Everything You Need to Know About Investing in Real Estate on Pawleys Island

By The Taylor Keenan Team

If you’ve ever strolled the beaches or admired the weathered porches of Pawleys Island, you already know it has a style all its own. We love helping buyers discover this place not just for vacations, but for long-term investment. There’s something special about real estate on Pawleys Island—it’s not flashy, it’s not fast-paced, and it’s not trying to be anything but itself. That’s the whole charm. Whether you’re buying a legacy cottage or looking to generate rental income, let’s talk about why this “arrogantly shabby” island is one of the most rewarding markets on the coast.

• What makes investing on Pawleys Island unique
• The types of properties available on the island
• Important rental, insurance, and zoning considerations
• How “arrogantly shabby” drives long-term value

Real estate on Pawleys Island is unlike anything else in the region. It’s one of the few remaining coastal towns that has resisted overdevelopment, and that’s by design. Locals call it arrogantly shabby—a phrase that perfectly captures the intentional blend of rustic charm and refined simplicity.

Owning property here isn’t about new construction or high-rise condos. It’s about screened porches, creaky floors, cedar shakes, and ocean breezes that haven’t changed in generations. That consistent identity creates real long-term value. Demand stays strong precisely because inventory is so limited—and always will be.

• Scarcity Drives Value: With only a small footprint and strict development limits, real estate on Pawleys Island stays in demand.
• Heritage Properties: Many homes have remained in families for decades, which makes new listings rare and desirable.
• Authentic Coastal Living: No commercialization means the lifestyle stays rooted in tradition—not trends.
• Low-Traffic, High-Return: While other beaches fight overcrowding, Pawleys Island offers peace, which keeps visitors—and rental rates—consistent.

When you invest on Pawleys Island, you're buying into a community that values preservation as much as property.

While the market is small, it’s far from uniform. Real estate on Pawleys Island ranges from 19th-century beachfront cottages to modern creekfront homes with deep-water access. Each one has its own story—and quirks—which is part of what makes this market so rewarding.

Buyers typically fall into two groups: those seeking a second home for personal use, and those looking for a strong short-term rental performer. The good news? It’s possible to find a property that does both.

• Oceanfront Cottages: Classic beach homes with weathered wood, large decks, and walkovers to the sand.
• Creekside Retreats: Homes on the marsh or tidal creek, often with docks for fishing, kayaking, or boating.
• Historic Homes: Properties dating back over a century, often restored with modern updates while keeping their original bones.
• Split-Rental Layouts: Some properties, with more than one dwelling, can be divided for multiple tenants, ideal for maximizing seasonal income.

Inventory is tight and competition can be strong, especially in the spring and early fall, so being ready to act is essential.

Investing on Pawleys Island is rewarding, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all process. Because the island operates differently from most coastal markets, buyers need to be aware of its unique considerations—especially when it comes to rental regulations, maintenance, and insurance.

It’s also important to factor in the age and condition of many properties. Most homes are elevated, some are over 100 years old, and few follow modern cookie-cutter layouts. This charm comes with both opportunity and responsibility.

• Flood Insurance: Most properties lie in flood zones, so plan for higher premiums and elevation requirements.
• Rental Potential: Weekly vacation rentals are allowed and popular, but each property may have different income potential based on layout, location and condition.
• Historic Restrictions: Older homes may be subject to local preservation guidelines, especially if they’re on the National Register.
• Maintenance & Repairs: Salt air, storms, and aging materials mean you’ll need a realistic upkeep budget.
• Utilities & Access: Some properties are seasonal-use only or lack full-time access to city services.

That’s why working with a local expert is so important—we know how to spot potential, evaluate risk, and guide you toward the right long-term decision.

It might sound like a contradiction, but being “arrogantly shabby” is one of the biggest reasons homes on Pawleys Island retain their value. The term doesn’t mean rundown—it means perfectly imperfect. It’s a commitment to keeping things simple, natural, and quietly elegant. No neon signs. No high-rises. Just the kind of authenticity you can’t fake or replace.

This philosophy isn’t just a local attitude—it influences everything from architecture to zoning. The result? Homes that feel timeless, communities that aren’t overbuilt, and a lifestyle that draws people back year after year.

• It Protects Character: Homes aren’t over-modernized or homogenized. Each property has its own voice.
• It Attracts Loyal Visitors: Travelers return year after year for the quiet charm and traditional beach life.
• It Sustains Demand: Because Pawleys Island never tries to be trendy, it never goes out of style.
• It Creates Legacy Value: Many buyers pass down their homes for generations because they age beautifully—not just physically, but emotionally.

When you invest here, you’re not just buying property. You’re buying into a culture that protects what matters.

Yes. Weekly vacation rentals are common, especially in summer. Homes near the beach or creek often command premium rates.

Very. Inventory is low and many buyers are legacy-focused. Be prepared to move quickly when the right property hits the market.

Usually, yes—but there may be local permitting limits or design guidelines. It's important to verify restrictions before planning any major work.

Thinking about investing on Pawleys Island? We’d love to help you find the right fit—whether that’s a beachfront classic or a creekside retreat with rental income potential. At The Taylor Keenan Team, we live and work in this market, and we understand its unique rhythms.

Reach out to us at The Taylor Keenan Team, and we’ll help you navigate every step of buying real estate on Pawleys Island. From uncovering off-market opportunities to advising on long-term value, we’re here to make sure your investment isn’t just smart—it’s something you love for years to come.

Want to stay connected to new listings and real-time updates on real estate on Pawleys Island? Download the TK Team Real Estate app to search homes, save your favorites, and make sure you never miss the right opportunity when it hits the market.