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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

5 bd
2 ba
288 sq ft
Well-loved ranch home on Walnut Island cul-de-sac with expansive views of the Currituck Sound! Large kitchen and living room area connect to bright and airy sunroom. Eat breakfast, enjoy a beverage and relish the sunrises! Five bedrooms, 1 w/ensuite. Use the other rooms for guests, workout, office or study. Private dock with built-in seating allows for fishing, crabbing, kayaking, paddle boarding or boating from your own backyard. Jet ski lift and above-ground pool add to your endless outdoor activities and fun in the sun! Two storage sheds. Short golf cart ride to restaurants and more. Less than an hour to OBX beaches.
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Enjoy gorgeous 8- mile wide waterfront views, promising sunrises and relaxing sunsets from this waterfront property on the Albemarle Sound! It offers 4BR, 2 BA with a large living room and a spacious covered screen waterfront porch that are excellent for entertaining! The structure is situated on top of healthy pilings to prevent flooding of the structure and providing additional storage below. All furniture, furnishings, appliances, and everything in the 2 sheds including fishing gear, and other marine equipment convey. 2 boats, motors and boat trailers also convey. Seller says everything must go! The pier with a dock, boat lift and jet ski lift provide easy water access for all of your watersports needs! Rip- rap bulkhead is in excellent condition. No HOA. Nice waterfront community! Property needs some TLC. Ready to move in! If you have always wanted to live on the water, now is your chance! We believe that this property is also an excellent Airbnb opportunity! Located 5 miles north of Columbia, NC and an hour from the NC OBX! Offered at $350,000.
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4 bd
4 ba
Well-built waterfront home aligns with surrounding maritime waters. Be refreshed by the ease of single-story, creek-side southern living! Life creek-side has gentle waters: birdwatcher's canvas with continuous scenes of waterfowl. Ospreys fish, great blue herons glide, eagles soar and ducks & geese take flight overhead. Hummingbirds, chickadees, blue birds and more hover and nest. OUTSIDE...Boaters' dream location. Front yard has private dock and boat lift on quiet canal. Boat, paddleboard, kayak or walk wrap-around deck from front yard to creek-side. Longest private dock on creek (150') provides depth for larger boat with tie-up pilings and ample room for recreational boats. Ski, fish or crab right from back yard! Extensive decking length of home gives breath-taking views: Bask in nature's beauty from upper deck as Ginguite Creek flows into the Currituck Sound. Outdoor shower with direct access door to laundry room. "Boat house" to store skis, fishing equipment and garden tools...easy living! Outside closet with water faucet on creek-side deck gives room for gardening supplies. Landscape lighting both canal and creek-side. INSIDE...Interior has floorplan with water views from every room. Foyer leads into living room with panoramic views like a giant bay window. Unique with eye-catching features from hardwood floors to stone fireplaces (Living Room fireplace stones handpicked from Narragansett Bay) to bead-board ceiling in den. Kitchen with dining area and large island makes entertaining easy; Dining room invites guests to be seated. Layout enlarges as you move to library/den where reading or curling up to watch a movie is easy. Sun/Florida room looks out on vast expanse of privacy canal-side. Four bedrooms and four full baths; two bedrooms have ensuites. Each bedroom/ensuite has ample closets. Spacious laundry room with washer, dryer, built in ironing-board, utility sink, large counter space and storage. WHAT TO DO?...Experience the look and feel of being on a cruise with unlimited excursions! Cast a line and drop crab pots from dock or catch a game of croquet on front lawn, golf nearby at Duck Woods Country Club. Easy and direct access to the Currituck Sound. Water ski, kayak, paddleboard; boat out to fish, crab, dock, shop, eat and be entertained in nearby Duck or across the sounds in Manteo. A new Outer Banks experience: more to do than can be imagined; quietly refreshing. EASY ACCESS...From Ocean to Sound: Sidewalks and roads in Southern Shores connect to treasures of the Outer Banks. Dare County has excellent elementary, middle and high schools and hosts a community college and trade school offerings. Known for the location of the First Flight with the iconic Wright Memorial and Visitor's Center, the Outer Banks offers creative recreation...Jockey's Ridge State Park with hang gliding and kite flying, Parks & Rec with indoor and outdoor facilities, Library and Senior Center (Baum Center), bike paths and walkways. Everything for daily needs nearby. Most shops locally sourced; familiar names of larger stores dot the area giving it a spirit of the thriving, seasoned community it is. LOCATION...Skirts traffic and allows for easy ingress and egress when coming across Wright Memorial Bridge or heading to the mainland! Beautiful clean beaches and the surf of the Atlantic Ocean on the East—restaurants, shops, places of worship, activities in-between—and an amazing waterside home and dock on the West...93 Osprey Lane is a treasure you will be glad you discovered on the Outer Banks!
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2 bd
1 ba
Tucked along a peaceful canal in the heart of Avon, this charming coastal cottage offers the laid back island lifestyle people come to Hatteras Island for. With two bedrooms, two baths, and a loft sleeping area, there is plenty of space for friends and family while still keeping that cozy beach cottage feel. The main level features a bright, open living area with an easy flow between the living space, dining area, and kitchen. Two bedrooms and a full bath are located on this level, making everyday living simple and convenient. Upstairs you will find a loft style bunk room with three twin beds along with a bonus hangout space with a futon, creating a flexible area for guests or a second living space. Step outside and you will quickly see what makes this property special. The canal front setting offers a private dock where you can launch kayaks or paddleboards and explore the waters leading out to the sound. A spacious deck is the perfect place for morning coffee or evening sunsets, and the area beneath the home includes shaded seating, a charcoal grill, and an outdoor shower after a day at the beach. Deeded beach access is just a short walk away, making it easy to spend the day swimming, fishing, or simply enjoying the wide open shoreline. Located in the center of Avon, you are also close to the island’s grocery store, restaurants, shops, Avon Pier, and the bike path that runs through the village. World class kiteboarding at Canadian Hole is just a short drive away. Whether you are looking for a full time home, a weekend escape, or an investment property, this canal front cottage is a wonderful way to enjoy life on Hatteras Island.
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4 bd
3 ba
Experience the ultimate coastal living at the Victorian Dollhouse, an enchanting oceanfront property located in the coveted Hatteras Colony neighborhood in Salvo. This charming four-bedroom, three-bathroom home boasts expansive ocean views and an array of delightful features that will make you the envy of any beach-loving doll. The first floor welcomes you with a separate family room for relaxed gatherings and two comfortable bedrooms, perfect for guests. Ascend to the second floor, where you'll find the spacious great room, ideal for entertaining, a well-equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar, a cozy dining room for family meals, and a third bedroom for added convenience. The third floor rounds out the living spaces with a primary bedroom featuring a luxurious Jacuzzi tub and a comfy sitting room, perfect for relaxing. Outdoor amenities are just as impressive. Enjoy large sundecks with stunning ocean views, or unwind in the seven-person hot tub situated in one of the two screened-in porches. For some friendly competition, the shuffleboard court awaits your enjoyment. The Victorian Dollhouse has an impressive rental history with over $78,000 in 2023, offering a lucrative opportunity to offset the cost of ownership. The Tri-Village area offers a wealth of attractions and activities. Kiteboarding and windsurfing enthusiasts will appreciate the ideal sound access across the street in the Wind over Waves subdivision. The Salvo Day Use Area provides sound-front beaches, picnic spots, and a playground, making it perfect for family outings. Don’t miss the Rodanthe Pier, a local hotspot for anglers and sightseers alike. For dining and entertainment, visit waterfront restaurants like Good Winds and Waterman's, where you can enjoy breathtaking sunset views and delicious meals. If you're seeking adventure, take a kiteboarding lesson at Real or Kitty Hawk Kites. Place this stunning oceanfront home at the top of your list and start making unforgettable memories!
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7 bd
6 ba
Tucked away on a beautiful lakefront lot in the popular Kinnakeet Shores subdivision, this spacious 4,374 square foot coastal retreat has the kind of setting buyers dream about. With a private sandy beach on the lake, multiple levels of decking, expansive windows, and water views throughout, this home was designed to take full advantage of island living. Launch a kayak right from your backyard, spend afternoons lounging by the private pool, or gather around the fire pit as the sun sets over the water. Best of all, this property is already a proven rental producer, making it an excellent investment opportunity as well as a fantastic second home or full-time residence. The ground level features a fantastic game room complete with a pool table, wet bar, refrigerator, updated full bath, and easy access to the pool area, making it the perfect hangout space after a day at the beach. There is also a large laundry room with a utility sink and plenty of extra storage. Outside, the resurfaced private pool offers lots of room for sunbathing along with a covered tiki-style lounge overlooking the water. Inside, the home is filled with natural light and offers spacious bedrooms, updated flooring, and a bright coastal feel throughout. The top level showcases soaring ceilings, dramatic windows, and open gathering spaces designed for entertaining. Multiple decks invite you to relax with your morning coffee or evening cocktail while enjoying the peaceful setting. The primary suite is generously sized with deck access and a large bath featuring a soaking tub. Guests will appreciate the roomy layout and private feel of the additional bedrooms and baths. Recent improvements include a new roof, resurfaced pool, fresh exterior paint, and new appliances, giving buyers peace of mind and adding to the home’s strong appeal. Kinnakeet Shores is one of Avon’s most popular neighborhoods thanks to its incredible lineup of amenities. Owners enjoy access to the community pool along with tennis and pickleball courts, beach and sound access, stocked fishing lakes, and scenic walking trails throughout the neighborhood. Located in the heart of Avon, you are close to beach access, the Avon Pier, shopping, restaurants, and the walking and bike path that runs through the village. Avon is also home to the island’s only chain grocery store and is a favorite destination for kiteboarding, fishing, boating, and all things Hatteras Island. Whether you are searching for a second home, investment property, or full-time coastal escape, this lakefront getaway delivers space, views, amenities, and the laid back beach lifestyle buyers are looking for.
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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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4 bd
3 ba
Experience refined oceanfront living in this exceptional 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home in Ocean Sands, perfectly positioned between Duck and Corolla. Captivating ocean views, private beach access, and extensive updates combine modern luxury with classic Outer Banks charm. The open-concept top level showcases cathedral ceilings, expansive windows, and a gas fireplace surrounded by natural light and a panoramic coastal view. The dining area seats 11, and the beautifully renovated kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and generous prep and storage space—ideal for entertaining with a view. Two oceanfront en-suite bedrooms on the first level each offer private deck access—one with a spa-inspired custom-tiled rain shower, the other with an elegant glass-enclosed tiled shower. This level also includes a queen bedroom, a twin bedroom, a full hall bath, and a convenient laundry area. A versatile loft adds additional sleeping accommodations with three single beds. Outdoor living is elevated with a gated private pool, hot tub, two covered gazebos, poolside bar areas, deck swings, outdoor showers, and a foot wash station—perfect for unwinding in complete coastal privacy. Recent enhancements include a full kitchen renovation, new top-floor deck and siding (2024), new pool heater (2025), refrigerator (2021), LVT flooring (2021), remodeled bathrooms, new roof (2019), gas fireplace (2019), and upgraded outdoor furniture (2021). With strong rental potential, turn-key condition, and prime oceanfront location, this home offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of the luxury Outer Banks lifestyle. Up to 1% closing cost assistance with preferred lender.
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AVAILABLE TO SHOW 6/6-6/13! Welcome to Herbie’s, your classic OCEANFRONT beach cottage in the heart of Kill Devil Hills. This 4-BEDROOM, 2-BATH coastal retreat offers sweeping, unobstructed ocean views and the timeless charm of an Outer Banks getaway, all just steps from the sand. Wake up to the sound of the waves and enjoy breathtaking ocean views from many rooms throughout the home. Spend your mornings on the screened porch enjoying the ocean breeze, or soak up the sunshine from the spacious sun deck that wraps from the back to the side of the home. Inside, the home features a classic and functional beach cottage layout designed with comfort and gathering in mind. The open living area and kitchen are centrally located, both positioned to take advantage of the ocean views. Durable tile flooring throughout the main living space makes beach living easy after long days in the sand and surf. The layout offers excellent functionality for families and guests alike. The spacious king bedroom features a private ensuite bath with a tiled shower, while the remaining 3 bedrooms share a second full bath with a tub. Sleeping arrangements include a king bedroom, 2 queen bedrooms, and a bunk room, providing plenty of space for family and friends. The septic permit is for 3 bedrooms; however, the home has long functioned as a TRUE 4-BEDROOM, 2-BATH property. Herbie’s underwent an extensive renovation in 2013 when the owners took the home DOWN TO THE STUDS. Major improvements included new electrical, plumbing, HVAC, windows, doors, roof, kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, and more, blending classic beach cottage character with updated systems and finishes. The septic system was replaced in 2025. Centrally located in Kill Devil Hills, Herbie’s places you close to some of the Outer Banks’ favorite local spots. Grab your morning coffee from Ashley’s Espresso Parlour, treat yourself at Mom’s Sweet Shop, or easily explore nearby restaurants, shopping, and attractions. The convenient central location offers easy access to all the best of the Outer Banks while still enjoying the privacy and beauty of oceanfront living. Herbie’s has also proven itself as a STRONG RENTAL PERFORMER. After joining a new rental program in January 2025, the property generated OVER $100,000 IN GROSS RENTAL INCOME during its first year, even with owners reserving personal use time. Already, approximately $75,000 is on the books for 2026 with bookings continuing to come in. For additional rental information, reviews, and booking details, visit the rental website here: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1316054910352994841?unique_share_id=838f619a-0c11-462a-8425-6fdaddeedfb2&viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76&source_impression_id=p3_1779963015_P3xgkcbHdYKrSYD3 From its stunning ocean views and thoughtful layout to its strong rental history and unbeatable location, Herbie’s captures the essence of classic Outer Banks oceanfront living.
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4 bd
2 ba
UNIQUE - ONE OF A KIND SOUNDFRONT PROPERTY ON HATTERAS ISLAND - incomparable location at North Avon bordering Cape Hatteras Nat'l Seashore/National Park Service. Views, seclusion, nature, sunrises, sunsets - the very best Hatteras Island has to offer rolled into one exceptional parcel. Beautiful bulkheaded soundfront beach and clear, clean open water. Zoning allows for commercial or residential with many possibilities - A SINGULARLY RARE AVON SOUNDFRONT OPPORTUNITY BORDERING 2,500+ UNDEVELOPED ACRES.
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Brand new and move-in ready in the heart of Rodanthe! If you've been waiting for a low-maintenance beach house with ocean views, pond views, and a fantastic location, this is it. Built high with more than 11 feet of clearance underneath, this home offers plenty of covered parking, storage, and space for all your beach gear. The elevated design takes full advantage of the setting, capturing beautiful ocean views, peaceful pond views, colorful sunrises, and the steady coastal breezes that make Hatteras Island so special. Inside, you'll find a bright and welcoming open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, and a seamless flow between the living room, dining area, and kitchen. The kitchen features quartz countertops, ample cabinet space, and a pantry for extra storage. A convenient half bath is located just off the main living area, making entertaining family and friends easy. The home offers three bedrooms, including a private primary suite. The two guest bedrooms are connected by a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, providing a functional layout for family and guests. A dedicated laundry room adds even more convenience and storage. Step outside to the spacious deck and enjoy your morning coffee while watching the sunrise over the Atlantic or unwind in the evening while taking in the ocean views and coastal breezes. Location is hard to beat. You're just a short walk from the beach and the iconic Rodanthe Pier. Spend your days fishing, surfing, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, or simply enjoying the laid-back lifestyle that makes Rodanthe so special. Nearby favorites include Good Winds Restaurant and Watermen's Bar & Grill for waterfront dining and sunset views, while REAL Watersports and Kitty Hawk Kites are just minutes away for adventure on the water. Explore the natural beauty of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge or step back in time at the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station. Brand new construction this close to the beach is becoming harder and harder to find on Hatteras Island. Whether you're looking for a full-time residence, second home, or investment property, this beautiful Rodanthe home is ready for its new owners. Come see what island living is all about.
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4 bd
3 ba
A Rare 4.5-Acre Coastal Estate in Historic Kitty Hawk Village. Opportunities like this are becoming increasingly rare in Kitty Hawk Village. Set on approximately 4.5 acres of land surrounded by salt marsh, natural beauty, and coastal serenity, 889 Emeline Lane offers a unique combination of privacy, flexibility, and future potential that is difficult to find on the Outer Banks. Included in the sale is the adjacent buildable lot at 893 Emeline Lane, a cleared parcel of approximately 22,000 square feet, creating an extraordinary opportunity for those seeking additional homesites, investment potential, equestrian use, or simply room to spread out and enjoy a more peaceful way of life. The property feels like a step back to an earlier era of the Outer Banks, when large tracts of land, winding driveways, and quiet surroundings were part of everyday life. As you arrive, the sense of space and privacy is immediately apparent. Backing to expansive salt marsh and overlooking a peaceful canal, the setting is rich with wildlife, coastal views, and the kind of natural beauty that invites you to slow down and relax. The one-owner home has been lovingly maintained and thoughtfully improved over the years. Built in 1988 on a solid block foundation, the 4-bedroom, 3-bath residence offers approximately 2,400 square feet of comfortable living space. The ground level features a spacious garage with abundant storage and convenient access to the home. The main living level is bright and inviting, with large windows that bring in natural light and showcase the surrounding views. Multiple living spaces, including a den and living room, provide flexibility for gathering and entertaining, while the kitchen, dining area, laundry room, guest bedroom, and full bath create a functional everyday layout. Outdoor living is equally impressive, with open sun decks, covered decks, and a screened porch overlooking the private backyard and beautiful saltwater pool. The top floor offers three additional bedrooms and two full baths, including a spacious primary suite with a walk-in closet, private bath, and its own covered deck where you can enjoy panoramic views of the marsh and surrounding landscape. Whether enjoying morning coffee, watching the changing colors of sunset, or simply listening to the sounds of nature, this private retreat captures the essence of coastal living. While the home itself is a wonderful residence, the true distinction of this property lies in the land and the possibilities it creates. Zoned Village Commercial (VC-2), the property offers flexibility for a variety of residential and commercial uses while preserving the character and charm that make Kitty Hawk Village so special. The acreage may offer opportunities for further subdivision, additional homesites, small-scale development, or other creative uses subject to local approvals. Horses are also permitted, opening the door to an equestrian lifestyle rarely available on the Outer Banks. Despite its peaceful and secluded feel, the location is remarkably convenient. Tucked away in the heart of Kitty Hawk Village, the property feels miles removed from the crowds, yet beaches, restaurants, shopping, and everyday conveniences are only minutes away. Whether your vision is a private coastal estate, a family compound, an investment opportunity, or a property with room to grow and evolve over time, 889 Emeline Lane presents a truly unique opportunity to own one of the most versatile and distinctive pieces of property in Kitty Hawk.
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