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by Marie Baginski | 27 december, 2025
Short-term rentals have played a unique role in Pinehurst, NC for years. Between military families rotating through the area, major golf events, and visitors coming in for tournaments and PGA-related activities, demand has historically been strong.
But with changing regulations and rising ownership costs, many property owners are now asking a fair question: Is keeping a short-term rental in Pinehurst still worth it?
This guide walks through the key factors owners should consider before deciding whether to hold, pivot, or sell.
Pinehurst isn’t a typical vacation market — and that’s exactly why STRs became popular.
Many short-term rentals here serve:
• Military families visiting or transitioning in and out of the area
• Golfers attending tournaments, events, and multi-day stays
• Visiting professionals, contractors, and extended-stay guests
This consistent, event-driven demand made STRs attractive for owners who wanted flexibility and higher nightly rates compared to long-term rentals.
One of the most important things to understand is that Pinehurst has strict regulations around short-term rentals.
In many cases, existing STRs are grandfathered in, meaning they were legally established before newer restrictions took effect. This makes them valuable — but also fragile.
For current owners, this raises important considerations:
• Grandfathered status may not transfer in all situations
• Changes in ownership or use could impact eligibility
• Compliance requirements can tighten over time
If your STR is grandfathered, protecting that status is critical. If it isn’t, operating one legally in Pinehurst may be difficult or impossible under current rules.
Even with strong demand, many STR owners are feeling pressure from rising expenses.
Maintenance, cleaning, utilities, insurance, and management fees add up quickly — especially for homes that see frequent guest turnover. Seasonal demand fluctuations can also make income less predictable than it once was.
For some owners, what used to feel like a high-performing asset now feels like a constant operational job.
Holding onto a short-term rental may still be worth it if:
• Your property is legally grandfathered
• It continues to cash flow after expenses
• You’re comfortable managing frequent turnover
• You plan to keep the property long-term
In these cases, the combination of Pinehurst’s draw and limited STR supply can still work in an owner’s favor.
For other owners, the equation has changed.
It may be time to reconsider if:
• Net income has shrunk year over year
• Regulations feel restrictive or uncertain
• Managing the property has become exhausting
• You’d prefer a simpler or more predictable investment
Some owners choose to transition to long-term rentals. Others decide to sell while demand for Pinehurst properties remains strong.
If selling becomes part of the conversation, understanding your options matters.
A traditional sale may make sense if the home is updated and market-ready. However, some STR owners prefer a quieter, more straightforward exit — especially if the property needs work or if timing matters.
Selling directly to a local buyer like Allora Homes can be an option for owners who want clarity around timing and condition without navigating showings or guest coordination.
Short-term rentals in Pinehurst exist for good reason — but they aren’t as simple as they once were. Between strict regulations, grandfathered status, and rising costs, what made sense a few years ago may deserve a fresh look today.
Whether you keep, pivot, or sell, the right decision is the one that fits your current goals — not just past performance.
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