Investor · Alexandria, VA · Member since 2016 · 859 posts · 460 votes
Hi All,
This is for those individuals that invest in Charleston, SC. If you were to purchase an investment property in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Johns Island, James Island, which of these specific locations / zip codes would you purchase?
2 things to consider:
1.) Current rental demand - where are the rents the most stable
I would say my top choices would be ones not included on your list-
1. North Charleston (inside 526 preferably)
2. Summerville area
I live in James Island and absolutely love the location (10 minutes to the beach and 10 minutes to downtown). Schools have a great reputation in the area. There is a decent mix of higher end homes along with older houses in need of some love. If you'd want to do some rehab and feel confident about a return, James Island has the 3 Ls of real estate (location, location, location).
Are you looking for long term rentals or STRs? Appreciation or cash flow?
I still think Park Circle checks both boxes although, like everywhere around here, the prices have increased dramatically. Additionally, downtown in the NoMo and Upper East Side areas there is money to be made as those areas continue to see new developments and infrastructure. Anything along the Charleston Greenway would be a good bet to appreciate once that project gets underway. Johns and James both have lower barriers to entry so maybe you’ll be able to long term and cash flow. It’s near impossible to cash flow in Mt P.
Hi @Brandon Dawson I know this market has very tough regulations for STRs. I"m actually looking for long term rentals with the best potential appreciation.
Cash Flow is always speculative dependent on the amount of down payment you put down in my personal opinion.
But very helpful insights on the particular locations, thank you Brandon
You're 100% correct about cash flow being easily manipulated with down money and about the STR regs. I think Mt. Pleasant and downtown Charleston are the most desirable and will continue to appreciate (even if through forced inflation), but, as you know, it's expensive in those areas. Again, I think Park Circle and the "neck" area downtown have a lot of upside and there are some opportunity zones investment opportunities which are great for buy and hold strategies.
I would say my top choices would be ones not included on your list-
1. North Charleston (inside 526 preferably)
2. Summerville area
I live in James Island and absolutely love the location (10 minutes to the beach and 10 minutes to downtown). Schools have a great reputation in the area. There is a decent mix of higher end homes along with older houses in need of some love. If you'd want to do some rehab and feel confident about a return, James Island has the 3 Ls of real estate (location, location, location).