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Charleston

Charleston County, SC

STR Investment Grade

Transparent Scoring
D
35/100
⚠️ CAUTION
Score Breakdown
💰Cash-on-Cash
5/35
🏠Affordability
2/25
📅Year-Round Income
15/15
🤝Landlord Friendly
10/10
📈Room to Grow
3/15
Cash-on-Cash
-0.7%
Negative Cash Flow
Median Home
$576K
Very Expensive
Room to Grow
3/15
Crowded Market
⚠️

STR Regulations Apply

Owner-occupied required in most zones; strict caps

Charleston requires owner-occupancy for STRs in most residential zones. Strict permit caps and enforcement.

Permit: HardOwner-Occupied OnlyPermit Cap in Effect
Grade Impact: Base score of 35/100 would be grade D, but capped at D (35/100) due to regulation risk.
Verified data as of February 2026 · Regulations change frequently
📞 How to Verify
Call the Charleston City Clerk or Planning & Zoning Department and ask:
1. Are short-term rentals (under 30 days) allowed at [your address]?
2. What permits or licenses are required?
3. Are there owner-occupancy requirements?
4. Any caps on rental nights per year or number of permits?
Many cities have active short-term rentals operating legally with permits — restrictions don't always mean it's impossible.

Why Charleston?

Beach Market

What drives short-term rental demand here

🏖️
Coastal Destination

Beach proximity drives premium nightly rates and strong seasonal demand from vacationers.

🔥
High Demand Zone

Strong traveler demand supports a competitive market with proven revenue potential.

Will This Deal Work?

Investment Grade
D
Negative Cash Flow
CoC: -0.7%
Can You Pay the Bills?
Risky
May struggle with payments
THE BOTTOM LINE ⚠️

This market has STR regulations to be aware of. Many hosts operate successfully with proper permits. Research local ordinances before committing.

💵
$225
Avg ADR
📅
68%
Occupancy
💰
$4,590
Monthly Revenue
🏠
$576K
Median Price

Market estimates · Updated Feb 2026

📊 Income by Property Size

Monthly revenue estimates by bedroom count

1BR
$2,524
2BR
$3,902
3BR
$4,590
4BR
$5,738
5BR
$6,885
6BR+
$8,032
⭐ Best

🏠 Top Amenities for This Market

Add these to boost your revenue

MUST HAVEPool
+25%
MUST HAVEOcean View
+20%
HIGH IMPACTBeach Gear
+10%
HIGH IMPACTOutdoor Shower
+8%
NICE TO HAVEBalcony/Deck
+12%

🎯 Your Next Steps

1
Search for 6BR+ properties
Best income potential at $8,032/month
2
Add a Pool
Boost revenue by +25%
3
Target $5,738/month
Top 25% performer income goal

📋 Regulation Status

RegulatedPermit: HardVerified Data

Regulations vary by city and county. Always verify local STR ordinances, permit requirements, and zoning laws before purchasing.

Research Comparable Listings

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Charleston, South Carolina is rated D for Airbnb investment with a score of 35/100 (CAUTION). The market has an average daily rate (ADR) of $225, 68% occupancy, and estimated monthly STR revenue of $4,590. Median home value is $575,699 with a cash-on-cash return of -0.7%. STR regulation status: Regulated. Data powered by Edge by Teeco using estimated market data.