Is Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, begin by researching local regulations as the city requires short-term rental permits and has specific zoning restrictions limiting rentals to certain residential areas while prohibiting them in others like Old Village Historic District. Contact Mount Pleasant's Planning Department to verify your property's eligibility and obtain a business license ($50-100) and short-term rental permit ($200-300 annually), ensuring compliance with occupancy limits typically set at 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional. Find a suitable property in permitted zones such as newer subdivisions or condominiums, considering proximity to Charleston attractions, beaches, and downtown Mount Pleasant amenities. Purchase essential furnishings including quality mattresses, linens, kitchen appliances, WiFi equipment, and safety items like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, budgeting $5,000-15,000 for a complete setup. Create compelling listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photography highlighting the property's proximity to Patriots Point, Shem Creek, and Charleston Harbor, setting competitive rates between $100-300 per night depending on size and location. Implement management systems including automated messaging, professional cleaning services ($75-150 per turnover), key lockboxes or smart locks, and consider hiring local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa if managing remotely, while maintaining liability insurance coverage of at least $1 million and collecting Charleston County's 12% accommodation tax plus South Carolina's 7% sales tax.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of popular attractions like Patriots Point Naval Museum, Shem Creek waterfront dining, and downtown Charleston access points, prioritizing properties near the Ravenel Bridge corridor and Old Village historic district. Target 3-4 bedroom homes or condos with 2+ bathrooms, parking spaces, outdoor amenities like porches or patios, and modern kitchens, as these command $150-300 nightly rates compared to $80-150 for smaller units. Analyze comparable properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify areas with 65%+ occupancy rates and $40,000+ annual revenue potential, focusing on zip codes 29464 and 29466 where average daily rates exceed $180. Research competition density through Airbnb and VRBO searches, avoiding oversaturated neighborhoods with 15+ listings per square mile while targeting emerging areas near new developments like Park West and Rivertowne. Utilize local resources including Charleston County property records, Mount Pleasant zoning maps, and STR licensing requirements, while partnering with local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa who understand seasonal demand patterns from March-October peak tourism and hurricane season considerations.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, you must first apply through the Town of Mount Pleasant Planning Department located at 100 Ann Edwards Lane. Required documents include a completed short-term rental application, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, parking plan demonstrating adequate spaces, and a $200 application fee. The property must comply with Mount Pleasant's specific requirements including maximum occupancy of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, minimum 2 parking spaces, annual safety inspections, and adherence to noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM. You'll also need to obtain a business license from the Town Clerk's office for approximately $50 annually and register for state and local taxes with the South Carolina Department of Revenue. The approval process typically takes 30-45 days after submitting a complete application, during which time the planning staff will review zoning compliance and may conduct a site inspection. Once approved, the permit must be renewed annually, and you must maintain liability insurance of at least $500,000, display the permit number in all advertisements, and keep detailed guest records for tax purposes.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. As of 2023, Mount Pleasant requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that primarily allow STRs in commercial and mixed-use districts, while residential areas have more limited permissions depending on the specific zoning classification. The city prohibits STRs in certain residential neighborhoods and requires properties to meet safety standards, maintain adequate parking, and limit occupancy based on property size. Recent changes around 2022-2023 included stricter enforcement mechanisms and enhanced registration requirements, with the city implementing a complaint-driven system for violations. Properties must also comply with noise ordinances and cannot operate as event venues, and there are restrictions on signage and advertising that could indicate commercial use in residential areas.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina include the Old Village district, which attracts tourists with its historic charm, antebellum homes, and proximity to Charleston Harbor, generating strong rental demand from visitors seeking authentic Lowcountry experiences. The Shem Creek area is highly desirable due to its waterfront restaurants, shrimp boat tours, and scenic boardwalk, appealing to both leisure travelers and those attending local seafood festivals. Properties near Patriots Point, home to the USS Yorktown museum and hosting corporate events and military reunions, benefit from consistent business and educational travel. The Belle Hall shopping district attracts families and business travelers due to its upscale retail, dining options, and central location with easy highway access. Neighborhoods around Boone Hall Plantation capitalize on wedding tourism and historical tours, particularly during peak wedding season from March through November. The Rivertowne area offers newer construction properties that appeal to corporate travelers working with Boeing, which established operations nearby in 2009, and other aerospace companies, while also attracting families visiting the area's golf courses and recreational facilities.

In Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Airbnb properties are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The South Carolina state accommodations tax is 7% on gross rental receipts, while Charleston County imposes an additional 2% accommodations tax, bringing the total to 9%. Mount Pleasant also levies a local accommodations tax of 2%, making the combined rate approximately 11% on short-term rental bookings. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking and remitted to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts through Airbnb's automated tax collection service, which began around 2019. However, hosts may still need to register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue and obtain a retail license if they exceed certain thresholds or if Airbnb doesn't collect all applicable taxes. Remittance is generally done monthly or quarterly depending on volume, with returns due by the 20th of the following month. Properties rented for 90 consecutive days or more to the same guest may be exempt from accommodations taxes as they're considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and certain properties used for permanent residence purposes may also qualify for exemptions.

To start an Airbnb in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, expect total costs around $650,000-$750,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $550,000-$600,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $25,000-$35,000 for a complete 3-bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials run $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Mount Pleasant include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval processes. Insurance costs approximately $2,500-$4,000 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Monthly utilities including electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service average $300-$450 per month. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,800-$2,700), cleaning services ($3,000-$4,500), maintenance reserves ($2,000-$3,000), property management software ($300-$600), and marketing ($1,000-$2,000) total approximately $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include potential property management fees if outsourced (20-30% of revenue) and maintaining 3-6 months of mortgage payments as reserves for vacancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina typically generate annual revenues between $35,000-$65,000 for well-positioned properties, with oceanfront or waterfront units commanding premium rates of $200-$400 per night during peak summer months and $120-$180 during off-season periods. Operating expenses generally range from 40-55% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($75-$125 per turnover), utilities ($200-$350 monthly), insurance ($2,500-$4,000 annually), and maintenance reserves (8-12% of revenue), resulting in net profit margins of 25-35% for successful operators. Properties within walking distance of Shem Creek, Patriots Point, or Isle of Palms connector typically achieve 70-85% occupancy rates and generate $3,000-$5,500 monthly during peak season, while inland properties average $2,200-$3,800 monthly with 60-75% occupancy. Success factors include professional photography, dynamic pricing strategies, proximity to beaches or historic Charleston (15-minute drive), dedicated parking, and responsive property management, with top-performing hosts investing in smart home technology, luxury amenities, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings to capture the lucrative corporate and leisure travel markets drawn to the area's beaches, golf courses, and Charleston's tourism ecosystem.

Airbnb investments in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% based on the area's strong tourism demand from nearby Charleston attractions and beaches. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near the waterfront or historic downtown areas achieving the higher end of this range. Most investors reach profitability within 18-24 months, with average nightly rates of $150-250 depending on property size and location. The market benefits from year-round demand due to mild winters and peak summer tourism, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Properties within walking distance of Shem Creek restaurants and the Old Village historic district command premium rates and faster break-even periods of 12-18 months, while newer developments near Mount Pleasant Towne Centre typically see 20-30 month profitability timelines with slightly lower but more stable returns.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Local real estate agents like those at Carolina One Real Estate, Dunes Properties, and William Means Real Estate have extensive knowledge of the Mount Pleasant market and can identify properties with strong Airbnb potential near attractions like Patriots Point and Shem Creek. National services include Mashvisor, which provides rental property analytics and market data, AirDNA for short-term rental market insights, and Roofstock for turnkey rental property investments. Local property management companies such as RedAwning, Vacasa, and Charleston Airbnb Management can help investors maximize returns by handling day-to-day operations. Additional services include BiggerPockets for investor networking and education, Awning for short-term rental property loans, and local contractors like Lowcountry Property Services for renovations to optimize properties for Airbnb guests visiting the Charleston area.