Is Murrell's Inlet, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Murrell's Inlet, South Carolina, begin by researching Georgetown County's short-term rental regulations, which typically require a business license ($50-100 annually) and compliance with zoning ordinances that may restrict rentals in certain residential areas. Contact Georgetown County Planning Department at (843) 545-3273 to verify your property's zoning allows short-term rentals and obtain necessary permits, including a short-term rental permit ($200-300) and potentially a fire safety inspection. Find a suitable property within 1-2 miles of the Marshwalk or waterfront areas where vacation demand is highest, with 2-4 bedroom homes typically renting for $150-400 per night depending on proximity to water and amenities. Furnish the property with coastal-themed décor, essential amenities like WiFi, air conditioning, full kitchen appliances, quality linens, and outdoor furniture to capitalize on the area's fishing and boating culture. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and local rental sites like Grand Strand Vacation Rentals, using professional photography that highlights water views, fishing access, and proximity to Brookgreen Gardens (10 minutes) and Huntington Beach State Park (15 minutes). Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services ($75-150 per turnover), maintenance contractors familiar with coastal property challenges like humidity and salt air, and consider hiring Myrtle Beach-area property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning that charge 20-35% commission but handle guest communication, cleaning coordination, and marketing across multiple platforms while ensuring compliance with Georgetown County's occupancy limits and noise ordinances.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Murrell's Inlet, South Carolina, focus on waterfront or water-view properties within walking distance of the MarshWalk entertainment district, Huntington Beach State Park, and popular fishing charters, as proximity to these attractions drives higher occupancy rates. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos with amenities like private docks, pools, outdoor spaces, and modern kitchens, as families and fishing groups represent the primary market demographic. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds long-term rental income by at least 40%, typically finding sweet spots in the $300,000-$600,000 range for properties that can command $150-$300 nightly rates during peak season (April-October). Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 2-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or underpriced properties, while using tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms to track occupancy rates and seasonal pricing trends. Leverage local resources including the Georgetown County planning department for zoning verification, Murrells Inlet Business Association for market insights, and local property management companies like Coastal Getaways and Grand Strand Resorts to understand operational costs, as successful properties typically achieve 65-75% occupancy rates with average daily rates 20-30% higher than Charleston due to the area's unique fishing village charm and proximity to Myrtle Beach attractions.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Murrell's Inlet, South Carolina, you must apply through Georgetown County's Planning and Zoning Department located at 129 Screven Street, Georgetown, SC 29440, as Murrell's Inlet falls under Georgetown County jurisdiction. Required documents include a completed short-term rental application, property deed or lease agreement, site plan showing parking and property boundaries, septic system inspection certificate, fire safety inspection report, liability insurance certificate with minimum $1 million coverage, business license from Georgetown County, and South Carolina sales tax license. The application fee is approximately $200-300 with an annual renewal fee of $150-200, plus inspection fees ranging from $75-150. The timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks for initial approval, including scheduling required inspections for fire safety, septic systems, and zoning compliance. Specific Murrell's Inlet requirements include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring septic systems can handle increased occupancy, compliance with coastal zone setback requirements, noise ordinance adherence with quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM, maximum occupancy limits based on septic capacity and square footage, and designation of a local contact person available 24/7 for emergency situations. Properties must also comply with Georgetown County's transient accommodation tax requirements and register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue for sales tax collection.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Murrell's Inlet, South Carolina, but are subject to Georgetown County regulations and zoning restrictions. The county requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Properties must be located in areas zoned for residential or commercial use that permit transient accommodations, with some residential neighborhoods potentially having restrictions through homeowners associations or specific zoning classifications. Georgetown County has implemented registration requirements for STR operators, including safety inspections and tax collection obligations, with properties needing to meet fire safety and building code standards. Recent regulatory changes around 2020-2022 have strengthened enforcement mechanisms and clarified permitting processes, though specific prohibited areas may include certain residential subdivisions or environmentally sensitive zones near the inlet waterways. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and obtain proper permits before operating STRs, as violations can result in fines and cease-and-desist orders from county code enforcement.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina are the Marshwalk waterfront district, Garden City Beach corridor, and the historic Inlet Village area. The Marshwalk is particularly attractive due to its concentration of waterfront restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues that draw tourists year-round, with properties offering marsh and creek views commanding premium rates. Garden City Beach provides excellent rental potential with its proximity to the beach, fishing pier, and family-friendly attractions, making it ideal for vacation rentals during peak summer months and shoulder seasons. The historic Inlet Village area near the original fishing village offers charm and authenticity that appeals to tourists seeking a genuine Lowcountry experience, while being close to popular seafood restaurants and boat tours. Properties near Huntington Beach State Park and Brookgreen Gardens also perform well due to the steady stream of visitors to these major attractions. The entire Murrells Inlet area benefits from its reputation as the "Seafood Capital of South Carolina," its proximity to Myrtle Beach (15 minutes), and its appeal to fishing enthusiasts, nature lovers, and food tourists, creating diverse revenue streams throughout the year with particularly strong performance during spring through fall months.

In Murrell's Inlet, South Carolina, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the South Carolina state accommodations tax of 2%, Georgetown County accommodations tax of 3%, and a local municipal accommodations tax of approximately 2-3%. These taxes apply to short-term rental stays of less than 90 consecutive days and are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system, which began around 2019-2020 for most South Carolina jurisdictions. Hosts must register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue and obtain a retail license, then remit collected taxes monthly by the 20th of the following month using form ST-8. Georgetown County also requires separate registration and monthly remittance of county taxes. Properties rented for 90 days or more to the same guest, rentals to permanent residents, and certain extended stay situations may be exempt from accommodations taxes. Additionally, all collected accommodations taxes are subject to the state's 6% sales tax, effectively increasing the total tax burden, and hosts should maintain detailed records of all bookings and tax collections for compliance purposes.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Murrell's Inlet, South Carolina is approximately $385,000-$485,000. Property purchase costs around $350,000-$450,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023. Furnishing a 3-bedroom vacation rental typically runs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, living room furniture, kitchen essentials, linens, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total $1,500-$2,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees range from $500-$1,200 in Georgetown County. Insurance for short-term rentals costs $2,000-$3,500 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility deposits and setup fees for electricity, water, internet, and cable total $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,800), cleaning supplies and services ($1,200), maintenance reserves ($2,000), property management software ($300), and marketing ($500) total approximately $5,800. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds which could add $3,000-$8,000 to initial costs.

Airbnb properties in Murrell's Inlet, South Carolina demonstrate strong profitability potential with average annual revenues ranging from $35,000-$65,000 for well-positioned properties, driven by the area's proximity to Myrtle Beach attractions and fishing charters. Properties within walking distance of the Marshwalk entertainment district typically achieve 65-75% occupancy rates during peak season (May-September) with nightly rates of $150-$280, while off-season rates drop to $80-$140 with 35-45% occupancy. Operating expenses generally run 35-45% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (20-25% if outsourced), utilities ($200-$350 monthly), insurance ($2,000-$3,500 annually), and maintenance reserves. Successful properties often feature waterfront views, boat docks, or easy creek access, with net profit margins of 25-35% being achievable for owner-operated units. Properties purchased in 2019-2021 for $300,000-$500,000 have shown particularly strong returns, with some waterfront condos generating $50,000+ annually while carrying mortgages of $2,200-$3,200 monthly, resulting in positive cash flow of $1,500-$2,800 per month during peak performance periods.

Airbnb investments in Murrell's Inlet, South Carolina typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% based on current market conditions. Properties within 0.5 miles of the waterfront or popular fishing areas like Huntington Beach State Park command premium rates of $150-250 per night during peak summer months (June-August) and $80-120 during shoulder seasons. The average investment property in the $300,000-450,000 range can expect gross rental income of $35,000-55,000 annually with occupancy rates of 65-75% throughout the year. After accounting for property management fees (20-25%), maintenance, insurance, and local taxes, net annual returns typically fall between $18,000-32,000. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months of initial investment, with properties featuring amenities like private docks, golf cart access, or proximity to Brookgreen Gardens showing faster returns. The market benefits from year-round tourism due to mild winters and strong demand from visitors to nearby Myrtle Beach who prefer quieter accommodations, with properties typically appreciating 4-6% annually in addition to rental income returns.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market data for Murrell's Inlet, South Carolina. Local real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments include Keller Williams Realty's vacation rental specialists, Century 21 The Harrelson Group, and RE/MAX Southern Shores agents who focus on coastal investment properties. Coastal Carolina Real Estate Partners and Myrtle Beach Area Realty have dedicated teams for Airbnb investors in the Grand Strand region including Murrell's Inlet. National services include Awning (property management and investment guidance), RedAwning (vacation rental investment platform), Mashvisor (real estate investment analytics), and BiggerPockets marketplace connections. AirDNA provides market analysis and revenue projections specifically for Murrell's Inlet's vacation rental market. Local property management companies like Grand Strand Resorts, Surfside Realty, and Pawleys Island Realty offer investment property acquisition services combined with management packages. Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature South Carolina coastal investment opportunities, while local investment groups like Charleston Real Estate Investors Network extend services to the Murrell's Inlet market for short-term rental acquisitions.