Columbia, SC: Soda City
With an estimated 131,674 residents, Columbia is the second-most populous city in South Carolina. It also serves as the state’s capital city and as the county seat of Richland County. Residents and visitors often shorten Columbia’s name, fondly calling it Cola, thus earning it the “Soda City” moniker.
Columbia is home to numerous landmarks and points of interest. This includes the University of South Carolina, the Congaree National Park, the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, and the South Carolina State House. The city also has a vibrant arts and culture scene. Notable attractions include the South Carolina State Museum, Town Theatre, the Columbia Museum of Art, and the Koger Center for the Arts.
Residents enjoy the city’s diverse population, bustling nightlife scene, fair weather, and a plethora of outdoor activities. Aside from that, Columbia boasts good public schools, an average cost of living, and many housing and job opportunities.
The State of Columbia’s Rental Market
Columbia has an attractive rental market, which is why it draws in numerous property investors every year. The median listing price for a home in this city is $138,600 — 39% below the national median. In terms of renters, Columbia does not seem to run out. In fact, 54% of the city’s population rents their homes.
Image via towncharts.com
Rent is relatively more affordable in Columbia, too. In 2019, the city boasted a median rent of $920. Meanwhile, the national median was $1,097 in the same year. Cheap rent is also perhaps why Columbia enjoys a low vacancy rate as well. The city’s vacancy rate in 2019 was 4.73%, whereas the national rate was 5.97%.
Image via deptofnumbers.com
Beyond that, Columbia is a great place to invest in rental property because of South Carolina’s landlord-tenant laws. The state is generally landlord-friendly. Here, landlords tend to exercise wide authority when it comes to setting rental rates and evicting tenants.
How a Columbia Property Management Company Can Help
Columbia undoubtedly has a viable rental market, which is why property investors flock to this South Carolina city. But, rental management does not stop at the purchase stage. After buying a rental home or unit, an owner will then need to manage it properly to make money. For most people, this is the hard part.
By hiring a Columbia rental management company, though, you can delegate all of your responsibilities to an experienced professional. Your property manager will be the one to make sure everything runs smoothly. Companies and managers offer a wide array of services, including but not limited to:
- Rental property advertising
- Tenant screening
- Property showings
- Rent setting and collection
- Lease agreement preparation
- Routine inspections (including move-in and move-out inspections)
- Lease terms enforcement
- Maintenance and repairs management
- Tenant support
- Budget management
- Tax preparation
- Eviction assistance
Find the Best Property Management in Columbia
The search for the right rental management company begins with a single step. Take that step today using Rental Choice’s comprehensive online directory. Browse our database according to city or state to find the best management company that suits your needs and budget!