebooks highlighting nearby attractions like the Blue Ridge Mountains and downtown Greenville. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photography showcasing the property's best features, write compelling descriptions emphasizing Cleveland's small-town charm and outdoor recreation opportunities, set competitive pricing based on comparable properties in the Greenville area (typically $75-150 per night depending on size and amenities), and establish house rules and check-in procedures. Manage your property by responding promptly to inquiries and bookings, maintaining cleanliness standards between guests, coordinating cleaning services, handling maintenance issues quickly, and building positive reviews through excellent customer service while staying updated on any changes to local regulations or tax requirements.

For identifying profitable short-term rental properties in Cleveland, South Carolina, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Lake Norman, downtown Davidson, or major corporate centers like the Charlotte metro area spillover, as these areas attract both leisure and business travelers. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and parking, as families and groups comprise the primary STR demographic in this suburban market. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds long-term rental income by at least 40-60%, typically finding sweet spots in the $200,000-$400,000 purchase range that can command $100-180 nightly rates. Research competition within a 3-mile radius using Airbnb and VRBO searches, looking for gaps in availability or underperforming listings with poor photos or amenities, while monitoring occupancy rates through tools like AllTheRooms and STR analytics platforms. Utilize local resources including the Iredell County planning department for zoning verification, connect with Cleveland-area real estate agents specializing in investment properties, and leverage the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance data for economic growth indicators, while ensuring compliance with any HOA restrictions and local short-term rental regulations that may apply in this growing Lake Norman region market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Cleveland, South Carolina, you must first contact the Cleveland City Hall at 104 E Main Street or call (864) 836-7146 to inquire about their short-term rental ordinance requirements, as many small municipalities in South Carolina have adopted STR regulations since 2020-2022. You'll typically need to submit a business license application through the city clerk's office, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, submit a site plan or floor plan of the rental property, obtain a certificate of occupancy if required, and provide proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. Required documents usually include a completed STR permit application, valid photo ID, property deed or lease, fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire department, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. The application fee is estimated at $100-200 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $50-75. The timeline typically takes 30-45 days for processing once all documents are submitted and inspections are completed. Cleveland-specific requirements may include parking provisions for guests, occupancy limits based on bedrooms (usually 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional), quiet hours enforcement between 10 PM and 7 AM, and registration of the property with the city's STR database for tax collection purposes.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Cleveland, Ohio, but operate under a comprehensive regulatory framework established in 2019. The city requires STR operators to obtain a license, pay annual fees, and comply with safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Cleveland restricts STRs to no more than 25% of units in buildings with four or more residential units, and prohibits them in certain zoning districts including some residential areas. Operators must maintain a 24-hour contact system, limit occupancy to two people per bedroom plus two additional guests, and ensure quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM. The city has implemented a cap on the total number of STR licenses issued and requires operators to collect and remit lodging taxes. Recent changes in 2022 strengthened enforcement mechanisms and increased penalties for violations, while South Carolina generally allows STRs at the state level but defers to local municipalities for specific regulations, with cities like Charleston and Myrtle Beach having their own distinct rules and licensing requirements.

Cleveland, South Carolina offers limited Airbnb investment opportunities due to its small size, but the most promising areas would be properties near Lake Robinson, which attracts fishing enthusiasts and water sports visitors year-round, and the historic downtown district around Main Street where guests appreciate the small-town charm and proximity to local restaurants and antique shops. The area near Greer-Spartanburg International Airport (approximately 30 minutes away) could capture business travelers and those visiting nearby Spartanburg or Greenville, while properties close to the Cleveland Park and recreational facilities appeal to families attending youth sports tournaments and outdoor events. The residential neighborhoods around Highway 11 provide easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains for tourists seeking mountain getaways, and locations near local event venues benefit from wedding parties and family gatherings, though overall demand remains modest compared to larger South Carolina markets.

Airbnb properties in Cleveland, South Carolina are subject to South Carolina's state accommodations tax of 2% on gross rental receipts, which applies to all short-term rentals under 90 days. Cleveland, located in Greenville County, does not impose a separate municipal accommodations tax, but Greenville County levies an additional 2% county accommodations tax, bringing the total to 4%. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system, which began operating in South Carolina in 2019. Property owners must register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue and remit taxes monthly by the 20th of the following month if collecting manually, though most transactions are now handled automatically through Airbnb's platform. Rentals of 90 days or longer are exempt from accommodations taxes, and properties rented for less than 15 days per year may qualify for certain exemptions under federal tax guidelines, though state accommodations taxes may still apply.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Cleveland, South Carolina would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically runs $8,000-$12,000 including beds, sofas, dining sets, linens, and kitchen essentials. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees vary but expect $300-$800 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees. Insurance specifically for short-term rentals costs $1,200-$2,000 annually. Utility deposits and connections total approximately $500-$800. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($150/month), cleaning services ($75 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing expenses add up to roughly $3,000-$4,500. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and a cash reserve for unexpected repairs or vacancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Cleveland, South Carolina show moderate profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $85-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating monthly revenues of $2,100-3,600 assuming 70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($100-150 monthly), and maintenance costs ($200-400 monthly). Properties near Lake Norman and downtown Cleveland achieve higher profit margins of 25-35% due to proximity to water activities and corporate travelers visiting companies like Duke Energy and Atrium Health facilities. A typical 3-bedroom lakefront property purchased for $280,000 in 2022 generates approximately $42,000 annual revenue with $18,000 in expenses, yielding a 15-18% return on investment after mortgage payments. Success factors include professional photography, responsive guest communication, proximity to Lake Norman recreational areas, and targeting corporate travelers during weekdays while capturing leisure guests on weekends, with properties within 5 miles of the lake consistently outperforming inland locations by 20-30% in both occupancy rates and nightly rates.

Airbnb investments in Cleveland, South Carolina can expect annual ROI of 12-18% based on current market conditions, with cash-on-cash returns typically ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location within the market. Properties near Lake Norman and downtown Charlotte suburbs generally achieve higher returns, with investors seeing profitability within 18-24 months of initial investment. The Cleveland market benefits from proximity to Charlotte's corporate presence including Bank of America and Wells Fargo operations, driving consistent demand from business travelers and relocated professionals. Average nightly rates range from $85-150 for 2-3 bedroom properties, with occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Initial investment requirements typically range from $40,000-80,000 for down payments on suitable properties valued between $200,000-400,000, with break-even points occurring around month 20-28 when factoring in renovation costs, furnishing, and operational expenses.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market data, providing comprehensive tools for identifying profitable short-term rental opportunities in Cleveland, South Carolina. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Realty agents who focus on vacation rental investments, Century 21 agents with STR expertise, and RE/MAX professionals experienced in the Cleveland area market. National services like Mashvisor offer property analysis and ROI calculations, while AirDNA provides market data and revenue projections for the region. Local property management companies such as Carolina Coastal Vacations and Grand Strand Property Management assist with post-purchase operations, and investment-focused firms like Roofstock and BiggerPockets connect investors with Cleveland-area opportunities. Regional real estate investment groups and local agents from Coldwell Banker and Exit Realty who understand the South Carolina coastal vacation rental market also provide specialized services for identifying properties with strong Airbnb potential in the Cleveland area.