Out-of-state buyers often assume Myrtle Beach works like other coastal markets. Buy near the ocean, rent when you want, switch strategies later if plans change.

That assumption is wrong.

Buying a home in Myrtle Beach in 2026 means navigating zoning overlays, HOA rules, insurance constraints, and inspection realities that can permanently limit how a property is used. A zoning ordinance adopted in late 2024 made this clearer and more restrictive in specific areas, and many buyers still do not understand what it means.

Here is what out-of-state buyers most often miss.

Zoning Can Lock In Your Rental Strategy

Myrtle Beach does not treat rental use as flexible by default.

In December 2024, the City adopted Ordinance 2024-69, creating a Short-Term Rental Conversion Overlay Zone. This ordinance does not apply citywide. It applies to specific commercial zoning districts between Kings Highway and the Atlantic Ocean.

What the overlay actually does

For certain multi-unit buildings historically used as short-term rentals in that corridor:

• Units cannot be rented for 90 consecutive days or more

• Properties cannot be converted into long-term rentals

• Back-to-back leases designed to bypass the 90-day rule are prohibited

This matters because many buyers assume they can change strategies later. In this zone, that flexibility can be legally blocked.

Before buying, it is critical to understand how zoning differs across Myrtle Beach real estate communities, because properties east or west of Kings Highway, inside or outside city limits, and residential versus commercial zoning can have completely different rules.

HOA Rules Can Be Stricter Than Zoning

Even when zoning allows a certain use, HOA rules may not.

Many Myrtle Beach condos and planned communities impose:

• Rental caps or minimum stay requirements

• Restrictions on owner-occupied use changes

• Approval processes for tenants

• Rules that override what buyers assume zoning allows

Out-of-state buyers often focus only on HOA dues. That is a mistake.

Before committing, buyers should review:

• Bylaws and rules and regulations

• Written rental policies

• Current budgets and reserve disclosures

• Recent meeting minutes

• Current or pending special assessments

• Master insurance summaries

If the HOA restricts rentals, zoning permission becomes irrelevant.

Insurance Is Not Just a Cost, It Is a Gatekeeper

Coastal insurance is not simply a line item. It can determine whether a deal works at all.

Key realities buyers underestimate:

• Flood insurance is required for properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas when using many federally backed mortgages

• Wind and hail coverage may require separate solutions in coastal South Carolina

• Condo master policies often exclude interior improvements, leaving buyers responsible for additional coverage

Waiting until late in the transaction to obtain insurance quotes is one of the most common reasons coastal deals fall apart.

Inspections Require a Coastal Lens

A standard inspection is necessary, but not sufficient.

Coastal exposure increases the importance of:

• Moisture intrusion evaluation

• HVAC condition due to salt-air corrosion

• Roof condition in wind-exposed areas

• Drainage and grading in low-lying locations

For condos, buyers should also assess the condition of common elements indirectly through documents, because deferred maintenance frequently leads to special assessments later.

What Smart Buyers Decide Early

Buyers who avoid surprises make three decisions before touring seriously:

1. Intended use, primary residence, second home, short-term rental, or long-term rental

2. Acceptable insurance cost range

3. Willingness to accept zoning and HOA limits, or to walk away

Buying first and asking these questions later is where most regret begins.

What This Means Before You Buy

The biggest mistake out-of-state buyers make is assuming Myrtle Beach works like every other coastal market. It does not. Use, rental strategy, and long-term flexibility depend on location, zoning, and governance, not just price or proximity to the ocean.

Before moving forward, buyers should verify intended use, confirm insurance realities, and understand how HOA and zoning rules interact. These steps are not optional if you want clarity instead of surprises.

When you are ready to explore Myrtle Beach real estate with a clear understanding of the rules, the McAlpine Team can help you navigate the process with accuracy and confidence.