Is Easley, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Easley, South Carolina, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Easley Planning Department and Pickens County offices, as short-term rentals typically require a business license and may need special use permits or zoning compliance verification. Contact the South Carolina Department of Revenue to obtain a state business license and register for sales tax collection, as you'll need to remit state and local accommodations taxes (around 2-3% local plus 7% state). Find a suitable property by researching neighborhoods near Clemson University (15 minutes away) or downtown Easley, considering proximity to attractions like Table Rock State Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains, with average nightly rates ranging $80-150 depending on size and location. Obtain necessary permits including a fire safety inspection, ensure compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements if applicable, and secure proper insurance coverage that includes short-term rental protection. Furnish the property with quality basics including comfortable bedding, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting nearby attractions like Falls Park on the Reedy River in Greenville (30 minutes away), and implement a management system using tools like Hospitable or hiring local property management companies such as RedAwning or Vacasa for cleaning, maintenance, and guest communication while maintaining competitive pricing based on seasonal demand from Clemson football games and Blue Ridge tourism.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Easley, South Carolina, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Greenville's downtown area, near Table Rock State Park, or close to Clemson University (approximately 30 minutes away) to capture both business and leisure travelers. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with outdoor amenities like fire pits, hot tubs, or scenic views, as these perform well with families and groups visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills. 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 $150,000-$300,000 purchase range. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, noting occupancy rates, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local MLS data through Realtor.com, while connecting with Easley-based real estate agents familiar with STR-friendly neighborhoods and HOA restrictions, and consider properties near popular attractions like Campbell's Covered Bridge or within easy driving distance to both Greenville's cultural amenities and outdoor recreation areas that draw consistent tourist traffic year-round.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Easley, South Carolina, you must first contact the Easley Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 205 N 1st Avenue to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city requires conditional use permits for STRs in most residential areas. Submit an application for a Conditional Use Permit along with a detailed site plan, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, liability insurance documentation showing minimum $1 million coverage, a floor plan of the rental unit, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. The application fee is approximately $350 for the conditional use permit plus $150 for the business license, and you'll need to pay additional fees for required inspections by the fire department and building services department. After submitting your complete application, the Planning Commission will review it within 30-45 days and schedule a public hearing, followed by City Council review if approved, making the total timeline approximately 60-90 days. Easley requires STR properties to maintain a guest registry, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensure 24/7 local contact availability, and comply with all noise ordinances and residential character standards, with annual renewal required for the business license and periodic inspections to maintain compliance.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Easley, South Carolina, as the city has not implemented a comprehensive ban on such accommodations. However, STRs must comply with existing zoning regulations and business licensing requirements, with most residential areas allowing them as accessory uses provided they don't violate neighborhood covenants or homeowners association rules. The city requires STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and adhere to occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Properties in certain residential zones may face restrictions on the number of unrelated occupants, and commercial zoning areas typically have fewer limitations. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny from local officials regarding STR impacts on housing availability and neighborhood character, though no major legislative changes have been enacted specifically targeting short-term rentals as of 2023-2024. Property owners should verify compliance with both city ordinances and any applicable HOA restrictions before operating an STR, as enforcement has become more active in response to neighbor complaints about parking, noise, and transient occupancy issues.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Easley, South Carolina include the downtown historic district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in local charm and walkability to restaurants and shops. The neighborhoods around Doodle Mountain and near Table Rock State Park (approximately 15 minutes away) are highly attractive due to proximity to outdoor recreation, hiking trails, and Blue Ridge Mountain tourism. Areas near Clemson University (about 20 minutes away) offer strong potential for football game weekends, graduation events, and academic conferences, with properties along Highway 123 corridor being particularly valuable. The residential neighborhoods around Green Pond Landing and near Lake Robinson provide appeal for families and groups seeking lakefront recreation and fishing activities. Properties near the Pickens County Medical Center and downtown business district can capture business travelers and medical tourism, while areas close to the Doodle Trail and Easley Combined Utilities facilities attract visitors participating in local events and festivals throughout the year.

In Easley, 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, which applies to all short-term rentals under 90 days. Pickens County imposes an additional 2% accommodations tax, bringing the total lodging tax rate to approximately 9%. These taxes 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 properties that qualify. However, hosts may need to register independently with the state and obtain a retail license if their rental doesn't meet Airbnb's automatic collection criteria. The city of Easley may also require a business license for short-term rental operations, though specific municipal lodging taxes beyond the county rate are not commonly imposed. Exemptions generally apply to rentals exceeding 90 consecutive days, which are considered long-term leases rather than transient accommodations, and properties rented for fewer than 15 days per year may qualify for certain tax exemptions under federal guidelines.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Easley, South Carolina is approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $8,000-$12,000 for essential furniture, bedding, kitchen supplies, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $2,000-$4,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registration cost approximately $300-$800 depending on local requirements. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $1,200-$2,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600-$900), cleaning supplies and services ($1,200-$1,800), maintenance reserves ($1,000), marketing ($300-$500), and platform fees average $3,500-$5,000, assuming moderate occupancy during the initial period while building reviews and bookings.

Airbnb properties in Easley, South Carolina typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties near downtown Easley or within 30 minutes of Greenville command premium rates, with some three-bedroom homes achieving 65-75% occupancy rates and net profit margins of 25-35%. Success factors include proximity to Clemson University (20 miles away), competitive pricing against local hotels averaging $85-110 nightly, professional photography, and targeting football weekends and graduation periods when rates can increase 150-200%. A typical case involves a renovated 1,200 sq ft home purchased for $180,000 generating $28,000 annual revenue with $16,800 in expenses, yielding approximately $11,200 net profit (40% margin), though seasonal fluctuations mean summer months often outperform winter by 60-80% in both occupancy and rates.

Airbnb investments in Easley, South Carolina typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in desirable neighborhoods near downtown Easley or close to outdoor attractions like Table Rock State Park command higher nightly rates of $80-120, while standard residential properties average $60-90 per night with 60-70% occupancy rates throughout the year. Initial investment costs for suitable properties range from $150,000-250,000, with renovation and furnishing expenses adding $15,000-30,000. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, factoring in mortgage payments, property management fees of 10-15%, cleaning costs, and maintenance expenses. The proximity to Greenville (20 minutes) and growing tourism interest in the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills supports steady demand, particularly during fall foliage season and summer months when occupancy can reach 80-85%, potentially pushing annual returns to the higher end of the range for well-positioned and professionally managed properties.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Easley, South Carolina. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Foothills and RE/MAX Foothills Realty, with agents like those at Coldwell Banker Caine also serving the Pickens County area where Easley is located. National services include Mashvisor for property analysis, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, and Awning for full-service Airbnb property management and investment guidance. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that help investors optimize their Airbnb returns, while BiggerPockets connects investors with local real estate professionals experienced in short-term rental investments. Local property management companies like Upstate Property Management and Carolina Property Management Group provide hands-on services for Airbnb operations, and national platforms like HostGPO and Hostfully offer booking management and optimization tools specifically designed for short-term rental investors in emerging markets like Easley.