Myrtle Beach STR Market Overview
Myrtle Beach is one of the East Coast's largest drive-market beach destinations, drawing over 20 million visitors annually from the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, and beyond. Unlike premium beach markets with limited supply and sky-high acquisition costs, Myrtle Beach offers a large inventory of investable properties — oceanfront condos, golf community homes, and beach-access houses — at price points that can still pencil out for STR investors.
The market has two distinct demand drivers. Summer beach tourism (June–August) is the dominant force, filling properties at peak rates. But Myrtle Beach's 100+ golf courses create a secondary demand stream that sustains occupancy in spring and fall when pure beach markets go quiet. This makes the seasonal curve slightly more favorable than comparable Florida Panhandle markets.
The competitive challenge is supply — there are a lot of STR listings in Myrtle Beach, which keeps ADRs lower than higher-barrier markets. Success here requires smart positioning: oceanfront or ocean-view beats beach-access, and larger properties for family groups consistently outperform studio condos.
Typical ADR Ranges in Myrtle Beach
| Property Type | Off-Season ADR | Shoulder ADR | Peak Summer ADR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2BR Oceanfront Condo | $80–$120 | $130–$190 | $200–$320 |
| 3–4BR Ocean-View Home | $120–$170 | $190–$280 | $300–$480 |
| 4–5BR Oceanfront Home | $180–$260 | $280–$400 | $450–$700 |
| Golf Community Home (3–4BR) | $110–$160 | $160–$240 | $220–$350 |
Oceanfront commands a 25–40% premium over comparable ocean-view properties. Golf community homes sustain better shoulder occupancy (spring/fall golf demand) but underperform beach-access homes in summer peak.
Typical Occupancy Rates in Myrtle Beach
- Peak summer (Jun–Aug): 82–92% — families dominate, 7-night minimums common
- Spring break (Mar–Apr): 68–80% — college crowds and spring golfers
- Golf shoulder (Apr–May, Sep–Oct): 58–70% — golf demand sustains occupancy
- Winter (Nov–Feb): 38–52% — significantly seasonal, snowbirds partially offset leisure gap
- Annual average: 62–72% for well-positioned oceanfront or ocean-view property
Estimated Profit Scenarios — 3BR Ocean-View Home
| Metric | Conservative | Mid-Case | Optimistic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual ADR (blended) | $185 | $230 | $285 |
| Occupancy Rate | 55% | 65% | 72% |
| Gross Revenue | $37,100 | $54,600 | $74,900 |
| Platform Fees + Cleaning + Fixed | $24,000 | $29,000 | $35,000 |
| Net Profit (pre-tax) | $13,100 | $25,600 | $39,900 |
| Net Margin | 35% | 47% | 53% |
Example only. Myrtle Beach ocean-view homes typically priced $350K–$750K — lower acquisition costs than comparable Florida or Outer Banks properties. SC accommodations + sales tax (12%) included in cost line.
Regulations Overview — Myrtle Beach STRs
- South Carolina state: STR income subject to 7% SC accommodations tax + 5% state sales tax = 12%. Register with SC DOR. Airbnb collects and remits automatically.
- City of Myrtle Beach: Business license required for STR operation. Annual renewal. Check current requirements with Myrtle Beach city hall.
- Horry County (unincorporated): Properties outside city limits follow county rules — generally comparable requirements but verify.
- HOA rules (condos): Many Myrtle Beach condo complexes allow STRs — this is one of the more STR-friendly condo markets in the Southeast. Always verify CC&Rs before purchasing.
- North Myrtle Beach: Separate municipality from Myrtle Beach city. Has its own licensing requirements — verify if your property is in North Myrtle Beach vs Myrtle Beach proper.
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