Is Edgefield, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Edgefield, South Carolina, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Edgefield County Planning Department, as short-term rentals may require special permits or be restricted in certain residential zones. Contact the South Carolina Department of Revenue to obtain a retail license for collecting state accommodation taxes (currently 7%) and register with Edgefield County for any local accommodation taxes. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Edgefield's market, focusing on areas near attractions like the National Wild Turkey Federation headquarters or historic downtown, with properties typically ranging from $150,000-$400,000. Apply for necessary permits including a business license from Edgefield County, ensure the property meets fire safety codes, and obtain proper insurance coverage that includes short-term rental liability. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, and amenities that appeal to visitors exploring the area's hunting, fishing, and historical attractions, budgeting approximately $15,000-$25,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the property's proximity to local attractions like Oakley Park Museum and the Edgefield pottery scene, setting competitive rates based on comparable properties in the area (typically $80-$150 per night). Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges, and maintaining the property to meet Airbnb's standards while complying with all local noise ordinances and occupancy limits that may be specific to Edgefield County's residential areas.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Edgefield, South Carolina, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of downtown Edgefield's historic district, near Lake Thurmond recreational areas, or properties with rural charm and privacy that appeal to visitors seeking authentic Southern experiences. Target 2-4 bedroom homes built after 1980 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces like porches or fire pits, and unique character features such as farmhouse aesthetics or lake views, as these attract guests visiting nearby attractions like Edgefield's pottery studios, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings within 20 miles, including Augusta, Georgia properties across the Savannah River, with typical rates ranging $80-150 per night depending on size and amenities, while calculating potential gross rental yields of 8-12% annually. Conduct competition research using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess occupancy rates in the area, which typically range 40-60% annually, and identify gaps in the market such as pet-friendly properties or homes accommodating larger groups visiting for events at nearby venues. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through South Carolina real estate platforms, while connecting with Edgefield County tourism boards and monitoring seasonal demand patterns tied to lake activities, hunting seasons, and regional festivals to optimize investment timing and property positioning.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Edgefield, South Carolina, you must first contact the Edgefield County Planning and Zoning Department at their office located at 124 Courthouse Square, Edgefield, SC 29824, or call (803) 637-4014 to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental application form along with required documents including a copy of your property deed, site plan showing parking areas and property boundaries, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire marshal, septic system inspection if applicable, and a notarized affidavit from adjacent property owners acknowledging the proposed use. The application fee is typically $150-200 with an additional $75 annual renewal fee, and you may need to pay for required inspections separately (approximately $100-150 each). The approval process generally takes 30-45 days from submission of a complete application, during which time the planning department will review your application, conduct site inspections, and potentially schedule a public hearing if required. Specific Edgefield requirements include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring the property meets all building and fire codes, limiting occupancy based on septic capacity and square footage, maintaining a local contact person available 24/7, and registering with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for accommodations tax collection, with properties subject to periodic compliance inspections and potential revocation for violations.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Edgefield, South Carolina, as the town does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2023. However, operators must comply with South Carolina state regulations including obtaining proper business licenses and collecting state accommodation taxes. Edgefield County may require STR operators to register their properties and obtain occupancy permits, with typical restrictions including occupancy limits based on septic capacity, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Properties in residential zones may face additional scrutiny from neighbors, and some homeowners associations might have their own restrictions. The town has not implemented recent significant changes to STR regulations, but property owners should verify current zoning compliance and ensure they meet all fire safety and building code requirements before operating short-term rentals.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Edgefield, South Carolina include the Historic Downtown District near the town square, which attracts visitors interested in antebellum architecture and Civil War history, particularly around the Edgefield County Courthouse and nearby historic homes. The area around Oakley Park offers appeal for families and outdoor enthusiasts visiting for recreational activities and local events. Properties near the National Wild Turkey Federation headquarters draw business travelers and hunting enthusiasts year-round. The residential areas along Buncombe Street and surrounding historic neighborhoods are attractive due to their proximity to local attractions like the Edgefield County Discovery Center and various historic sites, while also serving visitors to nearby Augusta, Georgia (approximately 30 minutes away) who prefer quieter, more affordable accommodations. The area near Highway 25 provides convenient access for travelers heading to or from Augusta National Golf Club during Masters Tournament season, making it particularly lucrative during April when accommodation demand spikes significantly in the broader region.

Airbnb properties in Edgefield, South Carolina are subject to the state accommodations tax of 2% on gross proceeds from short-term rental stays under 90 days, which is collected by the South Carolina Department of Revenue and must be remitted monthly by the 20th of the following month if monthly gross proceeds exceed $100. Additionally, properties may be subject to Edgefield County's local accommodations tax of up to 3% (though the exact current rate varies by municipality within the county), which is typically collected and remitted to the county tax collector on a monthly or quarterly basis depending on volume. The state tax applies to all short-term rentals with no minimum stay exemptions, while some local jurisdictions may exempt stays over 30 consecutive days or rentals under certain dollar thresholds. Property owners must register with both state and local tax authorities, obtain the necessary licenses, and may be required to collect and remit these taxes directly unless using platforms like Airbnb that have voluntary collection agreements in place, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should verify current collection arrangements with their booking platforms.

To start an Airbnb in Edgefield, South Carolina, expect total costs around $180,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in rural South Carolina markets. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$12,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and living room furniture. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees in Edgefield County are relatively minimal at $200-$500 for business licenses and short-term rental permits. Insurance costs run $1,200-$1,800 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utility deposits and setup fees total approximately $500-$800 for electricity, water, internet, and cable services. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600-$900 monthly), cleaning supplies, maintenance, Airbnb fees (3% host fee), and marketing expenses typically total $5,000-$7,500. Additional considerations include property taxes averaging $800-$1,200 annually and potential HOA fees if applicable, bringing the comprehensive startup investment to the $180,000-$220,000 range for a turnkey Airbnb operation in Edgefield.

Airbnb properties in Edgefield, South Carolina typically generate modest returns with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, resulting in monthly revenues of $1,200-2,800 for properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($1,200-1,800 annually), and maintenance ($200-400 monthly) typically consume 45-60% of gross revenue. Properties near Edgefield's historic downtown or those offering unique amenities like proximity to Lake Thurmond achieve higher occupancy rates and can maintain profit margins of 25-35%, while standard residential properties often see margins of 15-25%. Success factors include strategic pricing during peak seasons like spring and fall when visitors come for outdoor activities, maintaining high cleanliness standards, and leveraging Edgefield's proximity to Augusta, Georgia for golf tourism spillover. A typical 3-bedroom home generating $2,000 monthly revenue might net $600-800 after expenses, representing a 6-10% annual return on a $150,000 property investment, though properties with distinctive features or superior locations can achieve returns exceeding 12% annually.

Based on Edgefield, South Carolina market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location within the county. Properties near Edgefield's historic downtown or close to recreational areas like Stevens Creek Heritage Preserve tend to perform better, with occupancy rates averaging 45-60% annually due to the area's appeal for weekend getaways and hunting/fishing tourism. Initial investment recovery usually occurs within 7-10 years, with monthly gross rental income averaging $1,200-$2,800 for typical 2-3 bedroom properties priced between $150,000-$300,000. The market benefits from proximity to Augusta, Georgia (30 miles) and limited hotel inventory in the immediate area, though seasonal fluctuations are common with peak performance during spring and fall months when outdoor activities drive visitor demand.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Edgefield, South Carolina. Local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker Caine in nearby Augusta, Georgia (serving the CSRA region including Edgefield County) and Meybohm Real Estate have agents familiar with investment properties in the area. National services include Awning, which provides market analysis and property management for Airbnb investments, and RedAwning, offering vacation rental investment consulting. AirDNA provides market data and analytics for short-term rental investments in smaller markets like Edgefield. Local property management companies such as Vacasa and national firms like AvantStay can help manage properties once purchased. Real estate investment firms like Roofstock and Fundrise, while primarily focused on traditional rentals, occasionally feature short-term rental opportunities in South Carolina markets. Regional brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX have agents in the Columbia and Augusta markets who work with investors seeking Airbnb properties in rural areas like Edgefield County.