Designing a home that performs beautifully today and still sells strong tomorrow is the holy grail for many Myrtle Beach homeowners. But what if you could take that one step further—building a space that welcomes Airbnb guests now while also being age-friendly for future long-term use? With the Grand Strand’s rising short-term rental demand and the national surge in multigenerational living, more owners are realizing that the smartest home is the one that earns income and adapts gracefully as needs change. This guide breaks down how to design a home that attracts top-tier Airbnb bookings in 2026 while also offering long-term flexibility for aging parents, retirees, or your own future plans.
The Myrtle Beach Equation: Tourism + Retirees + Regulation
Airbnb and aging-in-place might sound like two totally different design lanes, but along the Grand Strand, they overlap more than you’d expect. Myrtle Beach continues to sit among the Southeast’s most visited coastal destinations—supporting year-round short-term rental occupancy—while also being a top relocation spot for retirees nationwide.
Why this matters in 2026
Tourism demand remains strong: AirDNA’s national forecasts point to stable-to-growing STR occupancy and ADR heading into 2026, especially in beach markets driven by drive-to travel.
Retirees continue to move in: Horry County keeps growing thanks to tax friendliness, healthcare expansion, and lifestyle appeal.
Local regulations require clarity: South Carolina’s lodging laws (§27-50 via SC Statehouse) govern rental disclosures and expectations for renting property, so owners need transparency when marketing a STR or planning future resale.
The takeaway? A Myrtle Beach property designed with dual-purpose functionality gives you income now, resilience later, and stronger buyer interest when you eventually sell.
Universal Design That Guests Love — and Seniors Need
Universal design is the secret weapon of both highly rated Airbnb listings and age-friendly homes. The trick is implementing it without making your home feel clinical.
Features that work for Airbnb and long-term aging
Wide hallways (36–42 inches): Essential for mobility, effortless for luggage.
Zero-step entry: Perfect for accessibility and rolling beach carts.
Lever-style door handles: Easier for seniors, convenient for guests carrying towels and bags.
Curbless showers with linear drains: Premium aesthetic for guests; safer for elderly residents.
Tall, comfort-height toilets: A small detail guests appreciate, a necessity for aging-in-place.
Motion-activated lighting: Enhances guest experience; prevents nighttime falls for seniors.
Where to use these locally
Neighborhoods like Market Common, Clear Pond in Carolina Forest, and Belle Harbor often feature modern layouts that adapt beautifully to dual-purpose design.
Short-Term Rental Superpowers: High ROI Features That Future-Proof
To stay competitive in Myrtle Beach’s STR market, especially in 2026 as guest expectations rise, your home needs standout amenities. Fortunately, many of these overlap perfectly with features beneficial for aging-in-place.
Top Airbnb-friendly features that increase future resale
Two primary suites: Creates booking flexibility now; ideal for multigenerational living later.
Split-floor layouts: Guests love privacy; seniors appreciate reduced noise.
Soundproofing between floors: Reduce party noise; future-proof for medical equipment or varying sleep schedules.
Durable LVP flooring: Coastal, waterproof, easy to clean, and slip-resistant.
First-floor living essentials: Ensures easy access for every tenant and future owner.
Bonus: Outdoor spaces matter
A screened porch or low-maintenance patio is a booking booster for vacationers and a safe haven for retirees who want fresh air without stairs or trip hazards.
Tech That Serves Both Audiences (And Protects Your Home)
Smart-home technology is where Airbnb convenience and aging safety intersect perfectly.
Smart upgrades that check every box
Video doorbells: Guests appreciate easy check-in; seniors gain safety.
Smart locks with rotating access codes: Essential for STR operations; seamless for aging users.
Noise monitoring devices (non-recording): Protects your property and ensures a peaceful environment for future long-term living.
Thermostats with app control: Saves on utility costs and helps with remote caregiving later.
Water-shutoff sensors: Critical for preventing STR damage, even more crucial for aging owners who may forget faucets.
Pro tip: Homes in Carolina Forest and The Dunes already command above-average STR demand and resale pricing—leveraging smart tech makes these areas even more competitive.
Furnishings & Layouts That Transition Easily Over Time
One of the biggest pain points homeowners face is designing for Airbnb and then having to remodel years later. Building flexibility from day one avoids costly renovations.
Design with convertible functionality
Main floor flex room: Today: office or kids’ room for STR bookings.
Tomorrow: bedroom for aging parents.Lockable owner’s closets: Keep STR essentials separate; later convert to linen or medical storage.
Minimalist layouts: Easier to clean for STR turnovers and safer for walker/wheelchair navigation.
Coastal design that ages gracefully
Lean toward timeless rather than trendy coastal elements—neutral palettes, brushed nickel finishes, natural textures. These resonate with guests and older homeowners who prefer clean, calming spaces.
Understanding Myrtle Beach’s 2026 STR Landscape
Short-term rentals along the Grand Strand operate in a mosaic of local rules governed by municipal codes and state-level disclosure requirements. While each city (Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside, etc.) sets its own licensing standards, all sellers in South Carolina are required to follow disclosure laws found in §27-50 of the SC Residential Property Act.
What this means for your future resale
Buyers must be informed if the property is or has been used as a rental.
Proper permitting and documentation protects your value later.
STR-friendly upgrades (universal design, safety, durability) increase appeal to both investors and retirees.
Combine that with AirDNA-backed trends showing resilient coastal STR demand and you have a compelling long-term investment angle.
A home that works beautifully for today’s Airbnb guests and tomorrow’s lifestyle needs is one of the smartest investments you can make in the Myrtle Beach market. With careful planning, universal design, STR-ready layouts, and a clear eye on resale, you can enjoy steady revenue, long-term comfort, and stronger buyer demand when you’re ready to move on.
If you’re considering building or buying a dual-purpose property in the Grand Strand, Carolina Crafted Homes can help you design with confidence—reach out anytime to explore your options.
FAQs
1. Can a home be designed for both Airbnb and aging-in-place?
Yes. Homes in Myrtle Beach can be built with features that satisfy Airbnb guests—such as smart locks, durable flooring, and flexible layouts—while still offering accessibility for aging adults. Universal design elements like zero-step entries, curbless showers, and wide doorways make the home safe, comfortable, and resale-friendly for a wider audience.
2. What features boost both Airbnb bookings and long-term resale?
Homes with two primary suites, first-floor living, smart-home tech, low-maintenance materials, and accessible bathrooms consistently perform well. These appeal to STR guests seeking comfort and retirees wanting convenience, ultimately increasing your buyer pool and property value across the Grand Strand.
3. How do Myrtle Beach STR rules affect resale?
South Carolina requires transparent property disclosures under §27-50, meaning buyers must be informed of rental use. Maintaining proper permits, safety equipment, and documentation protects value when selling. Many buyers specifically seek “turnkey STR” homes—especially in Carolina Forest and Market Common.
4. Will aging-friendly design hurt my Airbnb’s aesthetic?
Not at all. Modern accessibility features—from curbless showers to lever handles to motion lighting—blend seamlessly into coastal, contemporary décor. In 2026, guest expectations actually lean toward premium, safer, more intuitive design.
5. Should I invest in STR tech if I plan to age-in-place later?
Yes. Smart tech like video doorbells, app-controlled thermostats, and water sensors boosts safety and convenience for seniors while improving your Airbnb management today. These upgrades have great ROI and long lifespan.
