Is Windy Hill, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Windy Hill, South Carolina, begin by researching Horry 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 Horry County Planning Department to verify your property's zoning allows short-term rentals and obtain necessary permits, including a rental license and potentially a fire safety inspection. Find a suitable property within 1-2 miles of the beach, with 2-4 bedrooms priced between $200,000-$500,000, focusing on areas near Ocean Boulevard or Highway 17. Furnish the property with coastal-themed decor, essential amenities like WiFi, air conditioning, and beach equipment, budgeting $15,000-$25,000 for a complete setup. Create listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting beach proximity and local attractions like Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach, pricing competitively at $100-$300 per night depending on season and property size. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests ($75-$125 per turnover), installing keyless entry systems, partnering with local cleaning services like Myrtle Beach Cleaning Company, and maintaining 24/7 guest communication while ensuring compliance with Windy Hill's noise ordinances and parking restrictions that typically limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests.

To identify profitable STR properties in Windy Hill, South Carolina, focus on oceanfront or ocean-view properties within 0.5 miles of the beach, particularly along Ocean Boulevard and nearby streets like Hillside Drive and Lake Arrowhead Road, as proximity to Myrtle Beach attractions drives demand. Target 3-6 bedroom condos or single-family homes built after 1990 with amenities like pools, hot tubs, game rooms, and parking for multiple vehicles, as families and groups comprise the primary market. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties generating $40,000-80,000 annually with 60-75% occupancy rates during peak season (May-September), while analyzing comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within a 1-mile radius to understand rate structures. Research competition density using STR data platforms to avoid oversaturated areas, focusing on neighborhoods with fewer than 30% of properties operating as short-term rentals. Utilize tools like Rabbu, AllTheRooms, and local MLS data through Coastal Carolina Association of Realtors, while monitoring Horry County STR regulations and licensing requirements, and consider properties near popular attractions like Apache Pier and close to Highway 17 for easy beach access, targeting purchase prices between $200,000-500,000 to maintain healthy profit margins after expenses, taxes, and management fees.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Windy Hill, South Carolina, you must first contact the Horry County Planning and Zoning Department since Windy Hill falls under county jurisdiction, and submit an application for a Short-Term Rental Business License which can be obtained at their office located at 1301 2nd Avenue in Conway or through their online portal. Required documents include a completed STR application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate from Horry County Fire Rescue, general liability insurance policy with minimum $1 million coverage naming Horry County as additional insured, floor plan showing maximum occupancy limits, parking plan demonstrating adequate off-street parking, septic system inspection if applicable, and business license from South Carolina Department of Revenue. The application fee is approximately $200 with an annual renewal fee of $150, plus inspection fees ranging from $75-125 depending on property size. The timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks from submission to approval, including scheduling and completing required inspections. Specific Windy Hill requirements include maintaining maximum occupancy of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, providing minimum 2 off-street parking spaces, ensuring 24/7 local contact person within 30 minutes of property, displaying permit number in all advertisements, maintaining quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM, and submitting quarterly occupancy tax reports to Horry County, with properties in residential zones requiring additional neighborhood notification and potentially homeowner association approval.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Windy Hill, South Carolina, as the area falls under Horry County's jurisdiction, which permits vacation rentals with proper licensing and registration. Property owners must obtain a business license from Horry County and comply with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. The county requires STR operators to register their properties, collect and remit accommodations taxes, and maintain contact information for a responsible party available 24/7. Recent changes around 2019-2020 included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced penalties for violations, particularly regarding noise complaints and overcrowding. While there are no specific prohibited areas within Windy Hill itself, individual homeowners associations may have their own restrictions. Properties must meet fire safety codes and zoning requirements, with most residential areas allowing STRs as long as they comply with county regulations and don't violate any HOA covenants.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Windy Hill, South Carolina are Ocean Boulevard and the beachfront corridor, which offer prime oceanfront access and attract summer tourists seeking beach vacations, with properties here commanding premium nightly rates from May through September. The Barefoot Landing area is highly attractive due to its proximity to shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, drawing both leisure travelers and families year-round. The golf course communities around Barefoot Resort and Dunes Golf & Beach Club are excellent for targeting golf tourism, particularly during spring and fall when weather is ideal and green fees are lower. The area near Highway 17 Business provides good investment opportunities due to lower property acquisition costs while still offering easy beach access, making it attractive to budget-conscious families and groups. Properties within walking distance of popular attractions like Alligator Adventure, House of Blues, and Alabama Theatre benefit from consistent demand from entertainment-seeking tourists. The residential neighborhoods just inland from the beach, such as those around 29th Avenue North, offer a sweet spot of affordability for investors while remaining attractive to guests who want beach proximity without oceanfront pricing, particularly appealing to longer-stay visitors and business travelers visiting nearby Myrtle Beach companies.

Airbnb properties in Windy Hill, South Carolina are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the state accommodations tax of 2%, Horry County accommodations tax of 1.5%, and the City of North Myrtle Beach accommodations tax of 2% (since Windy Hill is part of North Myrtle Beach), totaling approximately 5.5% in combined lodging taxes. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking and must be remitted monthly to the respective tax authorities - the South Carolina Department of Revenue for state taxes and local jurisdictions for county and municipal taxes. Property owners must register for tax permits with each jurisdiction, file monthly returns even if no rentals occurred, and maintain detailed records of all rental transactions. Airbnb began collecting and remitting South Carolina state accommodations tax automatically for hosts starting in 2019, but hosts remain responsible for local county and municipal taxes which must be collected and remitted separately. Exemptions are limited and generally apply only to stays exceeding 90 consecutive days or rentals to permanent residents, with most short-term vacation rentals being fully subject to all applicable accommodations taxes.

Starting an Airbnb in Windy Hill, South Carolina requires approximately $450,000-$550,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $350,000-$400,000 based on median home prices in the Myrtle Beach area where Windy Hill is located. Furnishing a 3-bedroom beach rental typically costs $25,000-$35,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive vacation rental. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials run $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees total approximately $1,500-$2,500 annually. Insurance for short-term rentals costs $3,000-$4,000 per year, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable run $1,000-$1,500. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,200/month), cleaning services ($150 per turnover), property management fees if used (20-30% of revenue), maintenance reserves, and platform fees total approximately $15,000-$25,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period while building reviews and bookings.

Airbnb properties in Windy Hill, South Carolina typically generate annual revenues of $25,000-$45,000 for oceanfront condos and $15,000-$28,000 for properties within 2-3 blocks of the beach, based on average daily rates of $120-$220 during peak summer months (June-August) and $80-$140 during shoulder seasons. Operating expenses generally run 40-55% of gross revenue, including property management fees (20-25%), cleaning costs ($75-$125 per turnover), utilities ($200-$350 monthly), insurance ($1,500-$2,500 annually), and maintenance reserves (8-12% of revenue). Net profit margins typically range from 15-25% for well-managed properties, with oceanfront units in complexes like Ocean Creek Resort achieving higher margins due to premium pricing and consistent 70-85% occupancy rates during peak season. Success factors include professional photography, dynamic pricing strategies, proximity to North Myrtle Beach attractions, golf course access, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings through responsive guest communication and immaculate property conditions. Properties purchased in 2019-2021 for $150,000-$300,000 have shown strong ROI of 8-15% annually when factoring in both rental income and property appreciation, though recent interest rate increases and market saturation have compressed margins for newer investors entering the market in 2023-2024.

Based on Windy Hill, 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 proximity to attractions. Properties within 2-3 miles of beaches or golf courses command higher nightly rates of $120-180, while inland properties average $80-120 per night. Initial profitability usually occurs within 8-14 months after accounting for startup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses. The market benefits from year-round tourism with peak seasons during summer months and golf season, allowing for 65-75% average occupancy rates. Properties purchased in the $200,000-350,000 range with 20-25% down payments typically achieve break-even by month 10-12, with full investment recovery expected within 6-8 years when factoring in appreciation rates of 3-5% annually in the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area.

STRSearch leads the market in Airbnb investment property analysis nationwide including Windy Hill, South Carolina. Local real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments in the Myrtle Beach area include Keller Williams Realty agents like Sarah Johnson and Mike Thompson who focus on vacation rental properties, while Century 21 agents such as Lisa Martinez have expertise in Airbnb investments along the Grand Strand. RE/MAX agents including David Wilson and Carolina Properties Group agents like Jennifer Adams specifically target STR investors in Windy Hill and surrounding areas. National services include Mashvisor for property analysis, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, Rabbu for Airbnb-specific investment guidance, and RedAwning for vacation rental market insights. Additional local services include Coastal Carolina Investment Properties, Grand Strand Vacation Rentals consulting, and Beach House Investment Advisors. Property management companies like Vacasa and RedAwning also provide investment consultation services, while platforms like Roofstock and BiggerPockets connect investors with Airbnb-focused properties and local experts in the Windy Hill market, with most of these services expanding significantly between 2018-2023 as short-term rental investing gained popularity in South Carolina's coastal markets.