Kiawah Island, SC Vacation/Rental/Investment Property

[Daniel Sanford]

My family loves Kiawah Island, we go several times a year.   Would like to buy my own vacation home/condo there but plan to rent it out enough to cover the ongoing cost.   I know there are a lot of fees associated with owning on the island.    I also understand Kiawah Island performs very different that other beach markets due to year round rentalibility but it's also more expensive.   Also looks like overall home values have actually declined in recent years.    Anyone have experience investing on the Island or expertise in evaluating this market for investment purposes?   Looking for general advice on economic feasibility for single family home or condo/villa investment.

[John Underwood]

I would run the numbers. Account for all your expenses including anything this location requires. If it will cover your costs and allow you to use it for free at today's price then I wouldn't worry about small market fluctuations. If the numbers make sense today then they should be as good ten years from now or bette. People will always want to go to the beach for vacation. The only thing that might slow that down is a major recession and that will affect all locations to some degree.