Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Garden City South Carolina.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Garden City, South Carolina for 2024

General Requirements

• Business License: Short-term rental owners must obtain a valid business license.

Specific Garden City Regulations

• STR Application: Owners must submit an application for a short-term rental (STR) permit.
• Zoning Regulations: Properties must comply with local zoning requirements to be eligible for short-term rentals.
• Occupancy Taxes: Owners are required to collect and pay applicable occupancy taxes.
• Annual Inspection: Properties may be subject to annual inspections to ensure compliance with safety and other regulations.
• Parking Requirements: Owners must adhere to specific parking requirements and ensure adequate parking spaces are available.
• Insurance: It is recommended or may be required to have appropriate insurance coverage for the short-term rental property.

Additional Compliance

• Safety and Building Standards: Properties must comply with all city ordinances and codes related to safety and building standards.
• Neighborhood Notification: Owners may need to notify adjacent households and neighborhood associations that the property is being operated as a short-term rental.
• Advertising Compliance: All advertising must include the STR permit number and comply with other local advertising regulations.

Tax Compliance

• State Accommodations Tax: A 2% state accommodations tax and a 5% state sales tax must be collected and remitted. If using platforms like Airbnb or VRBO, these taxes may be collected and remitted by the platform.
• Local Taxes: Additional county and local taxes may apply, so owners should consult local tax tables for specific rates.

Top Neighborhoods for Airbnb Revenue in Garden City, South Carolina

While specific neighborhood-level data for Garden City, South Carolina, is not extensively detailed in the sources, we can infer some of the most appealing areas and characteristics that contribute to high Airbnb revenue based on the surrounding regions and general trends.

1. Beachfront Areas

• Appeal: Direct oceanfront properties, such as those in The Dunes, Ocean Drive Beach, and Cherry Grove Beach, are highly rated for their location, cleanliness, and amenities like pools, hot tubs, and fully equipped kitchens.
• Revenue Potential: Beachfront condos and homes typically command higher daily rates due to their prime location and scenic views, making them lucrative for Airbnb hosts.

2. North Myrtle Beach Adjacent Areas

• Appeal: These areas offer proximity to entertainment options such as amusement parks, live music venues, and dining spots. Properties like the Sunset Shack at Verandas by the Sea are popular for their convenience and family-friendly amenities.
• Revenue Potential: The high demand for vacation rentals in these areas, driven by their proximity to attractions, contributes to higher occupancy rates and revenue.

3. Murrells Inlet

• Appeal: Known for its quiet and family-friendly environment, Murrells Inlet offers homes with game rooms, BBQ areas, and easy access to the beach. These amenities attract families and those seeking a relaxed vacation.
• Revenue Potential: Properties in Murrells Inlet can generate significant revenue, especially during peak seasons, due to their appeal to families and the availability of various amenities.

General Appeal of Garden City

• Family-Friendly Rentals: Many rentals in Garden City are tailored for families, offering pools, BBQ areas, and self-check-in options, which are highly appealing to family vacationers.
• Pet-Friendly Rentals: The availability of pet-friendly rentals also broadens the appeal to a wider range of guests.
• Affordability and Comfort: Garden City offers a range of rentals starting at affordable prices, providing comfort and style within budget, which attracts a diverse group of travelers.

These neighborhoods and areas are appealing due to their combination of scenic locations, family-friendly amenities, and proximity to various attractions, making them highly profitable for Airbnb hosts in Garden City, South Carolina.

Tips for Furnishing and Design of an Airbnb in Garden City, South Carolina

To create an inviting and stylish Airbnb in Garden City, South Carolina, that reflects the city's unique charm, consider the following tips:

Embrace Coastal and Southern Styles

• Incorporate coastal and Southern-inspired decor to align with the local aesthetic. This can include nautical themes, vintage pieces, and chic accents that blend modern comfort with traditional charm.

Use High-Quality and Comfortable Furnishings

• Invest in modern, stylish furnishings that offer comfort and luxury. Well-maintained interiors and high-quality linens can significantly enhance guest satisfaction and lead to higher ratings and repeat bookings.

Highlight Outdoor Spaces

• Garden City's pleasant weather makes outdoor spaces highly desirable. Include comfortable and stylish outdoor furniture, BBQ areas, and private pools or hot tubs to enhance the appeal of your property.

Incorporate Local Amenities

• Provide amenities that cater to the local experience, such as beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, and boogie boards for beachgoers. Also, consider adding amenities like gourmet kitchens, fire pits, and outdoor seating areas.

Optimize for Family and Group Stays

• Many guests in Garden City are families or groups. Ensure your property has enough space and amenities to accommodate these groups, such as multiple bedrooms, shared bathrooms, and common areas for gathering.

Pay Attention to Details

• Small details can make a big difference. Include board games, smart TVs, and high-tech sound systems to create a welcoming and entertaining environment. Also, provide essentials like toiletries and starter paper products to enhance guest convenience.

Maintain Cleanliness and Organization

• Ensure your property is clean and well-organized. This includes providing all linens, towels, and necessary supplies to make guests feel at home.

Utilize Natural Light and Views

• Garden City is known for its beautiful views and natural light. Design your space to maximize these features, such as using light and open floor plans, and emphasizing views of the beach or waterfront.

Add Personal Touches

• Personal touches such as local artwork, decorative pieces, and a welcoming note can make your Airbnb feel more like a home and less like a generic rental property.

Discover Garden City, South Carolina: Local Attractions and Insider Tips

Local Attractions

Beach and Water Activities

• The Pier at Garden City: A 668-foot long fishing pier with a rain shelter, bar, and nightly live music during the tourist season. Perfect for fishing, strolling, or people watching.
• Murrells Inlet: Known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” this nearby fishing village offers dolphin watch tours, pirate adventure children's treasure hunts, and a marshwalk with multiple restaurants.

Family-Friendly Fun

• Garden City Pavilion Arcade: A hub for family-friendly entertainment with games, a snack shop, and the chance to win prizes. Entry is free.
• Garden City Golf Cart Parade: An annual Fourth of July tradition featuring patriotically decorated golf carts. A must-see community event.

Outdoor and Adventure

• Creek Walk and Salt Marsh: Explore the picturesque salt marsh and creek walk, offering scenic views and opportunities for fishing and crabbing.
• Boating and Watersports: The marina in Garden City Beach provides access to ocean and inlet activities such as Jet Ski rentals, kayaking, parasailing, and fishing charters.

Nearby Attractions

• Brookgreen Gardens: A unique blend of art, nature, and history located near Murrells Inlet. Offers tours, programs, and a cultural center.
• Myrtle Waves Water Park: An award-winning water park with a kids' water lagoon, wave pool, plunging slides, and a lazy river. Located in the Myrtle Beach area.

Insider Tips

Dining

• Sam’s Corner: A 24-hour restaurant famous for its hot dogs and casual diner atmosphere. A local favorite.
• Sara J’s: A seafood restaurant overlooking a marsh, ranked one of the best in Myrtle Beach by AOL Travel.

Shopping

• Village Surf Shoppe: A well-known store that has been the home of Perfection Surfboards since 1968. Perfect for picking up souvenirs or surf gear.

Transportation

• Coast RTA Bus System: A convenient public transportation option operating seven days a week, connecting Garden City to other Grand Strand areas including Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach.

Events

• Check Local Event Listings: Garden City and the surrounding Myrtle Beach area host various festivals and events throughout the year. Make sure to check local listings for the most up-to-date information.

By sharing these attractions and insider tips, you can help your Airbnb guests make the most of their visit to Garden City, South Carolina.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short-Term Rental Business in Garden City, South Carolina

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your guests in Garden City, South Carolina, several practical tips can make a significant difference in the success of your short-term rental business.

Noise Regulations and Quiet Hours

Inform your guests about local noise regulations and quiet hours to maintain a peaceful environment. Include this information in your digital and physical house manual to avoid any misunderstandings. This helps in complying with local ordinances and respecting neighboring properties.

Comprehensive House Manual

Create a detailed digital and physical house manual that includes essential instructions, such as Wi-Fi passwords, appliance usage, and emergency contact information. This manual should also cover house rules, including quiet hours, to ensure guests are well-informed and comfortable during their stay.

Simplified Check-in Process

Utilize smart locks to streamline the check-in process, eliminating the need for physical key exchanges. Provide clear instructions on how to use the smart locks and include photos to help guests navigate the property easily. Additionally, offer parking instructions with photos to guide guests to designated parking areas, reducing confusion and enhancing their overall experience.

By implementing these tips, you can enhance guest satisfaction, reduce potential issues, and maintain a positive reputation for your short-term rental business in Garden City, South Carolina.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning, repair, or maintenance providers in Garden City, South Carolina:

House Cleaning and Maintenance Providers

Garden City Area

• Local Housekeepers via Bark: A platform that connects you with local housekeepers in Garden City, offering various cleaning services including standard cleans, move-in/move-out, deep cleans, and detailing cleans. They also provide landscaping, power washing, and minor handyman work.

The Clean Up Club

• Offers professional, licensed, bonded, and insured cleaning services in Garden City, including residential cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, spring cleaning, new construction cleaning, and vacation rental/beach house cleaning.

Other Local Services

• Maureen Masten's Cleaning Service: A locally-owned company specializing in residential and vacation cleaning, offering standard cleans, move-in/move-out, deep cleans, and detailing cleans. They also provide landscaping, power washing, and minor handyman work.

These providers offer a range of services to cater to different cleaning and maintenance needs in Garden City, SC.

Short-Term Rental Management Fees in Garden City, South Carolina

In Garden City, South Carolina, the fees for managing short-term rentals can vary significantly, typically ranging from 10% to 30% of the rental revenue, depending on the level of service provided. Full-service management companies, such as those offered by Summer and Awning, which include comprehensive services like guest communication, marketing, and maintenance, tend to be on the higher end of this spectrum, often starting at around 15% to 20% of the revenue.

Basic services, which might only include booking management and minimal support, may incur lower fees. Additionally, property owners should be prepared for other potential fees, such as cleaning fees, repair costs, and design or amenities upgrades, which can be charged separately. For instance, Summer charges a cleaning fee that is passed on to guests, while also including a consumables fee to cover items like linens and toiletries. Understanding these fees is crucial for property owners to effectively manage their investment and maximize their rental income.