Is Trenton, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Trenton, South Carolina, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Edgefield County's planning department, as Trenton typically falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal short-term rental ordinances. Contact Edgefield County at (803) 637-4016 to verify if short-term rentals are permitted in your desired area and obtain any required business licenses or special use permits. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings, working with local real estate agents familiar with Trenton's market (average home prices range $80,000-$150,000), and ensuring the property is in a residential zone that allows short-term rentals. Obtain necessary permits including a South Carolina business license through the Secretary of State's office, register for state and local taxes, and secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes short-term rental liability. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, and local guidebooks highlighting nearby attractions like Sumter National Forest and Aiken's equestrian facilities. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing (typically $60-$120/night for Trenton area), and detailed descriptions emphasizing proximity to Augusta, Georgia (30 minutes) and outdoor recreation opportunities. Manage the property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guest inquiries, and coordinating cleaning between stays, while ensuring compliance with South Carolina's 7% state accommodations tax and any applicable Edgefield County local taxes.

For identifying profitable short-term rental properties in Trenton, South Carolina, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of downtown Trenton and near Dorn Mill Road/Highway 25, as these areas offer better accessibility to Augusta, GA (30 minutes away) and attract business travelers and visitors to the CSRA region. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 1990 with modern amenities, full kitchens, dedicated parking, and outdoor spaces, as these features command higher nightly rates of $80-150 in the Trenton market. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to evaluate comparable properties within a 10-mile radius including Edgefield and North Augusta, aiming for properties under $200,000 that can generate 12-18% annual returns. Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings on Airbnb and VRBO within Edgefield County, noting that limited inventory creates opportunities for well-positioned properties. Utilize tools like BiggerPockets for market analysis, contact Edgefield County planning department for zoning regulations, and leverage local real estate agents familiar with investment properties, while monitoring seasonal demand patterns tied to Masters Tournament weeks in nearby Augusta and hunting seasons, which can significantly boost occupancy rates and pricing during peak periods.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Trenton, South Carolina, you must first contact the Edgefield County Planning and Zoning Department since Trenton falls under county jurisdiction, as the town itself has limited municipal services. Begin by submitting an application for a Special Use Permit or Conditional Use Permit to the Edgefield County Planning Department located at 124 Courthouse Square, Edgefield, SC 29824, along with a completed business license application to the South Carolina Department of Revenue. Required documents include a detailed site plan showing parking areas and property boundaries, proof of property ownership or written permission from the property owner, a floor plan indicating the number of bedrooms and maximum occupancy, proof of adequate septic system capacity if not connected to municipal sewer, and evidence of compliance with fire safety codes including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. You must also obtain a South Carolina business license ($50 annually) and register for state sales tax collection. The application fee for the county permit is approximately $150-$300, with additional fees for required inspections ranging from $75-$150. The approval timeline typically takes 30-60 days, including a mandatory public hearing before the Planning Commission if required. Specific Trenton/Edgefield County requirements include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring the property meets residential density standards, providing 24/7 contact information for guests, and maintaining the property in accordance with International Property Maintenance Code standards, with annual renewals required for both county and state permits.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Trenton, South Carolina, as the state does not prohibit them at the state level, but local regulations may apply. Edgefield County, where Trenton is located, does not appear to have comprehensive STR-specific ordinances as of 2023, meaning properties can typically operate under existing zoning and business license requirements. However, operators must comply with state tax obligations including collecting and remitting accommodations taxes, and may need local business licenses. There are no specific prohibited areas identified for Trenton, though standard zoning restrictions for residential areas may limit commercial activities in certain neighborhoods. Recent changes in South Carolina have focused more on larger municipalities like Charleston and Myrtle Beach implementing stricter regulations around 2021-2022, while smaller communities like Trenton have maintained relatively permissive approaches. Property owners should verify current local requirements with Edgefield County and ensure compliance with homeowners association rules if applicable, as the regulatory landscape for STRs continues to evolve across South Carolina municipalities.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Trenton, South Carolina include the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the town's antebellum architecture and proximity to the Edgefield County courthouse area, generating steady business from legal professionals and government workers. The residential neighborhoods along Highway 25 toward Augusta offer excellent potential due to their location approximately 20 minutes from Augusta National Golf Club, making them highly desirable during Masters Tournament week in April when accommodation rates can increase 300-400%. Areas near Trenton Ridge Country Club appeal to golf enthusiasts year-round and business travelers visiting nearby industrial facilities including those along the I-20 corridor. The neighborhoods surrounding Trenton Elementary and Middle School areas provide family-friendly accommodations for visitors attending school events, youth sports tournaments, and family reunions, while properties near the railroad district capitalize on the town's transportation heritage and attract history buffs exploring South Carolina's railroad legacy.

Airbnb properties in Trenton, South Carolina are subject to the state accommodations tax of 2% on gross proceeds from short-term rentals under 90 days, which is collected by the South Carolina Department of Revenue and must be remitted monthly by the 20th of the following month if monthly gross receipts exceed $100. Aiken County, where Trenton is located, imposes an additional 3% accommodations tax that applies to short-term rentals, bringing the total tax rate to approximately 5% on rental income. The state tax is typically collected directly by Airbnb through their tax collection service for hosts, while county taxes may need to be remitted directly by property owners to Aiken County depending on local collection agreements. Properties rented for 90 days or more to the same guest are generally exempt from accommodations taxes, and some jurisdictions provide exemptions for rentals to permanent residents or monthly stays, though hosts should verify current collection procedures with both the South Carolina Department of Revenue and Aiken County as tax collection agreements with platforms like Airbnb can change.

Starting an Airbnb in Trenton, South Carolina requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000 based on median home prices in rural South Carolina markets. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically costs $15,000-20,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and appliances from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local furniture stores. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total approximately $3,000-5,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and local registration requirements. Insurance costs around $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), property management software like Airbnb or VRBO fees (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses total approximately $4,000-6,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Trenton, South Carolina typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire home listings, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$120 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. Net profit margins typically range from 20-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving higher margins through strategic pricing, excellent guest experiences, and efficient operations. Properties within 30 minutes of Columbia or near Lake Murray command premium rates and higher occupancy rates of 60-75% compared to 40-55% for more remote locations. Success factors include professional photography, rapid guest communication, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and seasonal pricing adjustments that capitalize on University of South Carolina events and summer lake activities. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $180,000 and generating $28,000 annual revenue with $18,000 in expenses would yield approximately $10,000 net profit, representing a 5.6% cash-on-cash return before considering property appreciation.

Airbnb investments in Trenton, South Carolina typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in this smaller South Carolina market generally require initial investments of $80,000-$150,000 for suitable rental properties, with average nightly rates of $75-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Investors can expect to reach profitability within 18-24 months, factoring in renovation costs, furnishing expenses, and initial marketing periods. The market benefits from proximity to larger metropolitan areas and seasonal tourism, with occupancy rates typically ranging from 45-65% annually. Cash-on-cash returns are optimized when investors purchase properties below $120,000 and maintain occupancy above 55%, with successful operators in the Trenton area reporting returns closer to the 10-12% range after the second year of operation.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance across markets including Trenton, South Carolina. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Realty agents who focus on vacation rental investments, RE/MAX professionals with STR expertise, and Coldwell Banker agents experienced in the Trenton market since 2018. National services like BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals, while AirDNA provides market analytics and Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools. Local property management companies such as Vacasa and RedAwning help investors identify and manage profitable properties, and regional investment firms like Carolina Investment Properties have been active in the South Carolina short-term rental market since 2019. Additional services include Awning for property management and investment guidance, and local mortgage brokers like First Citizens Bank who specialize in investment property financing for the greater Columbia-Trenton area.