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 Secretary of State's office, along with registering for state sales tax collection since short-term rentals are subject to South Carolina's 7% accommodations tax. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings, considering proximity to attractions like the Blue Ridge Mountains and Foothills Trail, with average property prices ranging from $150,000-$300,000 for suitable homes. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, and amenities, budgeting approximately $10,000-$20,000 for a complete setup including kitchen essentials, comfortable bedding, and local guidebooks highlighting nearby attractions like Tryon International Equestrian Center. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing (typically $80-$150 per night in the Landrum area), and detailed descriptions emphasizing the mountain location and outdoor activities. Implement a management system using Airbnb's tools or property management software, establish cleaning protocols between guests, create a local guidebook featuring recommendations for dining at places like The Phoenix Restaurant, and maintain responsive communication with guests while ensuring compliance with all local noise ordinances and parking requirements specific to Landrum's residential neighborhoods.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Landrum, South Carolina, focus on locations within walking distance of downtown's antique shops and restaurants, properties near the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center, or homes with easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and nearby Tryon, North Carolina attractions. Seek properties with 2-4 bedrooms, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, mountain or pastoral views, and rustic or farmhouse aesthetics that appeal to visitors seeking a rural escape. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in Landrum and surrounding areas like Columbus, Tryon, and Spartanburg, targeting properties that can command $100-200 per night depending on size and amenities. Study competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches, noting occupancy patterns around equestrian events at FENCE, fall foliage season, and summer mountain tourism peaks. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for performance tracking, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local resources including the Landrum Area Tourism Council, Spartanburg County planning department for zoning regulations, and networking with local real estate agents familiar with the vacation rental market in the Foothills region.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Landrum, South Carolina, you must first contact the Landrum City Hall at 201 East Rutherford Street or call (864) 457-2616 to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as the city may require a business license and zoning compliance verification. Submit an application for a business license along with required documents including property deed or lease agreement, proof of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental property, parking plan showing adequate spaces, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing locally. The application fee is estimated at $50-100 for the business license, with potential additional zoning review fees of $25-75. You'll need to ensure the property complies with Spartanburg County health department requirements for septic and water systems, obtain any necessary building permits for modifications, and provide proof of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all required areas. The approval timeline typically takes 2-4 weeks for standard applications, though properties requiring zoning review may take 4-6 weeks. Landrum specifically requires STR properties to maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate parking (typically 1 space per bedroom), and display the permit number in all advertising materials, with annual renewal required by December 31st each year.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Landrum, South Carolina, as the city does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2024. However, operators must comply with South Carolina state regulations and obtain proper business licenses from Spartanburg County, where Landrum is located. The city requires STR operators to register their properties and collect applicable accommodations taxes, with properties needing to meet basic safety and zoning requirements for residential areas. While there are no specific prohibited zones within Landrum's city limits, operators must ensure their properties comply with existing residential zoning laws and homeowners association rules if applicable. Recent trends in South Carolina have seen increased regulation at the municipal level, but Landrum has maintained a relatively permissive approach compared to larger cities like Charleston or Myrtle Beach, though operators should verify current requirements with the city clerk's office as regulations can change.

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 and local antique shops, and properties near the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE) which hosts major equestrian events throughout the year drawing competitors and spectators from across the Southeast. The residential areas near Campobello-Landrum Road offer proximity to both downtown attractions and easy access to the Green River for outdoor enthusiasts, while properties along the South Carolina-North Carolina border benefit from visitors exploring the broader Spartanburg County region and nearby Tryon, North Carolina's equestrian scene. The area around Price House Nature Center provides appeal for eco-tourists and families seeking outdoor recreation, and neighborhoods near the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills attract seasonal visitors for hiking, fishing, and scenic drives, particularly during fall foliage season when tourism peaks from October through November.

In Landrum, South Carolina, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The South Carolina state accommodations tax is 2% of gross rental receipts, which applies to all short-term rentals under 90 days. Spartanburg County, where Landrum is located, imposes an additional 2% county accommodations tax, bringing the total to approximately 4%. The City of Landrum may impose its own local accommodations tax of up to 3%, potentially making the combined rate around 7%. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system for properties in participating jurisdictions, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. For properties where Airbnb doesn't automatically collect, hosts must register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue and remit taxes monthly by the 20th of the following month using form ST-8. County taxes are remitted to Spartanburg County, while any municipal taxes go to the City of Landrum. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 90 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and certain government or charitable organization bookings may also be exempt with proper documentation.

To start an Airbnb in Landrum, 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 the area. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and living room furniture from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$4,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $300-$800 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 through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable total approximately $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), and platform fees to Airbnb (3% of bookings) estimate around $3,500-$5,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates of 50-60% generating $1,500-$2,500 monthly revenue.

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 ($40-60 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. Properties near the Green River Preserve or Foothills Equestrian Nature Center command premium rates, with some luxury cabins achieving 65-75% occupancy rates and net profit margins of 25-35%. Success factors include proximity to outdoor recreation areas like the Blue Ridge Mountains, professional photography showcasing mountain views, and targeting weekend getaway markets from Charlotte and Greenville. A typical 3-bedroom mountain cabin purchased for $250,000 and generating $28,000 annually in gross revenue might yield $12,000-15,000 in net profit after expenses, representing a 5-6% cash-on-cash return, though properties with unique features like hot tubs, fire pits, or creek access can achieve higher margins of 30-40% due to premium pricing power in this outdoor recreation market.

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 typically achieved within 8-14 months of operation. The market benefits from proximity to Tryon International Equestrian Center and Blue Ridge Mountain 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 averaging 15-22% before expenses, and net yields settling around 10-16% after accounting for management fees, maintenance, insurance, and vacancy periods.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors, including in Landrum, South Carolina. Local real estate agents serving the Landrum area include Keller Williams Greer, RE/MAX Executive Realty, and Century 21 Blackwell & Co. Realty, many of whom have experience with investment properties in the Blue Ridge Mountains region. National services that help investors find Airbnb properties include Mashvisor, which provides rental property analytics, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, Awning for full-service Airbnb property management, RedAwning for vacation rental property sourcing, and Vacasa which offers property management services. Local property management companies that work with Airbnb investors in the Spartanburg County area include Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals and Foothills Property Management. Investment-focused real estate companies like Roofstock and Arrived Homes also operate in South Carolina markets, though their presence in smaller markets like Landrum may be limited. Local mortgage brokers and lenders familiar with investment properties in the area include First Citizens Bank and BB&T (now Truist), which have branches serving the Landrum market.