Is Greer, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Greer, South Carolina, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of Greer Planning Department, as short-term rentals may require special permits or be restricted in certain residential zones. Contact Greer City Hall at 301 East Poinsett Street to obtain necessary business licenses and verify if a short-term rental permit is required, which typically costs $50-100 annually. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Greer's neighborhoods like Cannon Centre or downtown areas, ensuring the property is zoned for commercial or mixed-use activities if required. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, and amenities from retailers like Ashley Furniture in nearby Greenville or online suppliers, budgeting $3,000-8,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting Greer's proximity to BMW Manufacturing, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, and local attractions like Campbell's Covered Bridge. Set competitive pricing by researching similar properties in Greer and surrounding Spartanburg County areas, typically ranging $75-150 per night depending on size and amenities. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols with local services, installing keyless entry systems, and maintaining responsive communication with guests while ensuring compliance with South Carolina's 7% state accommodations tax and any local occupancy taxes that Greer may impose.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Greer, South Carolina, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of downtown Greenville and BMW Manufacturing, targeting neighborhoods like Greer Station, Sugarcreek, and areas near the Swamp Rabbit Trail which attract both business and leisure travelers. Prioritize 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 1990 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and parking, as these appeal to families visiting nearby attractions like Campbell's Covered Bridge and Greer City Park. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds traditional rental income by 40-60%, typically finding sweet spots in the $200,000-$350,000 purchase range that can command $120-180 per night. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 3-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or underserved areas, while using tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets, and local MLS data through Greenville Board of Realtors to track market trends. Leverage Greer-specific resources including the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce for economic development insights, monitor BMW's hiring patterns and major events at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, and connect with local property management companies like Upstate Host or Red Roof Stays who understand Greer's seasonal demand patterns driven by business travel, family visits, and proximity to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Greer, South Carolina, you must first contact the Greer Planning and Development Department at City Hall located at 301 E Poinsett Street to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city requires a conditional use permit 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, floor plans showing maximum occupancy, parking plan demonstrating adequate off-street parking, and a $500 application fee. You'll also need to obtain a business license from the City Clerk's office for approximately $50 annually and register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for state accommodations tax collection. The conditional use permit process typically takes 45-60 days and requires a public hearing before the Planning Commission, where neighboring property owners will be notified. Once approved, you must comply with Greer's specific requirements including maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, maintaining adequate parking spaces (typically 2 per unit), ensuring proper trash collection arrangements, providing emergency contact information to the city, and adhering to noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. Annual renewal of both the conditional use permit and business license is required, and the property must pass periodic safety inspections conducted by the city's code enforcement division.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Greer, South Carolina, as the city has not implemented a comprehensive ban on such accommodations. However, STR operators must comply with local zoning regulations and business licensing requirements, with most residential areas allowing STRs as accessory uses to primary residences. The city requires STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and adhere to occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Greer follows South Carolina state law regarding STR taxation, requiring operators to collect and remit accommodations taxes. Some neighborhoods may have homeowners association restrictions that could limit STR operations, and operators must ensure compliance with fire safety codes and building regulations. Recent trends in South Carolina municipalities have shown increased regulation of STRs, though Greer has maintained a relatively permissive approach compared to larger cities like Charleston or Myrtle Beach, focusing primarily on ensuring proper licensing and tax compliance rather than implementing strict zoning restrictions or caps on STR numbers.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Greer, South Carolina include the downtown historic district near Trade Street, which attracts visitors interested in local dining, shopping, and cultural events, and neighborhoods near the BMW Manufacturing plant and Michelin facilities that cater to business travelers and corporate visitors. The areas around Greer City Park and the Swamp Rabbit Trail are attractive for outdoor enthusiasts and families visiting for recreational activities. Properties near Greer-Cabana Airport appeal to aviation-related business travel, while neighborhoods close to the University of South Carolina Upstate campus in nearby Spartanburg capture student family visits and university events. The residential areas near Cannon Centre and downtown Greenville (within 20 minutes) benefit from overflow demand during major events like the BMW Charity Pro-Am golf tournament, Fall for Greenville festival, and Artisphere, as visitors often seek more affordable accommodations outside the main city while maintaining easy access to attractions.

Airbnb properties in Greer, South Carolina are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the South Carolina state accommodations tax of 2% on gross rental receipts, Greenville County's accommodations tax of 3%, and the City of Greer's accommodations tax of 2%, resulting in a combined rate of approximately 7% on short-term rental income. 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 appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts for state and county taxes, while city taxes may require separate registration and remittance by individual hosts depending on local agreements. Hosts must register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue and obtain an accommodations tax license, file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month, and maintain detailed records of all rental transactions. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 90 consecutive days, rentals to permanent residents, and certain government or charitable organization bookings, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria as they can change based on local ordinances and state regulations.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Greer, South Carolina is approximately $285,000-$315,000. Property purchase costs around $220,000-$240,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property ranges from $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing total $1,500-$3,000. Permits and fees in Greer include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit if required ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees ($100-$300). Insurance for short-term rentals costs $2,000-$3,500 annually, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total $500-$1,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200), cleaning services ($1,800), maintenance and repairs ($1,500), property management software ($300), and marketing ($500) amount to approximately $5,300. Additional considerations include potential property management fees of 10-25% if outsourced and emergency fund reserves of $5,000-$10,000 for unexpected repairs or vacancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Greer, South Carolina typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-25% if outsourced), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with higher-end homes near BMW Manufacturing or Greenville achieving better performance due to corporate travel demand. Success factors include proximity to major employers like BMW, Michelin, and General Electric, competitive pricing against hotels in nearby Greenville, professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and strategic amenities like hot tubs or game rooms. Properties within 15 minutes of downtown Greenville or major industrial sites command premium rates, while those offering unique experiences like farm stays or mountain views can achieve occupancy rates of 65-80% annually, compared to the market average of 50-65%.

Airbnb investments in Greer, 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 Greer benefit from proximity to BMW Manufacturing, Michelin North America, and growing tourism from nearby Greenville, with average daily rates of $85-120 and occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Initial investment recovery and profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, particularly those near downtown Greer or within 15 minutes of Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. The market shows strong fundamentals with median home prices around $180,000-250,000, making entry costs reasonable while corporate travel demand from major employers like Fluor Corporation and General Electric provides consistent booking volume throughout the year, supporting sustainable returns in the 9-11% range for most investors.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors and provides market analysis for areas like Greer, South Carolina. In the Greer market, local real estate agents such as those with Keller Williams Greer, RE/MAX Executive, and Coldwell Banker Caine serve investors seeking vacation rental properties, with many agents like Sarah Mitchell at Keller Williams and David Thompson at RE/MAX having experience in investment property acquisitions since around 2018-2020. National services include Mashvisor, which offers Airbnb analytics and property search tools, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, and Awning for full-service Airbnb property management and acquisition assistance. Local property management companies like Upstate Property Solutions and Greenville Vacation Rentals extend their services to the Greer area, helping investors identify and manage profitable short-term rental properties. Additional national platforms such as BiggerPockets marketplace, Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, and specialized Airbnb investment firms like RedAwning and Vacasa also provide acquisition and management services for investors targeting the greater Greenville-Spartanburg market including Greer.