Charleston is home to a thriving tourism industry that hosts hundreds upon thousands of guests from all over the world annually. Despite thriving as a coastal town all summer long, Charleston is a busy city 365 days a year.
From enjoying the evening sunsets by the coast to partaking in local southern dining you can't find anywhere else and shopping until you drop along King Street, Charleston offers endless possibilities. The city has all the fun, adventure, and activities you (or your rental guests) could ever enjoy.
But what makes Charleston such a thriving rental market? Why should you consider buying an investment property in South Carolina in the first place? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about Charleston, SC before you buy into the area.
Why Charleston, South Carolina?
Strong Tourism Industry
With its beautiful beaches, energetic downtown shopping and remarkable food options, Charleston is a stunning destination for those looking for an all-inclusive getaway. With so many great businesses and experiences to soak in, the Charleston Coast is a hub for local travelers and even those visiting internationally.
It should come as no surprise that Charleston is constantly topping lists when it comes to Best Places to Visit, Top Travel Destinations, alongside Best Cities in the World! Charleston is chock full of beautifully-preserved historic architecture, gardens and design, award-winning food, arts and culture, history, world-class golf and miles of coast stretching from the far north down to the southernmost tip of the area.
The Office of Tourism Analysis reports that Charleston saw 7.89 million visitors in 2024, bringing in nearly $14 billion in annual economic impact. International travelers come primarily from the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada, enjoying the warm weather and southern hospitality.
High Demand and Strong Appreciation
The median home price in Charleston has scaled year over year in nearly all parts of the region. The rental market has also remained stable despite economic changes throughout the United States. Savvy investors have worked hard to get ahead of the growing Charleston market, buying land years in advance and buying or building properties that meet the demand of their future renters.
Charleston itself is constantly expanding into new areas to the north of the city including Summerville, Hanahan, and North Charleston. Real estate is at an all time high, and investors are getting ahead of purchases that may be worth double in a few years.
Thriving Job Market and Expanding Population
According to the Charleston County Economic Development, 42 people, on average, are moving to Charleston daily. With reports between the years of 2020-2024, Charleston is in the top 10% when it comes to fastest growing regions.
It should come as no surprise that people are flooding the area! With a thriving job market and major industries such as aerospace, automotive, technology and healthcare building out home bases within the city, Charleston is the perfect place to set down roots for individuals and families alike. As the job market improves and expands, so does the rental market!
Charleston has perpetually stood out as one of the top cities for real estate investment, especially with its high demand for housing and its diverse economy. This city is the perfect blend of modern development and historic architecture, offering the best of both worlds when it comes to comfort and culture.
Best Areas for Rental Opportunities
It’s not hard to sell investors on Charleston. The trickiest part is finding out exactly where the best areas are for an investor's needs, especially when looking for local spots that are ideal for short term renters traveling into the area. Need more information? We’ve got you covered with a little bit about all of our favorite vacation locations and links to where you can get all the information needed to kick off your rental experience.
Isle of Palms
A thriving coastal town with numerous must-try restaurants, stunning beaches, and home to an exciting live music venue, Isle of Palms is the perfect coastal getaway any vacationer would be happy to visit. Guests can enjoy boat charters and rentals out of the Isle of Palms Marina, golf cart rentals out of their vacation homes, biking, scootering and more across the island. Just 30 minutes from Downtown Charleston, this small town offers the best of both worlds when it comes to coastal charm and energetic ambiance.
Learn more about licensing, fees, and restrictions through the City of Isle of Palms Building and Planning division.
Wild Dunes
Tucked deep within Isle of Palms, Wild Dunes Resort is a gated community home to two hotels, private villas, hundreds of rental properties, restaurants, shopping, award-winning golf courses, and private event venues. This booming district is full of family-friendly experiences, stunning and quiet private beaches, along with investment opportunities for every kind of buyer. From soaring condos with ocean views to expansive villas with vast backyards, Wild Dunes offers a little bit of everything.
Learn more about licensing, fees and restrictions through Wild Dunes Vacation Rental Policies page.
Kiawah Island
Looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and into the quiet of a gated island community? Kiawah Island is the perfect place for those craving a more intimate and private vacation getaway. With plenty of land perfect for real estate development, along with hundreds of pre-built expansive homes with marsh views, beach walk-outs and plenty of greenery to go around, Kiawah is hard to beat. Just minutes from local shopping area Freshfields Village, home to numerous stores and restaurants, along with access to rentals out of Bohicket Marina just a short drive away, Kiawah is a thriving community perfect for those looking for a new type of coastal getaway.
Learn more about licensing, fees, and restrictions through the Town of Kiawah Island Short Term Rental page.
Seabrook Island
The partner to Kiawah Island’s quiet, coastal comfort is Seabrook Island. With miles of white sand beaches, giant ancient oaks throughout the island, and the equestrian center located within the gates, this coastal community is a fan favorite among locals and tourists alike. Featuring the Seabrook Island Club with ocean-front pools, dining and plenty of tennis / racquet courts to go around, Seabrook Island has a neighborhood-like feel with a level of exclusivity most yearn for.
Learn more about licensing, fees, and restrictions through the Town of Seabrook Island Rentals page.
Property Management with Sweetgrass Properties
Thinking of investing in Charleston, but looking for the right property management group to take care of your home? There are plenty of options around the Charleston area, but none as hands-on, accommodating or supportive as Sweetgrass Properties. Voted Best Vacation Rental Company by the Post & Courier for 2025, we go out of our way to support our owners with impeccable service, remarkable care, and endless support.
Want to see what all the buzz is about? If you’re ready to take the next step and want reliable support in how to make your home a high-income investment property, Sweetgrass Properties is here to help. Contact us today to learn more!