Is Landrum, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Landrum, South Carolina, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of Landrum Planning Department, as short-term rentals may require special permits or be restricted in certain residential zones. Contact Spartanburg County for any county-level requirements and obtain a South Carolina business license through the SC Department of Revenue, along with registering for state and local tax collection including the 7% state accommodations tax. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas near Landrum's downtown or properties with easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Foothills Trail, considering proximity to attractions like Campbell's Covered Bridge and local vineyards. Purchase comprehensive insurance that covers short-term rentals, as standard homeowner's policies typically exclude commercial activities. Furnish the property with quality basics including comfortable beds, linens, towels, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local guidebooks highlighting Landrum's charm and nearby Tryon, North Carolina attractions. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos showcasing the property's connection to the area's equestrian culture and mountain activities, setting competitive rates based on similar properties in the Spartanburg County foothills region. Implement a management system using Airbnb's tools or third-party software for bookings, communication, and cleaning schedules, ensuring compliance with the 7% state accommodations tax remittance and any local occupancy taxes, while maintaining the property to high standards that reflect Landrum's small-town hospitality and appeal to visitors exploring the South Carolina-North Carolina border region.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Landrum, South Carolina, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of downtown Landrum's charming Main Street district and proximity to the Foothills Trail, as these areas attract both leisure tourists and outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1990 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, and unique character features that photograph well for listings, as Landrum's market thrives on properties that offer a blend of small-town charm and natural beauty access. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to evaluate comparable properties within a 20-mile radius including nearby Tryon, North Carolina, aiming for properties that can achieve $100-180 per night depending on size and amenities, with occupancy rates typically ranging 60-75% annually. Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings on Airbnb and VRBO within Landrum and surrounding areas like Columbus and Saluda, noting that the market has limited inventory which creates opportunity but also indicates demand patterns. Utilize tools like Rabbu for local STR regulation compliance, STR Helper for market analysis specific to Spartanburg County regulations, and connect with Landrum's tourism board and local real estate agents familiar with the area's seasonal patterns driven by fall foliage tourism, equestrian events at nearby facilities, and year-round outdoor recreation activities.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Landrum, South Carolina, you must first contact the Landrum City Hall at 201 E. Rutherford Street or call (864) 457-2616 to inquire about their specific short-term rental ordinance requirements, as many small municipalities in South Carolina have adopted STR regulations since 2020-2022. You will likely need to submit a business license application through the city clerk's office, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a site plan or floor plan of the rental property, obtain liability insurance with minimum coverage of $500,000-$1,000,000, provide contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away, and pass a safety inspection covering smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Required documents typically include a completed application form, property deed or lease, insurance certificate, floor plan, emergency contact information, and parking plan showing adequate off-street parking. Fees generally range from $100-$300 for the initial permit plus $50-$150 for annual renewals, with additional inspection fees of $75-$125. The timeline is usually 30-60 days from complete application submission, including time for city review, public notice period, and safety inspection scheduling. Landrum-specific requirements may include limits on the number of guests, quiet hours enforcement from 10 PM to 8 AM, mandatory posting of city contact information and house rules, and compliance with residential zoning restrictions that may limit STRs to owner-occupied properties or specific zoning districts.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Landrum, South Carolina, as the city does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2023. However, operators must comply with South Carolina state regulations and Spartanburg County requirements, which may include business license registration, tax collection responsibilities, and adherence to zoning restrictions that typically limit STRs to residential areas while potentially restricting them in certain historic districts or areas with homeowners association covenants. The city follows standard residential zoning guidelines, meaning STRs are generally permitted in single-family residential zones but may face restrictions in multi-family or commercial areas depending on specific zoning classifications. Property owners should verify compliance with local fire safety codes, occupancy limits, and parking requirements, while also ensuring proper registration with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for accommodations tax collection. Recent trends in South Carolina have seen some municipalities implementing more specific STR regulations, but Landrum has maintained a relatively permissive approach while deferring to county and state oversight mechanisms.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Landrum, South Carolina include the Historic Downtown District along North Trade Avenue, which attracts visitors to the Campbell's Covered Bridge (built in 1909) and antique shops, plus business travelers to nearby companies like Milliken & Company. The residential neighborhoods near Landrum High School and along Highway 14 offer affordable properties with easy access to both Spartanburg (20 minutes) and the North Carolina border, appealing to families visiting students at nearby universities and workers at BMW Manufacturing (30 minutes away in Greer). Properties near the Pacolet River and Green Creek areas are attractive for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills, while homes along Fingerboard Road benefit from proximity to Tryon International Equestrian Center just across the North Carolina border, which hosts year-round equestrian events drawing thousands of visitors. The area around Campbell's Covered Bridge specifically sees tourism spikes during fall foliage season and summer festivals, making nearby residential properties ideal for short-term rentals targeting weekend getaway guests from Charlotte (45 minutes) and Greenville-Spartanburg metro areas.

In Landrum, South Carolina, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The South Carolina state accommodations tax is 2% on gross rental receipts, while Spartanburg County (where Landrum is located) imposes an additional 3% local accommodations tax, bringing the total to approximately 5%. These taxes apply to stays of less than 90 consecutive days and are collected from guests at the time of booking. Airbnb typically collects and remits these taxes automatically for hosts through their platform since around 2019, though hosts should verify this arrangement and may need to register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue if collecting taxes independently. The state requires monthly remittance by the 20th of the following month, and hosts must maintain records of all rental transactions. Exemptions may apply for stays exceeding 90 days, rentals to permanent residents, and certain government or charitable organization bookings, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria as they can change.

To start an Airbnb in Landrum, 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. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$12,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$4,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance costs run $1,200-$2,000 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utility deposits and connections typically cost $300-$600 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150-$250/month), cleaning supplies ($100-$200/month), maintenance reserves ($200-$400/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses total approximately $3,000-$5,000. Additional considerations include potential property management fees (10-20% of revenue), emergency repair funds, and seasonal fluctuations in occupancy rates common to the South Carolina foothills region.

Airbnb properties in Landrum, South Carolina typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for well-positioned properties, 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 ($50-$75 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Properties near the Foothills Trail or offering mountain views command premium rates, with some luxury cabins achieving occupancy rates of 65-75% and net profit margins of 25-35%. Success factors include proximity to outdoor recreation areas like Green River Preserve, professional photography showcasing mountain scenery, and targeting weekend getaway markets from Charlotte and Greenville. A typical 3-bedroom mountain cabin purchased for $250,000 and generating $28,000 in annual revenue with $16,000 in expenses would yield a 4.8% cash-on-cash return, though properties with unique features like hot tubs or fire pits can achieve returns exceeding 8%. The market benefits from Landrum's growing reputation as a mountain retreat destination, though seasonality affects winter bookings, making properties with cozy indoor amenities more profitable year-round.

Based on Landrum, South Carolina market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location within the market. Properties near Landrum's downtown area and those positioned as mountain retreat rentals tend to perform at the higher end of this range, with initial profitability usually achieved within 8-14 months of operation. The market benefits from proximity to Tryon International Equestrian Center and Blue Ridge Mountains tourism, with average daily rates of $85-140 and occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Investment properties in the $200,000-350,000 range show the strongest performance metrics, with gross rental yields typically falling between 15-22% before expenses, and net yields settling around 10-16% after accounting for management fees, maintenance, insurance, and vacancy periods.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Landrum, South Carolina. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Greer, Century 21 Blackwell & Co. Realty in nearby Spartanburg, and RE/MAX Executive Realty which serves the Landrum area with agents experienced in vacation rental investments. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and Vacasa offer property management and investment consulting for short-term rentals in the region. AirDNA and Mashvisor provide market analytics and investment property identification tools specifically for Airbnb investors targeting the Landrum market. Local property management companies such as Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals and Foothills Property Management specialize in short-term rental operations in the area. Additional national platforms include Roofstock, which occasionally features short-term rental properties, and BiggerPockets marketplace where investors can connect with local wholesalers and agents familiar with the Landrum vacation rental market near the North Carolina border.