Is Donalds, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Donalds, South Carolina, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations with Abbeville County planning department, as Donalds falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal regulations. Contact Abbeville County at (864) 366-2400 to verify short-term rental permissions in your specific zone and obtain any required business licenses or permits, which typically cost $25-50 annually. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Coldwell Banker or Century 21, focusing on homes near Lake Secession or historic downtown areas that attract tourists, with average property prices ranging $80,000-150,000. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $5,000-10,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting unique features like proximity to Lake Secession recreation or nearby Abbeville's historic attractions, setting competitive rates around $75-125 per night based on local market analysis. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, and considering hiring local cleaning services like those found through Abbeville area providers, while ensuring compliance with South Carolina's 7% state accommodations tax and any applicable local taxes that must be collected and remitted quarterly.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Donalds, South Carolina, focus on properties within 15-20 minutes of Lake Hartwell and Lake Russell recreational areas, as these drive seasonal tourism from April through October. Target 2-4 bedroom homes with outdoor amenities like decks, fire pits, or lake access, built after 1990 with modern kitchens and reliable HVAC systems. Analyze comparable STR properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify the $80-150 nightly rate sweet spot, while researching occupancy rates through VRBO and Airbnb data for similar properties in nearby Abbeville County. Study competition by examining listings within a 10-mile radius, noting amenities, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like BiggerPockets for investment analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local MLS data through South Carolina real estate platforms, while connecting with Anderson County tourism boards and local property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning for market insights. Properties near Highway 178 corridor or within walking distance of downtown Donalds' antique shops and restaurants typically command premium rates, especially those offering unique features like historic charm, waterfront access, or proximity to hunting/fishing opportunities that attract visitors to this rural Abbeville County market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Donalds, South Carolina, you must first contact the Abbeville County Planning and Zoning Department since Donalds falls under county jurisdiction, as the town itself does not have specific STR regulations. Begin by submitting an application for a business license through Abbeville County, which typically costs around $50-75 annually. Required documents include proof of property ownership or lease agreement, liability insurance certificate (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan of the rental property, septic system inspection if applicable, and fire safety compliance documentation. You'll also need to register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for state accommodations tax collection and obtain a retail license, which costs approximately $50. The property must meet basic safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exit plans. Submit your completed application with all supporting documents and fees to the Abbeville County Administration Office at 903 West Greenwood Street, Abbeville, SC 29620. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks, during which time the county may conduct a property inspection. Once approved, you must collect and remit the 7% state accommodations tax plus any applicable local taxes, and renew your permits annually. Contact Abbeville County at (864) 366-2400 to confirm current requirements and fees, as regulations may have been updated since 2023.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Donalds, South Carolina, as the small unincorporated community in Abbeville County operates under South Carolina state law, which does not prohibit STRs at the state level. However, STR operations are subject to Abbeville County's local regulations and zoning ordinances, which may require business licenses, compliance with health and safety standards, and adherence to residential zoning restrictions. The county typically requires STR operators to obtain proper permits and may restrict operations in certain residential areas to preserve neighborhood character. As of 2023-2024, there have been ongoing discussions at the county level about implementing more specific STR regulations, including potential occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances, though no major prohibitive changes have been enacted. Property owners in Donalds should verify current county requirements and any homeowners association restrictions before operating an STR, as enforcement has become more active in recent years following increased tourism in the South Carolina Upstate region.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Donalds, South Carolina are primarily concentrated around the Lake Russell Recreation Area and nearby lakefront properties, which attract seasonal tourists and fishing enthusiasts year-round, particularly during spring and summer months when water activities peak. The historic downtown district of Donalds offers potential for visitors interested in small-town charm and those attending local festivals and community events, though occupancy may be more seasonal. Properties near the Anderson County line benefit from proximity to larger employment centers and could capture business travelers working with companies like Michelin, BMW suppliers, and textile manufacturers in the broader Upstate region. The rural residential areas along Highway 178 and surrounding farmland appeal to agritourism visitors and those seeking peaceful retreats, especially during fall foliage season and hunting periods. Additionally, locations within a 15-20 minute drive of Anderson or Abbeville can attract guests attending Clemson University events, medical appointments at AnMed Health facilities, or business meetings, making these transitional areas between Donalds and larger municipalities particularly attractive for consistent bookings throughout the year.

Airbnb properties in Donalds, South Carolina are subject to South Carolina's 7% state accommodations tax, which applies to all short-term rental stays under 90 consecutive days, with the tax calculated on the gross rental amount including cleaning fees but excluding separately stated taxes. The state accommodations tax is typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests and remitted to the South Carolina Department of Revenue on behalf of hosts through their tax collection service, though individual hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Abbeville County, where Donalds is located, imposes an additional 2% local accommodations tax on short-term rentals, bringing the total accommodations tax to 9%, and this local tax may need to be collected and remitted separately by hosts to Abbeville County depending on whether Airbnb has agreements in place for automatic collection. Properties must register with both state and local authorities, file monthly returns even if no rentals occurred, and maintain detailed records of all transactions. Exemptions are limited and typically apply only to stays exceeding 90 consecutive days by the same guest, certain government employees on official business, and properties rented for 15 days or fewer per year by the owner, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria as regulations can change.

Starting an Airbnb in Donalds, South Carolina requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000 based on median home prices in rural South Carolina markets near Anderson County. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically costs $8,000-12,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and basic appliances. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations total approximately $3,000-5,000. Permits and fees in Pickens County include business license ($50), potential zoning permits ($200-500), and tax registration ($100). Insurance costs roughly $1,200-1,800 annually for short-term rental coverage. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable average $500-800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing ($100/month) total approximately $3,600. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees if applicable and emergency repair funds of $2,000-3,000 for unexpected maintenance issues during the initial operating period.

Airbnb properties in Donalds, South Carolina, a small rural town in Abbeville County, face challenging profitability conditions due to limited tourism demand and low nightly rates typically ranging from $45-75 per night. Properties in this market generally achieve occupancy rates of 25-40% annually, generating gross revenues of $4,000-$12,000 per year for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, while expenses including mortgage payments, utilities, cleaning, maintenance, and Airbnb fees often total $8,000-$15,000 annually, resulting in negative cash flows for most operators. The lack of major attractions, business travel, or tourist destinations within reasonable driving distance severely limits demand, with most bookings coming from travelers seeking budget accommodations while passing through or visiting family in the region. Success factors for the few profitable properties include extremely low acquisition costs (properties under $80,000), minimal debt service, owner-operated cleaning and maintenance, and targeting extended-stay guests or workers on temporary assignments. Properties near Lake Russell or those offering unique rural experiences like farm stays have shown marginally better performance, but overall profit margins remain negative to barely positive at 5-10% for well-managed properties, making Donalds a challenging market for Airbnb investment compared to more established tourist destinations in South Carolina like Charleston or Myrtle Beach.

Airbnb investments in Donalds, South Carolina can expect annual ROI of 8-12% based on the rural market dynamics and proximity to larger cities like Greenville and Anderson. Cash-on-cash returns typically range from 6-10% annually, with properties averaging $80,000-$120,000 purchase prices generating $600-$900 monthly rental income during peak seasons. The timeframe to profitability is generally 18-24 months, considering initial setup costs, furnishing expenses of $8,000-$12,000, and the seasonal nature of tourism in this small town market. Properties near Lake Hartwell or with unique rural charm tend to perform better, achieving occupancy rates of 45-60% annually with average daily rates of $85-$125, while standard residential properties may see lower performance due to limited local attractions and the town's population of approximately 350 residents.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Donalds, South Carolina. Local real estate agents in the area include Coldwell Banker Caine, Keller Williams Foothills, and RE/MAX Executive serving the Abbeville County region where Donalds is located. National services that help investors find Airbnb properties include Mashvisor, which provides rental property analytics, BiggerPockets for investment property networking and deals, Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, and AirDNA for short-term rental market data analysis. Regional companies like Carolina Investment Properties and Upstate Investment Realty focus on investment properties in South Carolina, while services like Awning and RedAwning offer property management and optimization for short-term rentals. Additional platforms include Rentometer for rental analysis, FlipNerd for investment education and deals, and local property management companies like Vacasa and Evolve that can help optimize Airbnb performance in the Donalds market, though the rural nature of this small town may limit some specialized services compared to larger South Carolina markets like Charleston or Greenville.