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Outer Banks Waterfront Ownership

For some reason, blankly staring at a body of water has the ability to relieve stress and leave one feeling relaxed. Throw in the sound of waves crashing on the beach or water lapping up against a bulkhead or pier and it's time to break out the lounge chair and sip on something cold.

The Outer Banks offers a variety of water frontage and water views to satisfy your desire for fun on the water. Read the brief descriptions below descibing the 3 major types of water front properties and follow the links for more detailed information about each.

OBX Oceanfront

Owning an ocean front house on the Outer Banks is a dream shared by a lot of people. Not many of them have the resources and/or the courage to actually make that dream come true. If you are one of the fortunate ones looking to buy an ocean front property then you should find these articles helpful OBX Oceanfront Articles.

OBX Soundfront

Soundfront: These properties are located directly on the various sounds (like the Currituck, Albemarle, Roanoke, Croatan or Pamlico Sounds) on the western side of the barrier islands. They often have private docks and offer views of spectacular sunsets. Here are some articles to show you the ins and outs of sound front ownership. OBX Sound Front

OBX Canalfront

Canalfront: Found in select neighborhoods like Colington Harbour and Old Nags Head Cove, these properties are located on navigable canals, providing direct boat access from your backyard to the sound. Not all canals are the same, so follow this link to find out what to watch out for when looking for OBX Canalfront Properties

Regulations for Building Waterfront Property

Building or renovating a waterfront home on the Outer Banks is subject to strict environmental and building codes to mitigate flood risk and protect the coastline.

CAMA Permit: Projects on the oceanfront, sound, or a canal often require a Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) permit from the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management.

Flood Zones and Elevation: All of the Outer Banks is in some type of flood zone, making flood insurance necessary for most properties.

New construction is typically required to have the first floor elevated on pilings, often 9 to 10 feet above sea level, to qualify for minimal flood insurance premiums.

VE Zones (Wave Velocity Zones) are common for oceanfront and soundfront properties and have the strictest building requirements.

Oceanfront Setbacks: The Coastal Resources Commission enforces oceanfront setback requirements, which mandate a minimum distance a structure must be set back from the first line of stable, natural vegetation. These rules aim to reduce risk to property from erosion and storms.

Here are all of the water front homes currently for sale on the Outer Bnaks

Must See! Wake up to wide canal views every morning in this beautifully maintained home in the gated community of Colington Harbour. With a private dock, kayak launch, and brand-new bulkhead, this is coastal living at its best — whether you're boating, paddling, or simply relaxing on the pergola deck above the water. Inside, soaring cathedral ceilings and an open floor plan create a bright, airy feel from the moment you walk in. The flexible layout includes a first-floor bedroom, a bunk/den/office, a top-floor bonus room, and adjacent attic space with future potential. The 2nd level features a fully renovated bath with double vanity and tiled walk-in shower along with 2 generous sized bedrooms. Outdoor living shines with an outdoor shower, firepit, and a large landscaped yard designed for enjoyment. The big-ticket items are already done: 2022 roof, 2023 HVAC, 2021 water heater, and 2023 dock & bulkhead. Colington Harbour is a gated community conveniently situated minutes from the beach just off the Albermarle Sound, and offers easy water access, along with many other great features including a private boat ramp, clubhouse, a private soundside beach, basketball courts, tennis and pickleball, and more. A boater's paradise! Your OBX lifestyle starts here. See floor plans available in add'l documents.
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3 bd
2 ba
DESIRABLE NORTH AVON LOCATION - affordable, low-maintenance beach cottage WITH GORGEOUS CANALFRONT LOT. Ample interior storage. TREX steps and decks, brand new HVAC. Convenient beach access across NC 12 via Hatteras Lane. Sizable underhouse storage. Family use only over 33 years - not a rental. House available separately (See MLS #133299 ). Skip the seasonal pedestrian and traffic congestion of south and mid-Avon, with this gem in north Avon. RARE OPPORTUNITY - DONT DELAY.
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4 bd
3 ba
Discover premier waterfront living in Currituck County, NC with this exceptional soundfront home offering breathtaking panoramic water views, private pier access, and protected bulkhead shoreline. Perfectly positioned between the beautiful beaches of the Outer Banks in Dare County and the conveniences of Chesapeake and Hampton Roads, this luxury waterfront retreat is ideal for buyers seeking boating, fishing, kayaking, and peaceful coastal living. Located on a quiet private road, this property delivers the privacy, serenity, and lifestyle waterfront buyers dream about in Northeastern North Carolina. Outdoor living is unmatched with an oversized covered Trex deck featuring a gas hookup, creating the perfect space for entertaining while enjoying spectacular Currituck Sound sunsets. Additional exterior features include a concrete crawl space with lighting, carport, detached workshop/shed with 30-amp electric, and a whole-house generator for added peace of mind. Inside, the spacious open floor plan offers a grand foyer, formal dining room, expansive waterfront great room, and gourmet kitchen complete with gas stove and breakfast bar. The luxurious first-floor primary suite showcases stunning sound views, tray ceilings, dual walk-in closets, jetted tub, double vanity, and separate shower. Upstairs includes three additional bedrooms plus a large FROG ideal for a media room, guest suite, or home office. No carpet throughout for easy maintenance and coastal living convenience. Enjoy direct access to the Currituck Sound and Intracoastal Waterway while being just a short drive or boat ride from Corolla, Duck, Kitty Hawk, and the beaches of Dare County. Whether searching for a primary residence, luxury coastal getaway, or waterfront investment property, this home offers the very best of waterfront living in Coastal North Carolina. . Enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and spectacular sunsets from your own private waterfront paradise.Easy access to Virginia and Outer Banks,NC
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Welcome to 5500 Seachase, where sweeping, unobstructed sound views meet golf course frontage on the 18th hole of Nags Head Golf Links. This rare homesite offers a truly special setting, with water views from nearly every angle and a peaceful backdrop that captures the best of Outer Banks living. This spacious 6 bedroom home features a thoughtfully designed layout with generous room sizes and abundant natural light throughout. The top level is designed for gathering, with an open concept living, dining, and kitchen area framed by vaulted ceilings and expansive windows overlooking the sound. The top floor primary suite offers a private retreat with high ceilings, space for a sitting area, and an ensuite bath. Step outside to the sun deck to take in the views, or enjoy the convenience of an elevator servicing all three levels. The mid level offers two additional ensuite bedrooms, along with two more bedrooms connected by a Jack and Jill bath, each with its own private sink and toilet area. A spacious foyer and access to the covered deck create a sense of separation and comfort for guests. On the ground level, you will find a flexible living space perfect for a game room or second den, complete with a kitchenette, sixth bedroom, full bath, and ample storage. Two one car garages provide additional storage for beach gear and more, one of many features that make this home stand out for its functionality and space. Located in The Village at Nags Head, owners enjoy access to soundside parks with piers, sandy beaches, and kayak launches. Optional membership to the oceanfront beach club offers a pool, clubhouse, and tennis, while golf enthusiasts can take advantage of the renowned Nags Head Golf Links just outside your door. Lovingly held by the same family for years, the home has seen key updates including a cedar shake roof in 2018, exterior paint in 2023, water heater in 2025, and HVAC systems in 2015 and 2019. With solid bones and a fantastic layout, this home is ready for thoughtful updates to bring it to its full potential. This is a rare offering, soundfront living in The Village at Nags Head with space, views, and location all in one.
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3 bd
2 ba
Welcome to Your Dream Soundfront Home in Kitty Hawk Landing! Nestled along the shores of the Albemarle Sound, this expansive waterfront property offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. The home boasts a private dock, ideal for stunning sunsets, and boat and fishing enthusiasts. Entering the front door, you encounter an open, bright space. The home features three spacious bedrooms, each designed with relaxation in mind. The owner's suite features an updated bathroom and impressive water views, making it a peaceful retreat. The modern kitchen is designed with ample cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances complemented by quartz countertops. The kitchen and breakfast nook offer serene views of the sound and morning sunlight, fostering an inviting environment to begin your day. The spacious deck adjacent to the living area allows for sunset viewing and features a gas line for grilling as well as a retractable awning. The large living and dining area offers magnificent sound views with plenty of room for entertaining friends or family and a gas fireplace for chilly days. On the first floor, you will also find a large laundry room, a powder room, and a closet that could be transformed into an elevator. The home includes two bedrooms and a full bath on the second floor ensuring convenience and privacy for all residents and guests. The recreation room is part of the new addition and offers a perfect space for entertaining guests, unwinding, or hosting family gatherings. It features a wet bar equipped with a sink, mini fridge, and ice machine for added convenience. There is also a half-bath that can easily be upgraded to a full bath, along with a generous storage area for your belongings. Additionally, the room opens onto a large deck with a retractable awning, providing shade during the summer months. A heated, spacious garage was designed for car restoration with a lift for stacking vehicles. The heating allows year-round work, while a rear door leads to the backyard. There is ample space for additional storage cabinets. This waterfront gem is not just a house; it's a lifestyle. Imagine watching the breathtaking sunsets and dolphins, or enjoying water activities right from your dock, and creating lasting memories in your beautiful home. The home has been lovingly and meticulously maintained with numerous upgrades that are detailed in a document in Associated Documents. The Kitty Hawk Landing HOA offers a community boat landing, boat access to the sound, canals, common areas for fishing and private beach parking at the oceanfront with showers and toilet facilities for property owners and guests.
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4 bd
3 ba
368 sq ft
$10,000 Buyer Closing Cost Credit Offered. One of the largest waterfront heated living area homes currently on the market in Colington Harbour. This 4 Bedroom plus offfice, 3.5 Bath has a generous waterfront boat dock with pier and a seperate floating dock. There is water and electric access at the dock area as well. The waterside yard is fenced in and landscaped with a firepit area. The interior features a foyer, an additional office, game room, den overlooking the water, reading nook overlooking the sound and salt marsh, full walk in pantry, generous sized laundry room with storage cabinetry, and 2 primary ensuites, one on each level, numerous sun decks and also a screened in porch for enjoying the coastal breezes and sunshine. There is also a generous sized workshop with storage lofts on the ground level. A hobbyists dream. There is plenty of room in this house to spread out and numerous work from home areas. Many recent updates include whole house generator 2021. New Anderson replacement operating windows on second floor 2024. New Water Heater 2025. Dishwasher 2024. Waterline to House 2022. Front Porch & Stairs 2023. Septic Drainfield upgraded and replaced in 2006 for a 4 bedroom capacity. Owner Occupied - 12 hour notice to show preferred. View additional property information in the associated documents for survey, expenses,etc.
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Discover the opportunity to own a cute canalfront cottage in the heart of historic Hatteras Village. This private retreat sits on a large lot with expansive water views and offers a peaceful glimpse into the quieter days of yesteryear on Hatteras Island. Enjoy the beautiful live oak tree draped in lovely hanging Spanish moss out front, a welcoming covered front porch perfect for relaxing, and a spacious back sundeck ideal for soaking up the sun and enjoying the scenery. Inside, the 3-bedroom, 1-bath home provides comfortable living space with plenty of potential to personalize and make it your own. A nice outshed with power adds convenient storage or workshop space. Whether you're looking for a primary residence, second home, or investment property, this one checks all the boxes. Lots of potential to turn this into a winner! Property is being sold AS IS. Key Features: Canalfront location with expansive views Large private lot Covered front porch + back sundeck Mature live oak with Spanish moss Outshed with power 3 beds | 1 bath Ideal for primary, vacation, or investment use Prime Hatteras Village location – bring your vision and create your Outer Banks dream!
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10 bd
11 ba
The opportunity to own a home of this size on stable beach in one of the best locations on the Outer Banks is rare. The size of the home, the quality of the construction and the premier location set this home apart! As the family grows, having 10 bedrooms will become more and more important. The privacy on the beach and the incredible pool and amenities will keep them coming back every year! The down to studs remodel and expansion was completed in 2024. Pine Island has strong protective covenants and a state of the art dune management program. The rental and sales market outlook for a property with this outstanding location and quality is strong. The Outer Banks has an industry of good people willing and able to manage this home to the standards you deserve and expect. The 48 x 30 private pool with lazy river, slide, island waterfall and grotto is one of a kind! Enjoy the video...it is a must see! Visit “068 The Palm” on the rental site for more details, amenities, reviews and floor plans. Life is short! Lets Go!!
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MOTIVATED SELLER! If you’ve been dreaming of a home where waterfront living and coastal style converge, look no further! This stunning canal-front gem in Colington Harbour is move-in ready and feels like a permanent vacation. Offering the perfect blend of relaxation and everyday comfort, this home is designed for coastal living at its finest. Experience the ultimate in open-concept living with this expansive top-floor layout, designed to create a bright and inviting atmosphere for you and your guests. The generous living area seamlessly connects to the dining space, complemented by a convenient half bath. The kitchen is wrapped up in stunning granite countertops, custom accent walls, and a warm wood-accent backsplash that adds distinctive character. Equipped with new stainless-steel appliances, this kitchen combines style with functionality. Custom shelving in the pantry and spacious closets ensures daily living and entertaining are effortless, offering ample organization and easy access to all your essentials. The highlight of this floor is the breathtaking views! Enjoy your morning sunrises and evening sunsets from the expansive top deck, where you can soak in the sun and experience true peace and tranquility. As you head downstairs, you’ll be welcomed by three generously sized bedrooms and two bathrooms. The primary bedroom is a true sanctuary, offering a peaceful retreat complete with its own private deck access, a private bathroom, and a spacious walk-in closet featuring custom shelving for all your storage needs. The other two bedrooms offer privacy, each with spacious closets, and they share a freshly renovated bathroom designed for convenience. As you head to the ground level, you’ll notice the custom-made warm-wood-accented backsplash, which adds a charming touch to the space. The updated utility room on the ground floor offers additional storage and features custom shelving, providing a practical solution for organizing your belongings. The real adventure starts as you step outside. The backyard is a paradise for water lovers, featuring a dock, boat lift, fish-cleaning station, and an updated outdoor shower. The fenced yard also includes a detached storage shed, providing more space and shelving for all of your outdoor gear. Recent updates to the property feature freshly painted rooms, luxurious new LVT flooring, modern light fixtures, a new HVAC system, and a new washer and dryer. Colington Harbour also offers community amenities including a boat launch area, tennis courts, clubhouse, community pool and community tennis court (for the additional annual fee), sound front park and playground, and a security gate. Situated just minutes from the ocean, this house offers everything you’re looking for—and so much more!
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11 bd
11 ba
With more than $300,000 already booked for the current rental season, this exceptional oceanfront estate in Corolla's Whalehead community offers a rare combination of proven investment performance and luxury coastal living. Built in 2018 and situated behind a healthy, well-vegetated dune line, the property overlooks a wide stretch of sandy beach and enjoys panoramic Atlantic Ocean views. Designed for large gatherings, this 11-bedroom home features an impressive amenity package including a private pool with cabana, theater room, game room, fitness area, elevator, and expansive oceanfront decks that maximize the beachfront experience. The combination of modern construction, strong rental income, wide beaches, a stable dune system, and one of Corolla's most sought-after oceanfront locations makes this a truly exceptional opportunity for investors and second-home buyers alike.
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Located in the oceanside community of Pine Island, this 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath lakefront vacation rental home offers 2,279 sqft of living space with a well-planned multi-level layout and beach access just a five-minute walk away. The home features an en suite on each floor, a mid-level den with access to the hot tub and lake views, a loft reading area, numerous updates, and access to Pine Island amenities. The top level serves as the primary living area, with cathedral ceilings and an open floor plan connecting the kitchen, dining area, and family room. An expansive sun deck extends off the living and dining areas, providing additional outdoor space for gathering. The updated kitchen features granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and breakfast island seating, flowing easily into the dining and living areas. The spacious primary en suite bedroom is also located on this level and includes access to a private sun deck, along with a well-appointed bath featuring dual vanities. Above the main living space, the loft provides a flexible work or reading area. Just below, the mid-level landing includes a conveniently located half bath. The mid-level is dedicated to sleeping quarters and casual gathering space. Three bedrooms are located on this floor, including one en suite with access to a private deck. Two additional bedrooms share a semi-private full hall bath, with both rooms offering covered deck access. A centrally located den opens to a sun deck with the hot tub and lake views, creating a comfortable secondary living area. The ground level includes an en suite bedroom with a private bath, a laundry area, and dry entry from the carport, providing a practical setup for guests and owner use. Storage and utility areas are also located on this level for easy beach and outdoor gear management. Outdoor features include multiple decks, double outdoor showers, a basketball goal, horseshoe pit, picnic table, and fish cleaning table. Nearby Pine Island amenities include community pools, tennis courts, and private bike paths, complementing the home’s quiet lakefront setting and proximity to the beach. Recent updates completed in 2024 include new interior and exterior paint, new roof, updated flooring, new kitchen countertops and appliances, refreshed bathrooms with new toilets and sinks, updated furnishings in the living room and select bedrooms, new outdoor furniture, and new décor throughout. This Pine Island lakefront rental home offers a functional floor plan, updated interiors, and convenient beach access. The location provides proximity to restaurants, shopping, and attractions in Corolla and the northern beaches, along with access to Pine Island community amenities.
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4 bd
3 ba
150 sq ft
4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | Three-Level Living | Two-Car Garage | Canal Access | Kill Devil Hills, NC From the curb, the transformation is immediate. A new front entry door and freshly updated front porch welcome you in, while newly painted and stained decking, new gutters, and a new roof (2024) tell the story of owners who paid attention to every detail. The siding and driveway have been professionally pressure washed, the mature oaks trimmed, upgraded landscaping, and a brand-new irrigation well pump installed. The two-car garage features new door openers and a new rear entry door. Septic serviced in 2025. Ground Floor: The fully independent suite is its own complete living space — gutted and rebuilt with a private entrance and a new interior door connecting directly to the main level (new LVP flooring, new heat pump, new cabinetry and countertops, new toilet, new vanity and fixtures, fresh paint throughout). Whether you envision a mother-in-law suite, long-term rental, or summer income unit, this space is completely turnkey. A dedicated workshop and the two-car garage round out the ground level, giving you storage and workspace that most beach properties simply can't offer. Main Level: The heart of the home opens into a full kitchen (new dishwasher, new faucet, new pendant lighting), a spacious living area (new LVP flooring, fresh paint, gas fireplace restored to working order), and a formal dining room that's just as easily a home office, playroom, or study (new lighting, fresh paint). Step out onto the elevated screened porch (new screens) — it runs the full width of the rear of the home, sitting above a fully fenced backyard that leads directly to the canal. Paddleboard, kayak, or simply sit at the water's edge. This is Outer Banks living at its best. Top Level: A proper primary suite with a fully renovated private en suite bath (new LVP flooring, new tile tub surround, new toilet, new vent fan light, new faucets, new light fixtures, new vanity mirrors, fresh paint), plus two additional bedrooms connected by a Jack and Jill bath. This is the beach home that does it all — primary residence, multi-generational compound, income-producing investment, or simply a property that holds its value because it's been properly loved. The beach is minutes away. The canal is in your backyard. The work is already done. 1515 Ketch Ln is ready — and properties like this don't wait.
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