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 sales tax collection (currently 6% plus local taxes). Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Landrum's market, focusing on areas near popular attractions like the Blue Ridge Mountains or downtown historic district, with properties typically ranging from $150,000-$400,000 depending on size and location. Furnish the property with quality, durable furniture from retailers like Ashley Furniture or local suppliers, ensuring you include essentials like high-speed internet, cable TV, full kitchen amenities, and comfortable bedding for 2-8 guests depending on property size. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photography highlighting Landrum's proximity to Tryon International Equestrian Center and outdoor activities, setting competitive rates around $80-150 per night based on local market analysis. For ongoing management, establish relationships with local cleaning services (typically $50-80 per turnover), maintenance contractors, and consider using property management software like Hostfully or hiring a local property management company if you're not nearby, while maintaining responsive communication with guests and monitoring reviews to ensure consistent 4.5+ star ratings in this growing mountain tourism market.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Landrum, South Carolina, focus on locations within walking distance of downtown's Main Street historic district and properties near outdoor attractions like Croft State Park and the Palmetto Trail, as these areas attract tourists year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom homes built after 1950 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and parking, as families and outdoor enthusiasts comprise the primary visitor demographic. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in Landrum and nearby Spartanburg, aiming for properties under $200,000 that can command $80-150 per night based on seasonality and local events like the annual Landrum BBQ Festival. Conduct competition research using AirDNA and STR analytics tools to identify gaps in the market, noting that Landrum has limited STR inventory compared to larger nearby markets like Asheville or Greenville. Utilize resources such as the Spartanburg County tax assessor's office for property values, the Landrum Chamber of Commerce for event calendars and tourism data, and local real estate agents familiar with the area's rental regulations and zoning requirements to ensure compliance with city ordinances.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Landrum, South Carolina, you must first contact the Landrum City Hall at 201 E. Rutherford Street to inquire about their specific short-term rental ordinance and application process, as requirements vary by municipality. You'll typically need to submit a business license application along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and completed STR registration form. The application fee is estimated at $100-200 annually, with additional business license fees of approximately $50-100. You must also comply with Spartanburg County health department requirements for septic and well inspections if applicable, obtain necessary fire safety inspections, and ensure the property meets all building and zoning codes for residential use. The approval timeline typically takes 30-60 days from submission of complete application materials. Landrum may require specific parking provisions (minimum 2 spaces), occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, quiet hours enforcement between 10 PM and 8 AM, and registration of the property with the city including posting of permit numbers in rental listings. Contact Landrum Planning Department at (864) 457-2455 to confirm current requirements and obtain the most up-to-date application materials before proceeding.

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 including obtaining proper business licenses, collecting and remitting state and local accommodations taxes (typically 2% state tax plus local taxes), and meeting basic safety requirements. Properties must also comply with standard zoning regulations, and some residential neighborhoods may have HOA restrictions that could limit STR operations. Landrum, being a small city in Spartanburg County near the North Carolina border, has not implemented the strict STR regulations seen in larger South Carolina cities like Charleston or Myrtle Beach, though operators should verify current zoning compliance and tax registration requirements with the city clerk's office. The regulatory environment remains relatively permissive compared to other tourist destinations in the state, though this could change as STR activity increases in the area.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Landrum, South Carolina are downtown Landrum near the historic district and Campbell's Covered Bridge area, which attracts tourists interested in the town's railroad heritage and antique shopping along Trade Street. The neighborhoods near Campobello-Landrum Road offer proximity to both local attractions and easy access to the Spartanburg area for business travelers working with companies like BMW Manufacturing, Michelin, and other industrial facilities within a 30-minute drive. Properties near the Green River and along scenic rural roads appeal to outdoor enthusiasts visiting the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, Pearson's Falls, and Campbell's Covered Bridge, especially during fall foliage season from October to November. The residential areas around Landrum High School and near Highway 14 provide good investment opportunities due to their central location for accessing both local events like the annual Landrum Depot Days festival and serving as a base for visitors exploring the greater Spartanburg County region, including those attending events at Hub City Railroad Museum or conducting business with the area's growing logistics and manufacturing sector.

In Landrum, South Carolina, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local accommodations taxes. The South Carolina state accommodations tax is 2% of gross rental receipts for stays less than 90 consecutive days, collected by the South Carolina Department of Revenue. 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 an additional local accommodations tax of up to 3%, potentially making the total rate around 7%. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system for participating jurisdictions, or hosts must collect and remit them manually if not covered by Airbnb's service. Hosts must register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue and obtain a retail license, filing monthly returns by the 20th of the following month. County and local taxes require separate registration with respective tax authorities. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 90 days or longer, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organizations, though documentation may be required to claim exemptions.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Landrum, South Carolina is approximately $285,000-$315,000. Property purchase costs around $220,000-$250,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and potential HOA approvals range from $500-$1,500 depending on local regulations. Insurance for short-term rentals costs $2,000-$3,500 annually, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utilities including electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service average $300-$400 monthly or $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, maintenance, supplies, platform fees, marketing, and property management total $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include potential property improvements, emergency fund reserves, and marketing budget to establish the listing in Landrum's growing tourism market near the North Carolina border.

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 $80-$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% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties near Foothills Equestrian Nature Center and those offering mountain views or proximity to the North Carolina border attractions tend to achieve higher occupancy rates of 60-75% annually, compared to 40-55% for standard residential properties. Success factors include professional photography, responsive guest communication, competitive pricing strategies, and leveraging Landrum's appeal as a gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and equestrian activities. A typical 3-bedroom property purchased for $200,000-$300,000 can achieve net profit margins of 15-25% after all expenses, with properties featuring unique amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, or horse-friendly accommodations commanding premium rates and achieving faster booking cycles, particularly during peak seasons from April through October when outdoor activities and nearby Tryon International Equestrian Center events drive demand.

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%. Properties in downtown Landrum near the Thermal Belt Rail Trail and close to Tryon, North Carolina attractions tend to perform at the higher end of this range. Initial profitability usually occurs within 8-14 months, with average daily rates of $85-120 depending on property size and amenities. The market benefits from proximity to outdoor recreation areas and the growing agritourism sector, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Investment properties typically require $40,000-80,000 down payment for homes priced between $200,000-400,000, with gross rental yields of 15-22% before expenses. The timeframe to break-even on initial investment and renovation costs is generally 18-24 months, assuming consistent marketing and property management.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Landrum, South Carolina, using data analytics and market insights. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties in the Landrum area include Keller Williams Greer, RE/MAX Executive Realty, and Coldwell Banker Caine, with agents like those at Mountain View Real Estate Group who understand the Blue Ridge Mountain vacation rental market. National services include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for property investment analytics, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. RedAwning and Vacasa provide property management services that can help investors evaluate potential returns, while companies like RentSpree and Awning offer comprehensive investment analysis tools. Local property management companies such as Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals and Foothills Property Management can provide insights into the most profitable neighborhoods near Landrum's attractions like the Green River and proximity to Tryon International Equestrian Center. Additional national platforms include Roofstock, which occasionally features short-term rental properties, and investment-focused brokerages like eXp Realty that have agents specializing in Airbnb investments throughout the South Carolina Upstate region.