Vacation rentals have always been part of the Myrtle Beach story, but the landscape shifting in 2025 has developers and investors paying closer attention than ever. New builds in particular are gaining traction thanks to updated zoning flexibility, stronger inbound migration numbers, and a South Carolina housing market that’s holding steady despite national volatility. If you're weighing whether to invest in a short-term-friendly new home along the Grand Strand, the latest data offers a surprisingly clear view of where the opportunities sit and how fast they’re growing.
Why 2025 Is Prime Time for New-Build Vacation Rentals
Myrtle Beach sits in a unique position entering 2025: high demand, strong inbound migration, and limited modern inventory. According to the statewide housing trends from the Redfin dataset provided, South Carolina home prices rose 1.9% year-over-year in October 2025, reaching a median of $383,300. While modest, this stability is attractive for investors seeking predictable appreciation without the turbulence of hotter national markets.
Even more promising is the increase in overall supply, which rose 10.8% year over year. For builders and buyers of new construction, this signals healthier availability and more choice across communities like Carolina Forest, Market Common, and portions of North Myrtle Beach where new vacation-friendly developments are popping up.
Vacation rentals depend on two fundamentals: year-round visitor demand and functional property design. New builds give investors the chance to step directly into the market with smart-home features, energy efficiency, storage for beach gear, EV-ready garages, and floor plans that maximize guest capacity. Those elements are translating directly into higher nightly rates and booking consistency in 2025.
Migration Trends Are Fueling Rental Demand
The migration data in the Redfin report paints an especially compelling picture for Myrtle Beach.
Between August and October 2025, the city ranked 4th in the entire United States for inbound search-driven migration, with 4,200 net inbound movers during that period. This is more than just retirees and relocation shoppers. It includes:
• Snowbirds seeking part-time residency
• Remote workers choosing hybrid lifestyles
• Families planning future moves but vacationing now
• Investors seeking tax-friendly coastal markets
More inbound interest means more demand for temporary housing. And for owners of new-build rentals, it translates to higher off-season occupancy rates. The Myrtle Beach area historically sees seasonal dips, but in 2025, the “soft season” (January–March) is tightening thanks to people testing the region before committing to buying.
New homes in areas like The Preserve at Pine Lakes, Waterbridge, and Carolina Forest’s new gated enclaves are consistently attracting relocation shoppers who prefer renting a modern build before deciding where to purchase permanently.
2025 Rental Demand Indicators That Matter for Investors
Short-term rental owners should pay attention to the competitiveness metrics from the report. While South Carolina saw 11.4% of homes selling above list price (slightly down from last year), the state remains one of the faster-moving Southeastern markets for both investors and traditional buyers.
For vacation rental investors, less bidding pressure means more predictable acquisition costs. It also implies that the market isn't overheating, which helps keep rental cap rates healthier.
Three demand indicators stand out for Myrtle Beach in 2025:
1. Steady Travel Recovery
Tourism in the Grand Strand continues its long rebound, but its distribution across seasons is shifting. Travelers are booking longer weekend stays, work-and-play trips, and multi-family vacations. New builds with dual primary suites and open-concept living rooms are outperforming older homes.
2. Shift Toward Amenity-Based Bookings
Guests in 2025 prioritize:
EV chargers
Pet-friendly layouts
High-speed mesh WiFi
Private outdoor space
Proximity to Market Common or the Boardwalk
New builds deliver these far more effectively than renovated older homes.
3. Growth of Multi-Generational Travel
More families are booking whole homes instead of condos. Builders are responding with larger kitchens, multiple gathering areas, and bunk-room floor plans that make new construction extremely rentable.
Best Myrtle Beach Areas for New-Build Vacation Rentals
Not all neighborhoods are equal when it comes to vacation rental performance. Some HOAs prohibit short-term rentals. Others embrace them outright.
In 2025, several Myrtle Beach communities stand out for both new construction activity and favorable rental dynamics:
1. Market Common
Walkability, shopping, dining, and access to the airport make Market Common a year-round rental hotspot. New builds here tend to earn premium nightly rates.
2. Carolina Forest
Carolina Forest continues to grow, with planned communities, modern amenities, and relative proximity to the beach. While some neighborhoods restrict STRs, others welcome them.
3. North Myrtle Beach
New builds in Windy Hill, Cherry Grove, and Barefoot Landing maintain consistently strong occupancy thanks to family-friendly beaches and entertainment.
4. Surfside Beach & Garden City
These areas attract repeat vacationers who prefer quieter beaches but still want proximity to Myrtle Beach nightlife.
5. Myrtle Beach’s New Infill Developments
Smaller pockets of new construction west of Highway 17 are gaining traction with investors who prefer lower purchase prices with strong ROI potential.
2025 Financial Outlook for New-Build STRs
With home prices rising moderately and inventory increasing statewide, the financial outlook for 2025 vacation rentals is more approachable than the boom years of 2020–2022. Here’s what the data and local trends suggest:
Pricing Stability
The Redfin median price increase of 1.9% YoY reflects a cooling but sustainable growth pattern. This benefits investors seeking predictable appreciation.
Higher Revenue Potential for Modern Builds
2025 bookings show a strong preference for:
Smart thermostats
Keyless entry systems
Video doorbells
High-efficiency HVAC
Open-concept family spaces
New builds provide these out of the box, driving higher revenue per available night compared to older homes.
Insurance & Compliance Advantages
New builds often meet updated flood and wind codes, which can help lower insurance premiums. This is a major factor along the Grand Strand, especially in 2025 as insurance markets continue tightening.
Operational Efficiency
Modern homes are easier to maintain, reducing turnover costs and increasing long-term profitability.
Should You Build or Buy New for Vacation Rental Purposes in 2025?
For many Myrtle Beach investors, the decision comes down to speed vs. control.
Buying a completed new build:
• Faster time to market
• Immediate rental income
• Builder warranties
• Predictable acquisition costs
Building from scratch:
• Total control over floor pla
• Ability to optimize for rental use
• Potentially higher long-term revenue
• Opportunity to build in high-demand designs
Investors looking for properties tailored specifically for vacation renters often lean toward custom or semi-custom builds. Developers in the Grand Strand are already designing with this customer base in mind, offering flex rooms, dual master suites, and enhanced outdoor living space.
If you're considering a new-build vacation rental in the Myrtle Beach area, now is the perfect time to explore your options. With stable prices, rising inventory, and strong demand from both tourists and relocation shoppers, 2025 offers a rare window of opportunity along the Grand Strand. Carolina Crafted Homes can help you navigate communities, floor plans, and investment strategies that fit your goals. Schedule your consultation when you're ready.
FAQs
1. Are new builds good for vacation rentals in Myrtle Beach?
Yes. New builds often perform better than older homes because they’re designed with modern guest expectations in mind. Features like open floor plans, dual primary suites, EV chargers, and smart-home systems can increase nightly rates and improve occupancy. Many investors also appreciate that new homes usually require less maintenance during the first few years, which improves cash flow.
2. Which Myrtle Beach areas are best for new-build vacation rentals?
Market Common, North Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, and Surfside/Garden City consistently rank as strong choices. Each area offers different advantages, such as walkability, entertainment, family-friendly beaches, or newer master-planned communities. Before choosing, confirm that the HOA and zoning allow short-term rentals because rules vary widely across the Grand Strand.
3. What trends are driving Myrtle Beach vacation rental demand in 2025?
Growth is fueled by inbound migration, flexible remote work, strong tourism recovery, and the rise of multi-generational trips. Many travelers prefer new homes with modern amenities, making new builds especially attractive. Myrtle Beach’s ranking as a top inbound migration metro further expands off-season rental interest, helping smooth out annual revenue.
4. How much can I expect a new-build rental to appreciate?
While appreciation varies by neighborhood, South Carolina home prices climbed 1.9% year-over-year in October 2025. Myrtle Beach typically follows or slightly outperforms this trend. New builds often appreciate well because they meet current building standards and attract both rental guests and future resale buyers seeking low-maintenance living.
5. Is it better to build or buy a new home for investment purposes?
Buying a completed new build allows for immediate rental income and predictable costs. Building from scratch offers deeper customization, allowing features that maximize rental performance. Many investors choose to build specifically to create multi-suite layouts, flexible sleeping arrangements, and luxury outdoor spaces that command higher nightly rates.
