Pawleys Island and Georgetown anchor the Hammock Coast — a stretch of South Carolina’s southern coast between Myrtle Beach and Charleston that has become one of the most sought-after vacation rental markets for investors seeking premium beach STR income without the commercial density and high-rise competition of the Grand Strand. Pawleys Island is one of the oldest summer resort communities on the East Coast, famous for its rope hammocks, creek-house character, and an “arrogantly shabby” identity that has drawn generations of loyal returning visitors. Litchfield Beach and DeBordieu Colony add gated oceanfront exclusivity. Georgetown, South Carolina’s third-oldest city, provides historic waterfront charm and accessible LTR fundamentals.
A DSCR loan qualifies based on the property’s rental income — not the borrower’s personal tax returns or W-2s. For a full breakdown, visit what is a DSCR loan. Lendmire is a nationwide mortgage broker with access to the country’s top DSCR lenders. Explore our full DSCR investor loan programs in 40 states for details.
Why the Hammock Coast Is a Top DSCR Investment Market
- Fierce repeat-guest loyalty — Pawleys Island families return generation after generation. This isn’t algorithm-driven Airbnb demand — it’s multigenerational vacation loyalty that produces the most predictable booking patterns in the SC beach market
- Premium without the high-rises — The Hammock Coast’s low-density character means no high-rise condo competition diluting STR supply. Every rental is a house, cottage, or villa — the exact product that commands premium nightly rates for families and groups
- Gated oceanfront exclusivity — DeBordieu Colony and Litchfield by the Sea offer gated, amenity-rich communities that command pricing premiums over open-access beach markets
- Between Myrtle Beach and Charleston — Pawleys captures visitors who want beach access without Myrtle Beach’s commercial density, positioned 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach and 60 miles north of Charleston
- Georgetown’s historic waterfront — SC’s third-oldest city with a revitalizing Front Street waterfront, harbor walking tours, and accessible LTR prices
- Accessible acquisition relative to Charleston beaches — Hammock Coast properties deliver premium beach STR income at 30–50% below comparable Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island acquisitions
Top Hammock Coast Submarkets for DSCR Investors
Pawleys Island — The Original Hammock Coast
Pawleys Island is the heart of the Hammock Coast — a narrow barrier island of weathered beach cottages, creek houses, and a no-commercialization identity that has remained unchanged for generations. Oceanfront and creek-front properties in the $500K–$1.5M range command STR weekly rates of $2,500–$8,000+ during peak summer. Annual STR revenue of $50,000–$120,000+ is achievable on well-positioned properties. For investors using DSCR loans for Airbnb investments, Pawleys Island’s repeat-guest loyalty produces exceptionally predictable income documentation for DSCR qualification.
Litchfield Beach
Litchfield Beach sits between Pawleys Island and Murrells Inlet, offering a mix of oceanfront homes, golf-course villas (Litchfield Country Club, Willbrook Plantation), and Litchfield by the Sea — a gated community with beach access, pools, and tennis that functions as a self-contained resort. Properties in the $350K–$900K range command STR nightly rates of $200–$600+. The combination of golf and beach appeals to a dual-activity guest demographic that extends the booking season beyond summer.
DeBordieu Colony
DeBordieu Colony is the Hammock Coast’s most exclusive gated community — a private oceanfront development with a Pete Dye golf course, tennis, pools, a marina, and 3 miles of pristine beach. Homes in the $600K–$2M+ range command STR weekly rates of $3,000–$10,000+ during peak season. DeBordieu’s exclusivity and amenity package attract a high-net-worth guest demographic willing to pay ultra-premium rates for privacy and resort quality.
Murrells Inlet — Seafood Capital of South Carolina
Murrells Inlet is the Hammock Coast’s dining and entertainment hub — the self-proclaimed Seafood Capital of South Carolina with a MarshWalk boardwalk of waterfront restaurants, live music, and boat tours. Brookgreen Gardens (one of the premier sculpture gardens in the country) adds cultural tourism. Properties in the $280K–$500K range command LTR rents of $1,400–$2,000/month or STR rates of $120–$300/night. For DSCR investors seeking year-round rental demand with restaurant-tourism STR upside, Murrells Inlet delivers both.
Georgetown — Historic Waterfront and Accessible LTR
Georgetown is South Carolina’s third-oldest city with a revitalizing Front Street waterfront district of restaurants, galleries, and harbor tours. The steel mill, Georgetown County School District, and Tidelands Health provide employment stability. Properties in the $180K–$320K range command rents of $1,000–$1,500/month. The rent-to-price ratios produce the strongest DSCR numbers on the Hammock Coast for investors seeking maximum cash flow at the lowest entry points.
Garden City Beach
Garden City Beach sits at the southern edge of the Grand Strand where it meets the Hammock Coast — a family beach community with a fishing pier, surf shops, and a casual beach-town identity. Properties in the $300K–$600K range command STR nightly rates of $150–$400+. Garden City captures both Myrtle Beach overflow and Hammock Coast character at a middle price point between the two markets.
DSCR Loan Benefits for Hammock Coast Investors
The Hammock Coast’s investor profile — multigenerational beach property owners, out-of-state vacation rental buyers, and golf-community STR operators — is precisely where DSCR loans outperform conventional financing. For a full comparison, see DSCR vs conventional investment loan.
- No W-2s, tax returns, or personal income documentation required — out-of-state beach investors, retirees, self-employed buyers, and family trust owners qualify on property income alone
- LLC and entity ownership fully supported — essential for Hammock Coast investors managing beach STR properties with significant liability exposure
- Short-term rental income accepted — critical for Pawleys Island, Litchfield, DeBordieu, and Murrells Inlet operators. See DSCR loans for Airbnb investments
- Jumbo DSCR programs available — necessary for DeBordieu and oceanfront Pawleys properties that exceed standard loan limits
- Closings in as few as 15 days — via DSCR loans in 40 states with 15-day closing
- Refinance options — DSCR refinance loans, cash-out refinance, and pulling equity
Why Hammock Coast Investors Choose Lendmire
Lendmire is a nationwide mortgage broker recognized as a 2026 Scotsman Guide Top Workplace — an honor that reflects the team culture, lender relationships, and operational discipline Hammock Coast investors rely on.
- Multi-Lender Network Access — A Pawleys Island beach cottage, a DeBordieu luxury home, a Litchfield golf villa, a Murrells Inlet dual-strategy property, and a Georgetown LTR each get matched to the right lender
- Beach STR Expertise — Lendmire understands weekly beach rental income documentation and structures files for lender approval on seasonal vacation rental properties
- No Income Documentation — Qualify on property rental income alone
- LLC and Entity Closing — Hammock Coast portfolio operators regularly close in LLCs
- 15-Day Closing Capability — The best Pawleys and Litchfield inventory moves fast. Closings in as few as 15 days
Explore More DSCR Guides
Hammock Coast investors building across the Southeast can explore Lendmire’s full library of DSCR guides. Through our broker network, you have access to DSCR investor loans nationwide across 40 states.
South Carolina: South Carolina · Myrtle Beach · Charleston · Hilton Head · Greenville · Columbia · Kiawah Island · Beaufort
North Carolina Coast: Outer Banks · Wilmington NC
Southeast: Savannah · Charlotte · Atlanta · Nashville
Florida: Tampa · Miami · Orlando · Jacksonville
Core Resources: What Is a DSCR Loan? · DSCR vs Conventional · DSCR for Airbnb / STR · DSCR Loans in 40 States · 15-Day Closing · DSCR Refinance Guide · Cash-Out Refi · Refinance Hard Money to DSCR
For informational purposes only. This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Information and/or dates are subject to change without notice. All loans are subject to credit approval.
Brandon Miller
Founder & CEO, Mortgage Loan Originator, Lendmire LLC
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- North Carolina Real Estate Broker · License# 343312 · Verify on NCREC
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Compliance and disclosures. Lendmire (NMLS# 2371349) is a licensed mortgage broker and is not a direct lender, depository institution, financial advisor, or tax professional. Content in this article is general market analysis and educational information — not financial, legal, or tax advice for any specific situation. Lendmire does not guarantee loan approval; every transaction is subject to underwriting by the funding lender. Mortgage pricing and loan program guidelines are subject to change at any time without notice and vary by borrower characteristics, property type, and state regulations. Lendmire complies with Equal Housing Opportunity. Licensure verification: NMLS Consumer Access.
