In-depth analysis

Should you buy an STR in Myrtle Beach in 2026?

Yes, and at a reasonable basis — but the HOA letter is the deal. Myrtle Beach is one of the most STR-friendly major coastal markets in the country: $173 ADR, 63% occupancy (strongest in this guide for a permissive market), saturation tier A, and a market score of 82/100. South Carolina’s state preemption posture is permissive, the city’s ordinance is registration-based rather than restrictive, and the Grand Strand’s family-vacation demand is durable. The dominant risk isn’t city regulation — it’s the building-level HOA.

Regulation: where the city stands

The City of Myrtle Beach requires:

Business license + accommodations tax registration — straightforward and not lottery-rationed.
State accommodations tax (2%) + local (3%) + state sales tax (6%) — ~11% all-in lodging tax.
Horry County (outside city limits) — separate rules; permissive but verify.
North Myrtle Beach (separate municipality) — separate ordinance; similarly STR-friendly.

The key issue is condo HOA-level STR restrictions. The Grand Strand is overwhelmingly condo product. Each building has its own STR posture — some allow nightly with no restrictions, some require a 3-night minimum, some require a 7-night minimum, some prohibit STR entirely. Two condos in the same building can have different historical STR enforcement; two condos across the street can have completely different rules.

The market by the numbers

Metric	Myrtle Beach	Comparison
Avg ADR	$173	Mid-tier coastal
Occupancy	63%	Strongest blended in guide
RevPAR	$109	Solid for basis
Market score	82/100	Top quartile

Source: AirDNA-comparable industry averages. Demand is sharply summer-peak (June-August carries the year) with a meaningful spring shoulder for golf and a fall shoulder for biker rallies and seniors.

Submarkets that matter

Oceanfront high-rise (62nd Ave N to 82nd Ave N, “Ocean Boulevard”) — highest ADR; lowest basis-per-ADR; HOA STR rules vary building-to-building.
Family-resort condo corridors — Kingston Resorts, Sands Resorts, Caribbean Resort — STR-friendly, resort-managed.
North Myrtle Beach (Cherry Grove, Crescent Beach, Ocean Drive) — separate municipality; SFR + condo; lower density; family-vacation premium.
Surfside / Garden City (south of Myrtle) — separate towns; quieter; lower ADR with strong family demand.

The 3 mistakes buyers make here

Closing without the HOA STR letter in writing. Listing language is not enforceable; the HOA board is. Get current STR rules + minimum-stay requirements in writing before contingency expires.
Underwriting summer ADR as the average. Peak weekly ADR can be 2-3x off-season. The trailing-12 number is the underwriting input.
Skipping the resort-fee + assessment review. Condo HOA dues vary widely; special assessments after hurricane seasons are common. Pull the last 5 years of HOA financials.

What to do next

Pull the HOA STR letter and minimum-stay rules for the specific unit, in writing, before offer contingency expires.
Verify business license with the City of Myrtle Beach.
Run Market Score and Comp Analyzer within the same building or condo complex.
Model financing with the DSCR Loan Calculator; reserves with Year 1 Cash Needs.
Read Condo STR Buying: HOA Pitfalls to Avoid.

Not investment advice. Verify all regulatory, tax, and HOA information with local authorities and licensed professionals before committing capital.

Last reviewed 2026-05-07 · Estimated — community-sourced · Population 34,695