Buying a Short-Term Rental in Brunswick County NC: 2026 Investor Guide

Is Brunswick County NC a good place to buy a short-term rental?

It can be, if you buy in the right town and run the numbers first. Brunswick County is the fastest-growing county in North Carolina. Home sales passed $3 billion for the first time in 2025. The island towns and Southport draw the most vacation guests, which makes them the main target for short-term rental buyers.

It is not a get-rich-quick market. Insurance, flood zones, HOA rules and town rental rules all change your numbers. Every property needs its own review before you make an offer.

How do I help short-term rental investors?

I represent you as the buyer. I help you find the property, check it out before you commit, negotiate the price and get you to closing.

I don't manage rentals, and my brokerage doesn't either. After closing, you either manage it yourself or hire a local property manager. Before you buy, I can point you to managers so you can get their rental estimate and fees in writing.

How fast is Brunswick County growing?

Brunswick County added about 33,000 people between 2020 and 2024, reaching about 169,000 residents. That is 24% growth, the highest rate in the state. The county has more than doubled in size since 2004.

The Census Bureau's 2025 estimates showed another 4.7% jump. That was the largest increase in North Carolina and 7th in the whole country.

What are homes selling for in Brunswick County in 2026?

The countywide median sales price was $386,667 for January through July 2026. That is up 4.9% from the same stretch in 2025.

Brunswick County sales 2024 2025 2026 (Jan to July)
Total sales volume $2.78 billion $3.06 billion $1.99 billion
Homes sold about 5,850 6,311 3,940
Median sales price $371,909 $377,850 $386,667

In July 2026, homes took just under 3 months to sell. Supply sat just under 4 months. That points to a fairly balanced market. Buyers have room to negotiate, but well-priced homes near the water still move.

Source: Brunswick County Association of REALTORS® reports.

Which Brunswick County towns are best for a short-term rental?

Guest demand is highest on Oak Island, in Southport and on Ocean Isle Beach. I checked this with search data pulled on September 22, 2026. I added up the monthly Google searches for vacation rental phrases in each town, like "oak island nc beach rentals" and "southport nc airbnb." Those are travelers looking for a place to stay. They are the guests your property would compete for.

Town Monthly vacation rental searches What to watch
Oak Island About 9,500 Flood zones, wind insurance
Southport About 5,000 Historic district rules, higher prices downtown
Ocean Isle Beach About 3,300 Higher entry price
Holden Beach Not measured Limited inventory
Sunset Beach Not measured Island vs. mainland pricing
Leland About 1,200, mostly long-term rentals Better suited to long-term hold
St. James Under 100 HOA limits on short-term rentals
Bolivia Under 100 Flood zone checks, long-term hold

Search data: AnswerThePublic, Google US, pulled 9/22/2026. Totals combine many phrase variations, so treat them as a way to compare towns, not an exact guest count.

What should I check before buying a short-term rental property?

Here is what I review with you before you make an offer:

  • Town rules. Each town can set its own rental rules. Check them for the exact address.
  • HOA rules. Some neighborhoods and condo associations limit or ban short-term rentals. Get the documents before you commit.
  • Flood zone and elevation. I pull the flood zone and the elevation certificate if one exists. Both affect insurance cost.
  • Insurance quotes. Wind and flood premiums on the islands can change your cash flow more than the price does. Get real quotes during due diligence.
  • Rental history. If the home is already rented, ask the seller for booking records and tax filings. Don't rely on a projection alone.
  • Management fees. Get a written estimate from a local manager. Their fee is one of your biggest costs.
  • Season. Summer brings in most of the year's income. Plan for slow winter months.

What if I want a long-term hold instead?

Some investors buy on the mainland and hold for growth. Leland sits about 15 minutes from downtown Wilmington and has seen steady new construction. Bolivia, Supply and Boiling Spring Lakes offer lower prices and larger lots. New construction made up 37% of county sales in July 2026.

St. James near Southport is another option. Buyers pay for the golf, marina and amenities, and "St. James NC homes for sale" gets about 590 searches a month. Vacation rental searches there are low, and HOA rules can limit rentals, so it fits owners and long-term holds better than short-term rentals.

What are the risks of buying a short-term rental in Brunswick County?

  • Insurance. Island premiums keep rising. Get quotes before you are under contract.
  • Flood zones. Some mainland lots flood too. Check the flood zone for every address, not just island homes.
  • More homes for sale. Supply is up from the tight years, so plan for longer time on market if you resell.
  • Rule changes. Town and HOA rental rules can change after you buy.
  • Competition. More rentals on the market means your property needs to stand out to keep bookings.

How can I finance a short-term rental property?

Many of my investors use DSCR loans. These loans qualify you based on the property's expected rental income instead of your personal income. 

Are property taxes low in Brunswick County?

Yes. The county rate is $0.34 per $100 of assessed value for fiscal year 2026-27. The county has not raised it in about 13 years. Your town adds its own rate on top.

For example, a $400,000 home pays about $1,360 a year in county tax before the town rate.

FAQ: Buying a short-term rental in Brunswick County NC

Where is the best place to buy an Airbnb in Brunswick County NC?

Oak Island, Southport and Ocean Isle Beach get the most vacation rental searches. The right pick depends on your budget and the rules for that street.

Can I buy a short-term rental in any Brunswick County neighborhood?

No. Some towns, HOAs and condo associations limit short-term rentals. Always check the rules for the exact property before you make an offer.

What is the median home price in Brunswick County NC?

The median was $386,667 for January through July 2026, based on Brunswick County Association of REALTORS® data.

Can I use a DSCR loan to buy a vacation rental in Brunswick County?

Yes. DSCR lenders look at the property's expected rental income to qualify the loan.

Do you manage the rental after I buy?

No. I help you buy the property. Neither I nor my brokerage manages rentals. You can manage it yourself or hire a local property manager. I can share names so you can compare before you buy.

What is the property tax rate in Brunswick County NC?

The county rate is $0.34 per $100 of assessed value for 2026-27. Towns add their own rate.

Danielle King, REALTOR with Realty ONE Group Dockside, licensed in NC and SC. Call or text 843-997-2744.

Talk through a property with me

I work Brunswick County and the Grand Strand every day. I got my start in real estate in the Poconos in 1995, and I'm now licensed in both North and South Carolina. Send me an address or a budget and I'll help you check it out before you make an offer. Have more questions? See my real estate FAQ.

Danielle King, Your Key to Realty logo with Realty ONE Group

Danielle King, REALTOR®
Realty ONE Group Dockside | Licensed in NC and SC
843-997-2744 | danielle@yourkeytorealty.com | yourkeytorealty.com

This page is general information, not legal, tax, lending, or insurance advice. Rules, rates, and fees can change. Verify them for your property with the town, HOA, lender, and insurance agent.

Sources

New to the area? Read my Moving to Brunswick County, NC guide for utility phone numbers, coastal insurance tips, NC DMV steps, and hurricane prep.