Oceanfront homes and condos with amazing views of the Atlantic ocean make excellent short-term rental properties

Beachfront condos and raised beach homes in Garden City Beach — perfect for enjoying coastal living while generating rental income.

Can You Have Short-Term Rentals in Garden City Beach? What Property Owners Need to Know

If you’re thinking about buying investment property in Garden City Beach, South Carolina, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is:

Can you legally have short-term rentals in Garden City Beach?

The short answer: Yes — in many areas.
But there are important rules and zoning considerations you need to understand before purchasing.

Let’s break it down.

 

Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Garden City Beach?

Homes with private docks on the creek or inlet in Garden City make great shor-term rental properties

Creekfront homes in Garden City Beach offer private docks, marsh views, and strong short-term rental potential.

Garden City Beach is located in unincorporated Horry County, not within its own municipality. Because of this, short-term rental regulations are governed primarily by Horry County ordinances, not a city government like Surfside Beach or Myrtle Beach.

In most oceanfront and near-ocean areas of Garden City Beach, short-term rentals are permitted — especially in properties that have historically operated as vacation rentals.

However, zoning and HOA rules matter.

What Buyers Should Check Before Purchasing

Even though short-term rentals are generally allowed, here are key things to verify:

1. Zoning Classification

Some residential areas may have zoning that impacts rental activity. Always confirm zoning for the specific property address.

2. HOA Restrictions

If the property is in a condo complex or subdivision, the Homeowners Association may:

  • Limit rental frequency

  • Require minimum stay periods

  • Restrict property management companies

  • Cap the number of rental properties

HOA rules can override what zoning allows.

3. Business License & Taxes

Short-term rental owners typically must:

  • Obtain a business license

  • Collect and remit accommodations taxes

  • Follow state and county lodging requirements

This is common for coastal investment property.

Family's enjoy fishing from the pier in Garden City Beach

Making memories one cast at a time on the Garden City Beach Pier.

Why Garden City Beach Is Popular for Short-Term Rentals

Garden City Beach has long been a strong vacation rental market due to:

  • Oceanfront homes and condos

  • Creekfront properties with private docks

  • Proximity to Murrells Inlet restaurants

  • Wide sandy beaches

  • Family-friendly summer atmosphere

Many raised beach homes are designed specifically for rental income — with multiple bedrooms, open living areas, and covered parking.

Peak rental season typically runs late spring through early fall, with strong demand in summer months.

Beautiful home with a pool in Garden City Beach makes a great short-term rental investment

Homes with private pools in Garden City Beach make excellent short-term rental investments.

Is Garden City Beach a Good Investment for Short-Term Rentals?

For many buyers, yes.

Garden City Beach tends to attract families looking for quieter alternatives to Myrtle Beach while still enjoying full beach access. This creates steady seasonal demand.

However, profitability depends on:

  • Purchase price

  • Insurance costs (including flood insurance)

  • HOA fees

  • Property management expenses

  • Occupancy rates

Running projections before purchasing is essential.

What About Future Regulations?

Because Garden City Beach is under Horry County jurisdiction, changes to short-term rental regulations would come from the county level.

As with any coastal market, regulations can evolve — which is why working with a local real estate team who monitors policy changes is important.

Final Thoughts

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in many parts of Garden City Beach — especially oceanfront and traditional vacation areas.

But every property is different.

Before purchasing investment property in Garden City Beach, you should:

  • Confirm zoning

  • Review HOA rules

  • Estimate insurance and operating costs

  • Review realistic rental projections

When done correctly, short-term rentals can be a strong income-producing investment along the South Strand.

Contact information for Coast to Country Group Realty Realtor team serving Garden City Beach and surrounding areas

Considering Buying a Short-Term Rental in Garden City Beach?

We help buyers evaluate:

  • Rental potential

  • Flood zones and insurance

  • HOA restrictions

  • Income projections

  • Long-term resale value

If you're exploring investment property in Garden City Beach, we’d love to guide you through it.

📞 Tamara Moore: 843-325-1492
📞 Robin Richardson: 843-222-9547
🌐 www.coasttocountrygroup.com

Coast to Country Group Realty
Local expertise. Coastal investment knowledge. Real guidance.

This article was written by the team at Coast to Country Group, local real estate professionals serving Murrells Inlet, Garden City Beach, Surfside Beach, Pawleys Island, Georgetown, Andrews, and Conway. With more than 16 years of combined experience in the Grand Strand real estate market experience, we love helping buyers and sellers navigate coastal living.