Is Crescent Beach, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Crescent Beach, South Carolina, begin by researching Horry County's short-term rental regulations, which typically require a business license ($50-100 annually) and compliance with zoning ordinances that may restrict rentals in certain residential areas. Contact Horry County Planning Department at (843) 915-5440 to verify your property's zoning allows short-term rentals and obtain necessary permits including a business license through the South Carolina Department of Revenue. Find a suitable property within 1-2 miles of the beach, with 2-4 bedrooms typically renting for $150-400 per night depending on proximity to ocean and amenities. Furnish the property with coastal-themed decor, essential amenities like WiFi, air conditioning, beach chairs, umbrellas, and kitchen supplies, budgeting $15,000-30,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting ocean views, beach access, and local attractions like Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park, setting competitive rates based on seasonal demand with peak summer months commanding highest prices. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services ($75-150 per turnover), maintenance contractors, and consider using property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning if you're not local, while maintaining 4.8+ star ratings through responsive communication, quality amenities, and detailed local recommendations for restaurants like Sea Captain's House and attractions within the Grand Strand area.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Crescent Beach, South Carolina, focus on oceanfront or ocean-view properties within walking distance of the beach, particularly along Ocean Boulevard and nearby streets, as these command premium rates year-round. Target 3-6 bedroom homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities like updated kitchens, multiple bathrooms, parking spaces, and outdoor areas such as decks or pools, as families and groups are the primary market. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties, aiming for properties that can generate $150-400 per night depending on size and proximity to beach, with peak summer rates 40-60% higher than off-season. Research competition by studying occupancy rates and pricing strategies of existing STRs within a 0.5-mile radius of your target property, focusing on properties with 4+ star ratings and consistent bookings. Utilize tools like Rabbu, VRBO market data, and local MLS systems, while connecting with Crescent Beach-specific property management companies like Seaside Vacations or Elliott Beach Rentals who understand local regulations, seasonal demand patterns, and can provide insights on the most profitable neighborhoods and property types in this Horry County beach community.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Crescent Beach, South Carolina, you must first contact the Horry County Planning and Zoning Department since Crescent Beach falls under county jurisdiction, and submit an application for a Short-Term Rental Business License which typically costs around $150-200 annually. Required documents include a completed STR application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate, general liability insurance policy (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system inspection if applicable, and business license from South Carolina Department of Revenue. You'll need to schedule inspections with Horry County Building Services for fire safety and occupancy compliance, ensure your property meets parking requirements (typically 2 spaces per unit), install proper signage with permit numbers, and comply with noise ordinances and occupancy limits (usually 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional). The application process typically takes 4-6 weeks from submission to approval, and you must renew annually by December 31st. Properties must be owner-occupied or have a local property manager within 30 miles, maintain guest registries, and follow specific trash collection schedules during peak season from March through October.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Crescent Beach, South Carolina, as the area falls under Horry County's jurisdiction, which permits vacation rentals with proper licensing and compliance requirements. Property owners must obtain a business license from Horry County and register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes. The county requires STR operators to maintain liability insurance, provide adequate parking, and ensure properties meet safety standards including smoke detectors and emergency egress requirements. Recent changes around 2019-2021 included stricter noise ordinances and occupancy limits, with maximum occupancy typically restricted to two people per bedroom plus two additional guests. Some residential neighborhoods may have HOA restrictions that prohibit or limit short-term rentals, and operators must comply with local zoning regulations. The county has implemented a complaint-driven enforcement system for noise violations and parking issues, with penalties including fines and potential license revocation for repeat offenders.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Crescent Beach, South Carolina include the oceanfront properties along Ocean Boulevard and nearby residential streets within 2-3 blocks of the beach, which command premium rates due to direct beach access and ocean views that attract summer vacationers and weekend getaways year-round. The Windy Hill section offers excellent potential with its family-friendly atmosphere, proximity to popular fishing piers, and easy access to both Myrtle Beach attractions (15 minutes south) and North Myrtle Beach entertainment, drawing tourists seeking a quieter alternative to busier resort areas. Properties near Tilghman Beach and the Cherry Grove area are particularly attractive for investors due to their appeal to fishing enthusiasts, boaters, and families who frequent the Cherry Grove Pier and local seafood restaurants, while also benefiting from the annual Blue Crab Festival and summer concert series that drive consistent seasonal demand. The residential neighborhoods between Highway 17 and the Intracoastal Waterway offer more affordable investment opportunities while still providing guests access to both beach and waterway activities, appealing to budget-conscious families and groups who prioritize space over beachfront location, with properties here typically seeing strong occupancy rates during peak season (May through September) and decent winter bookings from snowbirds and off-season travelers.

Airbnb properties in Crescent Beach, South Carolina are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the South Carolina state accommodations tax of 2%, Horry County accommodations tax of 1.5%, and a local municipal accommodations tax of approximately 2-3%. These taxes apply to short-term rentals under 90 days and are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system, which remits payments directly to the South Carolina Department of Revenue on a monthly basis for state taxes, while local taxes may require separate registration and remittance by hosts to Horry County and Crescent Beach municipal authorities. Property owners must register for a business license with the city and obtain a South Carolina retail license, with remittance generally due by the 20th of the following month for the previous month's collections. Exemptions typically include stays over 90 consecutive days, certain government and military personnel on official business, and properties rented to the same guest for extended periods, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria as regulations have evolved significantly since 2018 when many municipalities began actively regulating short-term rentals.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Crescent Beach, South Carolina is approximately $485,000-$585,000. Property purchase costs range from $350,000-$450,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom beach property typically costs $25,000-$35,000 including beds, living room furniture, kitchen essentials, linens, and coastal decor. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and welcome amenities total around $2,500-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees range from $500-$1,200 annually. Insurance costs approximately $3,000-$4,500 per year for vacation rental coverage with higher liability limits. Utilities including electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service average $300-$450 monthly or $1,800-$2,700 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, maintenance, supplies, platform fees, and marketing total approximately $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include property management fees if outsourced (20-30% of revenue), emergency repair fund ($5,000-$10,000), and potential HOA fees ($200-$500 monthly) depending on the specific property location within Crescent Beach.

Airbnb properties in Crescent Beach, South Carolina typically generate annual revenues between $35,000-$65,000 for oceanfront units and $20,000-$40,000 for properties within 2-3 blocks of the beach, with peak summer months (June-August) accounting for 60-70% of total bookings at nightly rates ranging from $150-$400 depending on proximity to shore and property size. Operating expenses generally consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($75-$125 per turnover), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($2,000-$4,000 annually), maintenance and repairs (8-12% of revenue), and local accommodation taxes (6-9%), resulting in net profit margins of 25-35% for well-managed properties. Success factors include oceanfront or ocean-view locations which command 30-50% premium rates, professional photography and staging, responsive guest communication, partnerships with local property management companies like Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals or Elliott Beach Rentals, and strategic pricing during events like the Carolina Country Music Fest and motorcycle rallies which can drive rates up 200-300% during peak weekends. Properties purchased between 2019-2021 for $300,000-$600,000 have shown strong performance with some owners reporting 12-18% annual returns on investment, though newer entrants face increased competition and higher acquisition costs that may reduce initial profitability.

Airbnb investments in Crescent Beach, South Carolina typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% based on the area's strong vacation rental demand and proximity to Myrtle Beach attractions. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties averaging $150-250 per night during peak summer months (June-August) and $80-120 during shoulder seasons. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with oceanfront or ocean-view properties commanding premium rates up to $300-400 per night during holidays and summer weekends. The market benefits from year-round tourism, golf packages, and fishing charters, with occupancy rates typically reaching 65-75% annually. Properties within walking distance to the beach or featuring amenities like pools and hot tubs tend to outperform the market average by 15-25%, while successful operators who actively manage pricing and guest experience often see returns approaching 20-22% annually after the initial investment period.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Crescent Beach, South Carolina. Local real estate agents like those at Century 21 Barefoot Realty, Coldwell Banker Chicora Advantage, and RE/MAX Southern Shores have extensive knowledge of the Myrtle Beach area market including Crescent Beach and can help identify properties with strong Airbnb potential. National services include Mashvisor, which provides rental property analytics and market data, AirDNA for short-term rental market insights, and Roofstock for turnkey rental property investments. Local property management companies like RedAwning, Vacasa, and Beach Vacations specialize in managing Airbnb properties in the area and often have insights into profitable investment opportunities. Additional national platforms include BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal finding, Awning for short-term rental property investment guidance, and local mortgage brokers like First Citizens Bank and South State Bank who understand investment property financing in the South Carolina coastal market.