Charleston, SC
Historic charm meets coastal demand - premium SE market
Charleston consistently ranks among America's top travel destinations, blending antebellum architecture, world-class dining, and proximity to barrier island beaches. The Peninsula, French Quarter, and Cannonborough neighborhoods drive the highest STR rates, while beach communities like Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms offer coastal alternatives. City STR regulations require a license and limit non-owner-occupied rentals.
Estimated Annual Performance
* Estimates based on market averages. Individual property performance varies. Always run a full underwriting analysis.
Why Investors Choose Charleston
Charleston STR investing, answered
Is Charleston, SC a good short-term rental market?
Charleston is a Southeast STR market averaging a 9.0% cap rate, 69% annual occupancy, and $370/night across STR-viable listings. Charleston consistently ranks among America's top travel destinations, blending antebellum architecture, world-class dining, and proximity to barrier island beaches. The Peninsula, French Quarter, and Cannonborough neighborhoods drive the highest STR rates, while beach communities like Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms offer coastal alternatives. City STR regulations require a license and limit non-owner-occupied rentals.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Charleston?
STR-viable properties in Charleston average about 69% occupancy across the year. Peak season is Mar - May, Sept - Nov. Occupancy here reflects availability-adjusted booking performance, not raw calendar occupancy, so it represents what a full-time operated rental can realistically achieve.
How much do short-term rentals earn in Charleston?
At $370/night and 69% occupancy, a typical Charleston STR grosses roughly $93,185 per year before expenses, leaving an estimated $55,911 in net operating income against a $620K average price, an implied 9.0% cap rate. Individual results depend on property, amenities, and management.
What types of properties work best for STR in Charleston?
The strongest-performing STR property types in Charleston are Single Family, Cottage, Condo, Historic Home. Consistently ranked top 3 US travel destination. Matching the local guest profile and the amenities that drive bookings in this market matters more than raw square footage.
What is the median STR-viable home price in Charleston?
STR-viable listings in Charleston average around $620K. Primary STR ZIP codes include 29401, 29403, 29405. Combined with the market's 9.0% average cap rate, that price level sets the return baseline you'd underwrite against.
Market averages, not guarantees. Cap rates, occupancy, and nightly rates are market-wide averages based on active STR listings and historical data. Individual property performance depends on location, amenities, management, and listing quality. Always run a full underwriting analysis before purchasing.
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