Lexington, South CarolinaLexington, South Carolina

Vacation Rental Management in Lexington, South Carolina

Discover the best vacation rental management companies in Lexington, South Carolina to maximize your revenue and create incredible guest experiences

TechCrunch Logo
Yahoo Logo
AIRDNA Logo
Skift Logo
MarketWatch Logo

Lexington, South Carolina Airbnb Management Overview

Lexington, South Carolina, is a thriving market for Airbnb rentals, primarily due to its unique blend of small-town charm and proximity to the state capital, Columbia. The area's rich history, outdoor recreational activities, and vibrant local culture make it a popular destination for a diverse range of travelers. The demand for short-term rentals is consistent throughout the year, with noticeable spikes during major events such as the Lexington County Peach Festival and the University of South Carolina's graduation ceremonies. The market is characterized by a mix of urban and suburban properties, with a trend towards guests preferring homes that offer a distinct, local experience. Despite the competition, there is still room for growth, especially for hosts who can offer unique, high-quality accommodations that cater to the evolving needs and preferences of travelers.

In Lexington, South Carolina, the Airbnb market experiences a significant ebb and flow in line with the changing seasons. The peak season typically begins in late spring and extends through the summer months, coinciding with the region's warm weather and the influx of tourists drawn to the area's outdoor recreational activities, such as Lake Murray and the Congaree National Park. During this period, Airbnb hosts can expect higher occupancy rates and can potentially charge higher prices. Conversely, the off-peak season, which generally spans the cooler fall and winter months, sees a decrease in tourist activity, leading to lower occupancy rates. However, this period also coincides with the University of South Carolina's academic year, which can provide a steady stream of visitors, such as parents and prospective students, thereby partially offsetting the seasonal downturn.

In Lexington, South Carolina, Airbnb hosts must be aware of and comply with a variety of local regulations. One of the most significant is the requirement to obtain a business license from the Town of Lexington, which is necessary for any short-term rental activity. Additionally, hosts are responsible for the collection and remittance of local Accommodations Taxes, which currently stand at 3% in Lexington County. It's also important to note that the town has zoning laws that may affect the ability to host on Airbnb, particularly in residential areas. Therefore, it's crucial to check with the Lexington Town Planning Department to ensure your property is zoned appropriately for such use. Lastly, while there are no specific regulations regarding safety measures, hosts are encouraged to ensure their properties meet safety standards to avoid potential liabilities.

Managing Airbnb properties in Lexington, South Carolina, requires a keen understanding of the local market dynamics. The area's popularity among tourists for its historical sites and outdoor activities creates a high demand, especially during the summer months. However, this also means dealing with off-peak seasons where bookings may dwindle. To navigate this, hosts should consider flexible pricing strategies to attract long-term renters during slower periods. Regular maintenance is also crucial due to the region's humid subtropical climate, which can cause wear and tear on properties. Lastly, fostering good relationships with the local community can help in dealing with any potential issues that may arise, ensuring a smooth operation.

In Lexington, South Carolina, the Airbnb market thrives on the appeal of the region's natural beauty and outdoor activities. Properties that offer amenities such as access to water sports equipment, barbecue grills, and outdoor seating areas tend to be more popular among guests. Proximity to Lake Murray is a significant draw, so properties with lake views or easy lake access are highly sought after. Additionally, guests appreciate homes that provide modern comforts like high-speed Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchens, and smart TVs. Given Lexington's family-friendly atmosphere, properties that cater to families with children, offering amenities like cribs, high chairs, and games, also tend to perform well.

Market Overview

Lexington, South Carolina, is a thriving market for Airbnb rentals, primarily due to its unique blend of small-town charm and proximity to the state capital, Columbia. The area's rich history, outdoor recreational activities, and vibrant local culture make it a popular destination for a diverse range of travelers. The demand for short-term rentals is consistent throughout the year, with noticeable spikes during major events such as the Lexington County Peach Festival and the University of South Carolina's graduation ceremonies. The market is characterized by a mix of urban and suburban properties, with a trend towards guests preferring homes that offer a distinct, local experience. Despite the competition, there is still room for growth, especially for hosts who can offer unique, high-quality accommodations that cater to the evolving needs and preferences of travelers.

Airbnb Seasonality

In Lexington, South Carolina, the Airbnb market experiences a significant ebb and flow in line with the changing seasons. The peak season typically begins in late spring and extends through the summer months, coinciding with the region's warm weather and the influx of tourists drawn to the area's outdoor recreational activities, such as Lake Murray and the Congaree National Park. During this period, Airbnb hosts can expect higher occupancy rates and can potentially charge higher prices. Conversely, the off-peak season, which generally spans the cooler fall and winter months, sees a decrease in tourist activity, leading to lower occupancy rates. However, this period also coincides with the University of South Carolina's academic year, which can provide a steady stream of visitors, such as parents and prospective students, thereby partially offsetting the seasonal downturn.

Short Term Rental Regulations

In Lexington, South Carolina, Airbnb hosts must be aware of and comply with a variety of local regulations. One of the most significant is the requirement to obtain a business license from the Town of Lexington, which is necessary for any short-term rental activity. Additionally, hosts are responsible for the collection and remittance of local Accommodations Taxes, which currently stand at 3% in Lexington County. It's also important to note that the town has zoning laws that may affect the ability to host on Airbnb, particularly in residential areas. Therefore, it's crucial to check with the Lexington Town Planning Department to ensure your property is zoned appropriately for such use. Lastly, while there are no specific regulations regarding safety measures, hosts are encouraged to ensure their properties meet safety standards to avoid potential liabilities.

Best Practices for Management

Managing Airbnb properties in Lexington, South Carolina, requires a keen understanding of the local market dynamics. The area's popularity among tourists for its historical sites and outdoor activities creates a high demand, especially during the summer months. However, this also means dealing with off-peak seasons where bookings may dwindle. To navigate this, hosts should consider flexible pricing strategies to attract long-term renters during slower periods. Regular maintenance is also crucial due to the region's humid subtropical climate, which can cause wear and tear on properties. Lastly, fostering good relationships with the local community can help in dealing with any potential issues that may arise, ensuring a smooth operation.

Locations and Amenities

In Lexington, South Carolina, the Airbnb market thrives on the appeal of the region's natural beauty and outdoor activities. Properties that offer amenities such as access to water sports equipment, barbecue grills, and outdoor seating areas tend to be more popular among guests. Proximity to Lake Murray is a significant draw, so properties with lake views or easy lake access are highly sought after. Additionally, guests appreciate homes that provide modern comforts like high-speed Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchens, and smart TVs. Given Lexington's family-friendly atmosphere, properties that cater to families with children, offering amenities like cribs, high chairs, and games, also tend to perform well.

How It Works

Meet with membership

Connect With Local Pros

Summer matches you with top vacation rental managers who know the Lexington, South Carolina market and can help you maximize your revenue and improve guest experiences. 

We'll make sure to introduce you to Airbnb managers who offer the right services for your needs.

Get Onboarded

Seamless Onboarding

Your manager can handle everything—from listing setup and pricing optimization to guest communication and maintenance.

They’ll take care of professional photography, lockbox installation, profile setup, and everything you need to get your Lexington, South Carolina property guest-ready.

Collect Revenue

Sit Back And Earn

With the right vacation rental property manager, your home is in good hands.

They'll handle the bookings, guests, pricing updates, and day-to-day operations while you enjoy stress-free earnings and more time for what matters most.

Who We Trust

What makes our partners stand out from other short-term rental property managers in Lexington, South Carolina

Access to the Summer Network

Personalized Support

Each home and host is different. The best property managers work with you to find the services and support that make sense.

Best in class revenue Optimization

Demonstrated Earnings

Your investment is important. Our partners have proven they can substantially increase revenue on properties over market averages.

Accuracy with our technology

Tech-Forward Focus

The best property managers use data to make smart decisions, and technology to create seamless guest experiences.

Trusted brand reputation

Trusted Brand Reputation

We partner with property managers with Superhost status and high guest ratings, so guests always know what to expect.

Sticker badge that says "The gist"

Who’s a good fit for a professional manager?

You think your short-term rental can make more money

Your property is not beating market averages, getting enough bookings, or does not have visibility across the major rental platforms.

You want a partner where you are valued

Our preferred managers build personal relationships with all of their owners and care about each property like it's their own.

You want hassle-free hosting

Whether you're down the street or a flight away, dealing with guest inquiries, cleaning, and everything in between is too time consuming and challenging.

Ready To Get Started Form

Get connected

We'd love to hear about what you're looking for, and we’ll connect you with top vacation property managers in your area!

FAQ

Answers to common questions

What is vacation rental property management?

Vacation rental property management is a service provider that maintains and improves a vacation rental on behalf of owners. They manage the ongoing operation, marketing, maintenance, and promotion of a vacation rental, short-term rental, or Airbnb property.

What services does a vacation rental manager offer?

Most managers offer partial or complete end-to-end management of vacation rental properties. Complete management includes all aspects of home maintenance, cleaning, guest and host communications, and marketing, pricing, and promotion of your property. In addition to these services, Summer connects owners and hosts with professional design and investing services for their vacation home.

Can they help me convert an existing home into a vacation rental?

Absolutely! Many property managers do onboard homes that were recently purchased or are being converted into vacation rentals. The best teams will provide advice, guidance, and services to help your home prepare for its short-term rental launch.

How long does the onboarding process take?

The onboarding process usually takes 2-4 weeks. This gives the manager and owner ample time to inspect the property, get it ready for guests, and get the listing live. In the event that owners need additional time to furnish or otherwise improve the property, the onboarding process can be extended.

Will I get a smart lock?

Yes, most managers provide a smart lock. This helps them operate the home and seamlessly let guests in. While there is some upfront expense associated with the lock and some additional time to set it up, there’s nothing worse than a guest not being able to access the property when they arrive.

Will they take updated photos of the property?

In most cases, your manager will hire a professional photographer to do a shoot at the home. This happens after the home is both cleaned and staged for photography. This helps the home stand out on vacation rental booking sites and results in better bookings overall. If you have really high-quality photos already, you can skip this step in the onboarding process.

How do I know my property will be safe with guests?

Professional managers put a number of security measures in place at the home to monitor noise and avoid unwanted guests in the property. Most also have built-in procedures for resolving any immediate guest issues involving parties, extra guests, and anything else in violation of the booking and local laws and requirements.