Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Carolina Beach North Carolina.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Carolina Beach, North Carolina for 2024

State-Level Regulations

• North Carolina Vacation Rental Act (NCVRA): Requires vacation rentals to be conducted via a written agreement with specific notice and provisions. It governs the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants, including the handling of rents, fees, and security deposits. The Act also mandates that the landlord maintain the premises in a fit and habitable condition and that the tenant use the premises in a clean and safe manner.

Local Regulations

• No Registration or Licensing Requirements: Due to the NCVRA and court rulings such as Schroeder v. City of Wilmington, local governments, including Carolina Beach, are prohibited from requiring registration or licensing for short-term rentals.
• Zoning and Development Standards: Local governments can regulate short-term rentals through general zoning and development standards, which must apply uniformly to both rental and owner-occupied properties. This includes rules related to zoning, parking, occupancy, noise, and health and safety codes.
• Occupancy Taxes: Hosts must comply with the collection and remittance of Room Occupancy Taxes. In many areas, platforms like Airbnb collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but hosts must verify that the correct tax rates are being applied.

Compliance and Enforcement

• Compliance with State and Local Laws: Hosts must ensure their properties comply with both state-level regulations under the NCVRA and local zoning, safety, noise, and parking ordinances.
• Tax Compliance: Strict enforcement of occupancy tax collection and remittance. Penalties can be imposed for non-compliance.

Additional Considerations

• No Bans or Caps: Local governments are prohibited from banning short-term rentals outright or imposing caps on the number of short-term rentals, as per state legislation.
• Community Standards: While specific regulations are limited, hosts are expected to maintain community standards and avoid disruptions to neighborhoods, which can be enforced through complaint-driven mechanisms.

Top Airbnb Revenue-Generating Neighborhoods in Carolina Beach, North Carolina

While the sources provided do not specify particular neighborhoods within Carolina Beach, they do offer insights into the overall attractiveness and revenue potential of the area. Here’s a generalized overview of why Carolina Beach as a whole is appealing for guests and potentially lucrative for Airbnb hosts:

Why Carolina Beach is Appealing

• High Occupancy Rate: Carolina Beach boasts a median occupancy rate of 61%, indicating strong demand for short-term rentals.
• Average Daily Rate: The area has an average daily rate of $200, which is relatively high and contributes to significant annual revenues.
• Annual Revenue: Typical hosts in Carolina Beach generate around $45,000 in annual revenue, making it a profitable venture.
• Amenities and Activities: The area is known for its oceanfront properties, community pools, and private beach access. Guests can enjoy water sports, outdoor adventures, and a vibrant beach lifestyle.
• Seasonality: The peak month is July, but the area remains attractive year-round due to its coastal charm and various amenities.

Key Areas Within Carolina Beach

While specific neighborhoods are not detailed, here are some general areas that are likely to generate significant Airbnb revenue due to their proximity to popular amenities:

Oceanfront Properties

• These properties are highly sought after due to their direct access to the beach and often feature amenities like pools and large decks.

Central Carolina Beach

• This area is likely to be popular due to its proximity to local dining, shopping, and recreational activities.

Beach Access Areas

• Properties with private beach access or those close to public beach entrances tend to attract more guests and command higher rates.

Areas with Community Pools

• Properties associated with community pools are often more appealing to families and groups, leading to higher occupancy rates and revenues.

In summary, while specific neighborhoods are not identified, the overall appeal of Carolina Beach's oceanfront properties, central locations, and amenities make it an attractive and profitable location for Airbnb hosts.

Tips for Furnishing and Designing an Inviting Airbnb in Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Understand Your Target Audience

• Identify the types of guests your property will attract, such as families, couples, or outdoor enthusiasts, to tailor the design and amenities accordingly.

Embrace Coastal and Beach-Themed Decor

• Use light colors and natural materials to mimic the coastal environment. Incorporate coastal and beach-themed decor, such as artwork depicting marine life or local landscapes.

Focus on Comfort and Relaxation

• Choose furniture that encourages relaxation, such as comfortable seating areas and cozy fireplaces. Ensure the space is well-maintained and clean to enhance guest satisfaction.

Utilize Outdoor Spaces

• Enhance outdoor areas with adequate lighting, seating, and amenities like beach equipment (chairs, umbrellas), outdoor showers, and BBQ essentials. These spaces should be inviting and extend the living area outdoors.

Keep it Simple yet Visually Appealing

• Avoid over-accessorizing; instead, use just enough decor to make the space interesting and beautiful for photography. Add touches like throw blankets, trays on beds, and fresh elements (e.g., croissants and coffee cups) to warm up the photos.

Choose Durable and Easy-to-Clean Furnishings

• Invest in high-quality, durable furniture that is easy to clean, appealing to families and pet owners. This includes using materials and designs that can withstand frequent use.

Highlight Local Amenities and Attractions

• Provide guests with information about local attractions, restaurants, and activities. This can include guidebooks or recommendations for nearby spots, enhancing the overall vacation experience.

Consider the Geographic Location

• Design the space to reflect the unique aspects of Carolina Beach, such as its beautiful shorelines, local wildlife, and water sports activities. This helps create a cohesive and authentic vacation experience.

Add Thoughtful Touches

• Include thoughtful amenities like beach towels, beach chairs, umbrellas, and other essentials that make the guest's stay more convenient and enjoyable. Small touches like snacks, toiletries, and kitchen supplies can also make a significant impression.

Ensure Quality Photography

• Stage the property to showcase its best features. Use good lighting, layers of pillows and throw blankets, and create cozy and inviting scenes in bedrooms and living areas to convey a higher perceived value.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short Term Rental Business in Carolina Beach, North Carolina

To ensure a smooth and successful short-term rental business in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, several practical tips can be implemented:

Noise Regulations and Guest Communication

Inform your guests about the local noise regulations, which often include quiet hours after a certain time, typically after 10 or 11 PM. Clearly communicate these rules in your rental agreement and through a welcome message to avoid any potential issues.

Comprehensive House Manual

Create both digital and physical house manuals that include essential instructions, such as Wi-Fi passwords, appliance usage, and emergency contact information. This helps guests navigate the property easily and reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings.

Simplified Check-in Process

Utilize smart locks to streamline the check-in process, eliminating the need for physical key exchanges. Provide guests with detailed instructions on how to access the property, along with photos to help them locate the smart lock and any other important features.

Parking Instructions

Include detailed parking instructions with photos to help guests understand where they can park and any specific rules or restrictions. This can prevent parking issues and ensure a hassle-free stay for your guests.

By following these tips, you can enhance the guest experience, reduce potential conflicts, and maintain a positive reputation for your short-term rental business in Carolina Beach.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning providers in or near Carolina Beach, North Carolina:

House Cleaning Providers

Eloise's Cleaning Services

• Offers house cleaning services in Carolina Beach with fully vetted cleaners.

Beach Babes & Buckets

• Although based in Wilmington, they may serve surrounding areas including Carolina Beach. They offer general cleaning, deep cleaning, and recurring cleaning services.

Carolina Cleaning Services

• Provides residential and commercial cleaning services in various areas of eastern North Carolina, including Carolina Beach. They offer weekly, biweekly, monthly, or one-time cleaning packages.

Care.com Housekeepers

• Lists individual housekeepers available for hire in Carolina Beach, allowing you to compare and select the best fit for your needs.

Angi's Top House Cleaners

• A list of top-rated house cleaning services in Carolina Beach, with reviews and pricing information.

Short-Term Rental Management Fees in Carolina Beach, North Carolina

In Carolina Beach, North Carolina, short-term rental management fees typically range from 10% to 30% of the rental revenue, varying based on the level of service provided. Full-service management companies, which handle comprehensive tasks such as guest communication, marketing, and maintenance, tend to charge fees on the higher end of this spectrum. These services often include listing properties on multiple booking platforms, managing pricing strategies, ensuring high standards of cleanliness, and providing 24/7 guest support.

In contrast, basic services that may only include rent collection and minimal maintenance could be less expensive. Additionally, property owners may incur extra fees for cleaning services, repairs, and design or amenities enhancements. Local regulations, such as the requirement for a Short-Term Rental Registration and the collection of a 7% occupancy tax, also need to be factored into the overall management costs.