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 E Poinsett Street to obtain necessary business licenses and verify if a short-term rental permit is required, which typically costs $50-150 annually. Find a suitable property by searching areas near BMW Manufacturing, Greer Station, or downtown Greer, considering proximity to GSP International Airport and major employers like Michelin. Purchase or lease a property that meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers as mandated by South Carolina fire codes. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities that appeal to business travelers and tourists visiting the greater Greenville-Spartanburg area. Register for South Carolina sales tax through the Department of Revenue since short-term rentals are subject to state and local accommodations taxes (typically 2-3% local plus 7% state). Create listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting proximity to attractions like Campbell's Covered Bridge and Century Park. Implement a management system using tools like Hospitable or Guesty for automated messaging, cleaning coordination with local services like Greer-based cleaning companies, and pricing optimization to compete with nearby hotels such as Hampton Inn & Suites Greer. Ensure compliance with HOA restrictions if applicable and maintain proper insurance coverage through companies like Proper or CBIZ that specialize in short-term rental coverage in South Carolina.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Greer, South Carolina, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of BMW Manufacturing, Michelin North America headquarters, and the GSP International Airport, as these drive consistent business travel demand. Target properties near downtown Greer's revitalized Main Street district, close to the Swamp Rabbit Trail, and within reasonable distance to Greenville's attractions since many visitors use Greer as a more affordable base. Look for 2-4 bedroom homes or condos with modern amenities, dedicated workspaces for business travelers, outdoor spaces, and parking, as these features command higher nightly rates in the $80-150 range typical for the Greer market. Analyze comparable properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess occupancy rates (typically 60-75% for well-positioned properties), while researching competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches to identify gaps in amenities or underserved areas. Utilize the Greenville County GIS system for property research, partner with local real estate agents familiar with STR regulations, and monitor the Greer Station development and other upcoming projects that could impact demand. Properties priced 10-20% below Greenville equivalents often provide the best investment opportunities, especially those requiring minor renovations to appeal to the mix of business travelers, BMW plant visitors, and tourists exploring the greater Greenville area.

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 required documents including a site plan, property survey, proof of property ownership, detailed operating plan describing guest capacity and parking arrangements, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. The application fee is approximately $350-500, and you'll also need to obtain a business license from the City Clerk's office for an additional $50-75 annually. Required documents also include proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage naming the City of Greer as additional insured, floor plans showing maximum occupancy calculations, and a notarized affidavit from adjacent property owners acknowledging the proposed use. The review process typically takes 45-60 days and includes a public hearing before the Planning Commission, after which you must also register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for accommodations tax collection and obtain any required state and county business licenses. Once approved, you must display the permit number in all online listings and maintain compliance with occupancy limits, parking requirements (typically 2 spaces per unit), and noise ordinances specific to Greer's residential districts.

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 regulations regarding taxation, requiring STR operators to collect and remit accommodations taxes. Some neighborhoods may have homeowners association restrictions that could limit STR operations, and the city has been monitoring STR activity to ensure compliance with existing residential zoning codes. Recent discussions at the city council level have focused on potential registration requirements and enhanced enforcement mechanisms, though no major restrictive ordinances have been enacted as of 2024. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and obtain necessary permits before operating STRs in Greer.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Greer, South Carolina include the downtown historic district near Trade Street, which attracts visitors for its charming walkable area with local restaurants and shops, and neighborhoods near the BMW Manufacturing plant on Highway 101, which generates consistent business travel demand from suppliers, contractors, and corporate visitors. The areas around Greer City Park and the Swamp Rabbit Trail are attractive for recreational tourism and families visiting for youth sports tournaments at the various athletic complexes. Properties near Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in the Highway 14 corridor offer convenience for business travelers and tourists, while neighborhoods close to the Greer Cultural Arts Center and annual events like Freedom Blast draw cultural tourists. The residential areas near Campbell's Covered Bridge provide a scenic, historic appeal for weekend getaways, and locations within a 10-15 minute drive to downtown Greenville capture overflow demand from that larger tourism market while offering more affordable property prices than Greenville proper.

In Greer, South Carolina, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes that must be collected from guests and remitted to tax authorities. The South Carolina state accommodations tax is 2% of the rental amount, while Greenville County (where Greer is located) imposes an additional 2% county accommodations tax, bringing the total to approximately 4% on short-term rental stays. These taxes apply to rentals of less than 90 consecutive days and must be collected at the time of booking or check-in. Hosts are required to register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue and obtain a retail license, then file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month along with tax payments. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically for hosts through their platform in certain jurisdictions, but hosts should verify this arrangement and ensure compliance. Properties rented for 90 days or more to the same guest are typically exempt from accommodations taxes, as are rentals to permanent residents. Failure to collect and remit these taxes can result in penalties and interest charges from both state and county tax authorities.

To start an Airbnb in Greer, South Carolina, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials run $500-$1,500. Permits and fees vary but budget $200-$800 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and any required inspections depending on local Greer regulations. Insurance costs increase significantly for short-term rentals, expect $1,200-$2,400 annually compared to standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable typically cost $300-$600 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150-$300 monthly), cleaning services ($50-$100 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200-$400 monthly), platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO (3-5% of bookings), and miscellaneous supplies total approximately $3,000-$6,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period while building reviews and bookings.

Airbnb properties in Greer, South Carolina typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire home listings, 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 successful hosts in the Greer area achieving occupancy rates of 60-75% by targeting visitors to nearby BMW Manufacturing, Michelin facilities, and Greenville-Spartanburg attractions. Properties within 15 minutes of downtown Greenville or near Greer City Park command premium rates, while those offering business traveler amenities like dedicated workspaces and reliable WiFi see higher weekday bookings. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $180,000-220,000 in Greer can generate $20,000-28,000 in annual revenue with expenses of $12,000-18,000, yielding net profits of $8,000-15,000 annually, representing cash-on-cash returns of 8-15% when factoring in mortgage payments and initial setup costs of $5,000-8,000 for furnishing and platform optimization.

Airbnb investments in Greer, South Carolina typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, based on the area's proximity to Greenville and BMW Manufacturing plant which drives consistent business and leisure travel demand. Properties in Greer's established neighborhoods like Greer Station or near the GSP International Airport command average daily rates of $85-120, with occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Initial investment recovery and profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with gross rental yields averaging 10-14% before expenses. The market benefits from Greer's growing population, strong employment from companies like BMW, Michelin, and General Electric, plus recreational attractions like Campbell's Covered Bridge and proximity to Blue Ridge Mountains, supporting sustainable rental demand with properties appreciating 4-6% annually while generating positive monthly cash flow of $200-600 per property after mortgage and operating expenses.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Greer, South Carolina. Local real estate agents in the Greer area who focus on investment properties include Keller Williams agents specializing in rental properties, Coldwell Banker agents with STR experience, and RE/MAX professionals who understand the Airbnb market dynamics in the greater Greenville-Spartanburg region. National services that can assist with Greer properties include Mashvisor for market analysis and property identification, BiggerPockets for networking and deal sourcing, Awning for short-term rental property management and acquisition guidance, and RedAwning which offers investment property search tools. Local property management companies like Vacasa and RedAwning have expanded into the South Carolina market and can provide insights on profitable properties. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Fundrise occasionally feature properties in secondary markets like Greer. Additionally, local real estate investors and wholesalers in the Greenville-Spartanburg metropolitan area often have access to off-market properties suitable for Airbnb conversion, and platforms like LoopNet and Crexi can help identify commercial properties that could be converted to short-term rentals in Greer's growing tourism market near BMW manufacturing and the Blue Ridge Mountains.