Is Marietta, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Marietta, South Carolina, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of Marietta planning department, as short-term rentals may require special permits or be restricted in certain residential zones. Contact the South Carolina Department of Revenue to obtain a retail license for collecting state accommodations tax (currently 2%) and register with the City of Marietta for local business licensing, which typically costs $25-50 annually. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas that allow short-term rentals, considering proximity to Lake Robinson and downtown attractions, with average property prices ranging $150,000-300,000 for single-family homes. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $5,000-15,000 for complete furnishing depending on property size. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the property's proximity to Lake Robinson recreational activities and Marietta's small-town charm, setting competitive rates around $75-150 per night based on local market analysis. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests (budget $30-50 per turnover), implementing keyless entry systems, maintaining responsive communication with guests, and ensuring compliance with the 2% state accommodations tax collection and remittance requirements, while also considering liability insurance coverage specifically for short-term rentals.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Marietta, South Carolina, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Lake Robinson and downtown areas, as these attract both leisure and business travelers seeking waterfront activities and local amenities. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1990 with modern kitchens, outdoor spaces, and parking, as these features command premium rates of $120-180 per night compared to basic properties at $80-120. Analyze comparable STR properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify optimal pricing strategies, with peak summer months (June-August) generating 20-30% higher rates due to lake tourism. Research competition by monitoring Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, noting occupancy patterns and guest reviews to identify market gaps such as pet-friendly or family-oriented properties. Utilize Rabbu and STR Helper for Marietta-specific market data, while connecting with local property management companies like Carolina Coastal Vacations who understand seasonal demand patterns, and consider properties near Cheraw State Park or historic downtown areas where tourism infrastructure supports consistent bookings year-round with average occupancy rates of 65-75%.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Marietta, South Carolina, you must first contact the Greenville County Planning Department since Marietta falls under county jurisdiction, and apply through their zoning and permitting office located at 301 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, proof of liability insurance ($1 million minimum), business license from South Carolina Department of Revenue, and a site plan. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of $75-100. You'll need to schedule a property inspection with the county building department, ensure compliance with parking requirements (typically 1 space per bedroom plus 1), install proper smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and obtain a septic system inspection if not connected to municipal sewer. The timeline is generally 4-6 weeks from application submission to permit approval, provided all requirements are met and inspections pass. Marietta-specific requirements include maintaining the property's residential character, limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, providing adequate parking on-site, and ensuring the property manager or owner is available 24/7 for emergency contact, with some properties requiring conditional use permits if located in certain zoning districts.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Marietta, South Carolina, but operate under state regulations rather than specific municipal ordinances since Marietta is a small unincorporated community in Greenville County. South Carolina generally permits STRs statewide, with individual counties and municipalities having authority to impose additional regulations. Greenville County allows STRs but requires business licenses and compliance with zoning regulations, typically restricting them in certain residential areas and requiring properties to meet safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and occupancy limits. Recent changes in 2022-2023 have seen increased enforcement of tax collection requirements, with platforms like Airbnb and VRBO now required to collect and remit state and local accommodations taxes. Property owners must register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue and may need additional permits depending on the specific location within Greenville County, with some homeowners associations in the area implementing their own restrictions on short-term rental activities.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Marietta, South Carolina include the Historic Downtown District, which attracts tourists interested in antebellum architecture and local festivals like the annual Marietta Heritage Festival, generating consistent bookings from cultural tourism. The Lakefront Properties area near Lake Robinson offers strong rental potential due to fishing tournaments, water sports enthusiasts, and family vacation rentals, particularly during summer months when occupancy rates peak at 75-80%. The Business District near Highway 276 corridor provides steady income from corporate travelers visiting local manufacturing facilities including Milliken & Company and other textile operations, with average nightly rates of $85-95. The Residential Historic Neighborhoods such as the Mill Village area appeal to visitors seeking authentic Southern charm experiences and genealogy tourists researching family histories, while properties near the Marietta City Park benefit from sports tournaments and family reunions throughout the year, creating a diverse revenue stream that maintains 65-70% annual occupancy rates with strong weekend and holiday premiums.

In Marietta, South Carolina, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The South Carolina state accommodations tax is 7% on gross rental receipts, while Greenville County (where Marietta is located) imposes an additional 2% local accommodations tax, bringing the total to 9%. These taxes apply to rentals of less than 90 consecutive days and are collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system for most properties. Hosts must register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue and obtain a retail license, then remit taxes monthly by the 20th of the following month using form ST-8. The county portion is remitted separately to Greenville County's tax office. Properties rented for 90 days or more to the same guest are typically exempt, as are rentals to permanent residents. Hosts who don't use Airbnb's collection service must collect taxes directly from guests and maintain detailed records of all transactions, with penalties applying for late payments or non-compliance.

Starting an Airbnb in Marietta, South Carolina requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000-180,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically runs $8,000-12,000 including beds, sofas, dining sets, appliances, linens, and décor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local furniture stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $2,000-3,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and local registration requirements. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage costs $1,200-2,000 annually. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, internet, and cable run $500-800. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($150/month), cleaning services ($75 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($200/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and property management software total approximately $3,000-5,000 depending on occupancy rates and booking frequency.

Airbnb properties in Marietta, 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 proximity to Lake Murray and seasonal demand. 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 within walking distance of Lake Murray or featuring boat access command premium rates and achieve 65-75% occupancy during peak summer months (May-September), while inland properties typically see 45-55% annual occupancy. Successful operators like those managing lakefront cabins near Dreher Island State Park report net profit margins of 25-35% after all expenses, with properties featuring amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, and boat slips generating the highest returns. The market benefits from consistent demand from Columbia metropolitan area visitors, Lake Murray recreational users, and corporate travelers, though profitability heavily depends on initial property acquisition costs, with break-even typically occurring within 3-5 years for properties purchased specifically for short-term rental purposes.

Based on Marietta, 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 Lake Robinson and downtown areas command higher nightly rates of $85-140, while suburban locations average $65-95 per night with occupancy rates between 65-75% annually. Initial profitability usually occurs within 8-14 months after accounting for startup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses, with properties requiring $15,000-25,000 in upfront investment beyond the down payment. The market benefits from proximity to Greenville-Spartanburg attractions and seasonal lake tourism, with peak summer months generating 25-35% higher revenues than winter periods, and successful operators achieving gross rental yields of 15-22% on well-positioned properties with strong online reviews and professional management.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Marietta, South Carolina, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments include Keller Williams Realty agents who focus on investment properties, Century 21 Blackwell & Co. Realty with vacation rental expertise, and RE/MAX professionals experienced in short-term rental markets. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which provides end-to-end Airbnb investment services, Mashvisor offering property analysis tools and market data, BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing, and Roofstock which specializes in turnkey rental properties. Additional local services include Airbnb property management companies like Vacasa and RedAwning that also help with property acquisition, local investment groups through the Charleston Real Estate Investors Association, and specialized vacation rental consultants who assist with market analysis and property selection in the greater Charleston-Beaufort region where Marietta is located.