Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Surf City North Carolina.

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Surf City, North Carolina: Airbnb & VRBO Vacation Rental Market Overview

The short-term rental market in Surf City, North Carolina, remains robust, with a median occupancy rate of 54%, an average daily rate of $253, and an average annual host income of $49,000, indicating a stable and profitable investment opportunity.

Market overview

Thriving Short-Term Rentals in Surf City, North Carolina

Despite some broader trends of decreased occupancy in summer months across North Carolina beach markets, Surf City is experiencing a robust short-term rental performance. While specific data for Surf City is not provided, neighboring beach markets offer insights into the overall health of the region. Nightly rates have steadily increased, with some areas seeing rises of up to 25-30% compared to previous years.

In the context of Surf City, this suggests that vacation rentals are likely maintaining strong revenue streams, driven by higher nightly rates. Although occupancy rates might be slightly down from the peak of the previous year, the increased rates help offset this decrease, resulting in stable or even increased revenue per available rental. This trend indicates a favorable environment for short-term rental properties in Surf City, making it an attractive destination for both renters and property owners.

Short Term Regulations
Neighborhood Performance

Top Neighborhoods for Airbnb Revenue in Surf City, North Carolina

1. North Topsail Beach

  • Appeal: This area is highly sought after for its oceanfront condos and homes, such as the "Cozy On-the-Beach w/ Private Deck" and "Sun & Sand Beachfront Condo on Topsail Island". Guests love waking up to the sound of crashing waves, enjoying coffee on the balcony, and the proximity to various beaches and attractions within a 20-minute radius.
  • Amenities: Private decks, full kitchens, beach access, and scenic views of dolphins and sunrises.

2. Surf City Oceanfront

  • Appeal: Properties like "LunaSea - 2 Bed Oceanfront, Walk to Shop & Dine" and "Dream Vacation steps from the Beach with Pool" are favorites due to their direct beach access, private decks, and walking distance to local shops, restaurants, and the Surf City Ocean Pier.
  • Amenities: Private beach access, pools, fully stocked kitchens, and proximity to dining and shopping.

3. Surf City Soundside

  • Appeal: Homes such as "So Much Fun!" and "Surf City Beach Tree House" are popular for their soundside locations, offering beautiful sound views, kayak and paddleboard access, and a short walk or bike ride to the beach and town.
  • Amenities: Kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, bikes, and scenic sound views.

4. Central Surf City

  • Appeal: Rentals like "Weekend Seaclusion w/ Business Internet!" and "Bella Mare" attract guests with their gated communities, private pools, and easy access to Surf City's amenities, including the new high-rise bridge and local shops.
  • Amenities: Private pools, gated communities, covered parking, and close proximity to town.

5. Second Row Beach Homes

  • Appeal: Homes such as "Beach Station" and "Topsail Gem - Beautiful, Ocean View Beach House" are favored for their ocean views from the front porch or upper deck, large backyards, and short walks to the beach.
  • Amenities: Ocean views, large backyards, picnic tables, and easy beach access.

These neighborhoods are appealing due to their combination of beachfront or soundside locations, amenities like pools and private decks, and convenient access to local attractions and activities.

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Design Tips

Tips for Furnishing and Design of an Airbnb in Surf City, North Carolina

To create an inviting and stylish Airbnb in Surf City, North Carolina, consider the following tips that reflect the city's unique coastal charm:

Choose Coastal and Beach-Themed Decor

  • Utilize light colors and natural materials to mimic the surrounding beach environment. Coastal and beach-themed decor, such as artwork depicting marine life or local landscapes, can enhance the aesthetic and add local flair.

Select Comfortable and Durable Furnishings

  • Invest in comfortable seating areas and durable, easy-to-clean furnishings that appeal to families and pet owners. This ensures a welcoming environment for a variety of guests.

Incorporate Modern Coastal Designs

  • Opt for modern coastal designs that provide a fresh and contemporary feel. This style complements the beachfront vibe and can help your property stand out in a competitive rental market.

Add Outdoor Living Spaces

  • Include well-maintained gardens, patios, or rooftop decks to create inviting outdoor spaces for relaxation and entertaining. These areas can offer breathtaking sunset views and direct access to the beach.

Provide Essential Beach Amenities

  • Ensure your property includes access to beach equipment such as chairs, umbrellas, surfboards, and boogie boards. These amenities can significantly enhance a guest's beach experience.

Incorporate Local and Vintage Elements

  • Use a mix of new and vintage furnishings to create a laid-back, casual coastal style reminiscent of traditional surf shacks. This blend of old and new can add a unique charm to your property.

Ensure Modern Amenities

  • Include modern amenities such as fully stocked kitchens, walk-in showers, and high-speed WiFi to provide a comfortable and convenient stay for guests.

Maintain a Family-Friendly Atmosphere

  • Design your space to be family-friendly by including amenities like linens, towels, condiments, and full spice drawers. This makes the property more appealing to families looking for a hassle-free vacation.

Consider Seasonal and Local Touches

  • Reflect the local culture by incorporating seasonal decorations and local events into your design. This can include decorations for beach festivals and holiday celebrations.

By following these tips, you can create an Airbnb in Surf City that is not only inviting but also reflective of the city's unique coastal style and charm.

Insider Tips
Practical Tips

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

To ensure a smooth and profitable short-term rental business in Surf City, North Carolina, several key practices can be implemented. First, it is crucial to adhere to and inform guests about local noise regulations, including quiet hours, to maintain a positive relationship with the community and avoid potential fines. Creating a comprehensive digital and physical house manual is also essential; this should include detailed instructions, Wi-Fi passwords, and other vital information to make guests' stays hassle-free.

A simplified check-in process can significantly enhance the guest experience. Utilizing smart locks eliminates the need for physical key exchanges, and providing clear parking instructions accompanied by photos can help guests navigate the property easily. Additionally, ensuring that all legal and safety requirements, such as obtaining the necessary special use permits and registering the rental property with the county tax department, are met is vital for compliance and avoiding penalties.

By implementing these strategies, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for your guests, leading to positive reviews, increased bookings, and higher rental income.

Local Vendors

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

House Cleaning Providers

  • Harris Cleaning Services: Offers top-tier cleaning services with exceptional quality, reliability, and care for all your cleaning needs.
  • Sea Green Natural Residential Cleaning, LLC: An eco-friendly residential cleaning company and a North Carolina-certified green business, although their website may be temporarily unavailable.
  • Walmart House Cleaning Services: Provides cleaning services for bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and more.

Additional Resources

  • For more house cleaners in Surf City, you can also refer to the list on Angi, which includes reviews and ratings for various house cleaning services.
Management fees

Surf City, North Carolina: Understanding Short-Term Rental Management Fees

In Surf City, North Carolina, short-term rental management fees 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 Access Realty, Ward Realty, and Lewis Realty, which handle comprehensive tasks including guest communication, marketing, and maintenance, usually charge fees on the higher end of this spectrum.

Basic service packages, which may only include essential management functions, tend to be less expensive. Additionally, homeowners may incur extra fees for services like professional cleaning, repairs, and design enhancements. These fees can be transparent and included in the monthly or annual statements provided by the management companies, ensuring that homeowners have a clear understanding of all costs involved.

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Why choose RedAwning

RedAwning is a tech leader in full-service short-term rental management, powered by our exclusive, unmatched tools.
Other property managers
Cost
Starting at 10%
25-40%
Guest communications
5-15 mins / 24 hours a day
1 hour+
Host communications
Dedicated phone and text line with no time on hold
Chat bots, hold lines and email threads
Insurance
Robust liability and dwelling coverage for every reservation
Spotty coverage with low claim approval rates
Contract
No cancellation fees
No contract lock-in
Just 90 days notice to cancel
Cancellation penalties
Number of Channels Your Listing is On
50+
2-4

Experience in numbers

Rest well knowing your property is managed by an experienced team powered by world-class technology.
+10-30%
in gross revenue
4.8 stars
guest rating
14+ years
managing STRs

Short Term Rental Calculator

Find out how much your property in Surf City should generate as a short term rental and look at the performance of properties around yours.

35,000+ Properties
Hosts stay with RedAwning
1,000,000,00 Nights Booked
RedAwing knows how to get bookings
50+ Top Booking Channels
More than any other platform available

Furnishing checklist

This comprehensive checklist ensures that your rental is guest-ready with all the essentials to create a comfortable and memorable experience in Surf City.

Living Room
Seating: Sofa, armchairs, and ottomans
Coffee Table
Entertainment: Smart TV (with streaming apps) and remote control
Decor: Area rug, wall art, plants, and throw pillows
Lighting: Floor lamp or table lamps
Charging Stations: Power strips or outlets with USB ports
Bedrooms
Beds: High-quality mattress with mattress protector
Linens: At least two sets of sheets per bed
Pillows: Hypoallergenic pillows (2-4 per bed)
Blankets: Extra throw blankets or quilts
Nightstands: With lamps or charging docks
Closet or Storage: Hangers, dresser, or luggage rack
Blackout Curtains or Shades
Bathrooms
Towels: Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths (2 sets per guest)
Shower Curtain & Liner
Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap
Bathroom Essentials: Toilet paper, tissues, trash bin
Hairdryer
Mirror: Full-length or wall mirror
Dining Area
Dining Table: Seating for the maximum number of guests
Place Settings: Placemats or tablecloths
Centerpiece: Vase with flowers or decorative piece
Kitchen
Appliances: Refrigerator, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, kettle
Cookware: Pots, pans, baking trays
Utensils: Forks, knives, spoons, spatulas, tongs
Dinnerware: Plates, bowls, glasses, mugs (2 sets per guest)
Cutting Board & Knives
Basic Spices & Condiments: Salt, pepper, oil
Cleaning Supplies: Sponge, dish soap, paper towels, trash bags
Outdoor Space (if applicable)
Seating: Outdoor chairs, benches, or lounges
Table: For outdoor dining or drinks
Lighting: String lights or outdoor lanterns
Grill: With necessary utensils and instructions
Outdoor Trash Bin
Extras to Elevate Guest Experience
Welcome Basket: Snacks, water bottles, or wine
Guidebook: Local recommendations and house rules
Board Games or Books: Entertainment for guests
Umbrella & Flashlight
Iron & Ironing Board
Laundry: Washer, dryer, and detergent (if available)
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⇤ Airbnb Statistics for North Carolina