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.
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.
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
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
Spectacular soundfront home with fenced yard, trex decks, shared dock, game room, screened porch, garage storage space, and all 4 bedrooms have attached bathrooms! Beautiful water views greet you from EVERY bedroom, EVERY deck and from the main living space. The home comes fully furnished and decorated! The top floor features cathedral ceilings, open layout with kitchen, dining and ample living space. Plus a large bedroom with two closets, attached bath and private deck with sound views. The living space features built-in shelving, gas fireplace, and a wall of windows and sliders that faces the soundfront to showcase the views. The sliders open to a full-length sound-facing trex deck, brand new in 2025. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and sound views as you prepare dinner. (There's also a gas line connection on the top level deck for a gas grill.) The mid-level features three bedrooms, all with their own bathrooms. Two of the bedrooms share a soundfront deck, one of the bedrooms has it's own private deck with sound views. There is a laundry room on this level also. The ground level space features a game room with an attached soundfront screened porch. The garage space was converted with a knock-down wall added to make a large locked owners storage space, big enough for kayaks, beach/toys, etc, plus a renter-friendly storage space and dry entry. The backyard is fully fenced and leads to a soundfront dock that is shared with one neighbor. All decks are trex with aluminum rails, as are the entry steps. Back decks and entry steps were replaced/upgraded in 2025, front decks in 2024. The dock was upgraded in 2024 with new marine grade wood. The bulkhead was recently reinforced, with 20' posts and stainless rods (2023). The home is located in the gated community of Colington Harbour. The yearly HOA fee is $365/year. Yes, that's it. And you get to use the soundfront beaches, tennis courts, soundfront dogpark and playground. There's a community pool (also on the soundfront) that can be joined for an additional fee. Colington Harbour is one of the largest and most established Outer Banks communities, a popular spot for boaters, kayakers, water enthusiasts and beach lovers. It has its own harbour and marina, with easy jettied access to the Roanoke Sound.
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.
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.
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.
Welcome to "Rock n Real" one of Frisco's premiere homes! Experience coastal living in this solid 7 bedroom, 5 full and 2 half bath oceanfront retreat. Positioned uniquely between the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound, this home is a rental favorite that offers both ocean and sound views! This beautifully maintained and thoughtfully updated 4,700 square foot home is being offered turn key and fully furnished with a strong rental history. Step outside to the private backyard designed for entertaining with a large pool, hot tub and multiple sitting areas. Expansive multi-level decks provide vantage points to capture the ocean and sound views. Inside, the open-concept top level showcases 2 bedrooms, vaulted ceilings, a spacious living and dining area, and a well-appointed kitchen featuring new 2025 appliances. The mid-level includes five comfortable bedrooms, while the ground level offers a game room with foosball and arcade games, a wellness space with yoga mats, weights, exercise balls, bands and TRX gym system, sitting area, and large storage area. This Frisco location is close to a beach access ramp and the Billy Mitchell Airport and Hatteras Village is just to the west where several marinas offer world class fishing and additional excellent restaurants. Rock n Real delivers so come and discover why this Frisco gem is a rental favorite!
Built to enjoy the ease of single-story, creek-side living. Home aligns with surrounding maritime waters. Life creek-side has gentler waters: a 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 the wrap-around deck from front yard to creek-side with 150' dock and tie-up pilings providing ample room for recreational boats. Ski, fish or crab right from your back yard! Extensive decking the length of the home gives breath-taking views: Bask in nature's beauty from the upper deck as Ginguite Creek flows into the Currituck Sound. There is an outdoor shower with direct access door to laundry room and a "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 gives the home a warm glow both canal and creek-side.
INSIDE...The interior has a floorplan that provides a water view from every room. The foyer leads into the living room with panoramic views as if from a giant bay window. The layout is unique with eye-catching features from hardwood floors to stone fireplaces (Living Room fireplace stones were handpicked from Narragansett Bay) to bead-board ceiling in the den. The floor plan is open, yet defined. The kitchen with dining area and large island makes entertaining easy; the dining room invites guests to be seated. The home continues to enlarge as you move to the library/den where reading or curling up to watch a movie is easy. A sun/Florida room looks out on a vast expanse of privacy canal-side. All of it making this a location that welcomes you and your guests to relax. There are 4 bedrooms and 4 full baths; two of the bedrooms have ensuites. Each bedroom/ensuite has ample closets. A spacious laundry room with washer, dryer, built in ironing-board, utility sink, large counter space and storage.
WHAT TO DO?...This home has the look and feel of being on a cruise with unlimited excursions! Cast a line and drop crab pots from your 150' dock or catch a game of croquet on the 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. It's a refreshing departure from the typical Outer Banks experience; truly one-of-a-kind.
Sidewalks throughout Southern Shores connect you to treasures of the Outer Banks. EASY ACCESS...From Ocean to Sound: beautiful clean beaches and the surf of the Atlantic Ocean on the East—restaurants, shops, places of worship, activities in-between—and a home overlooking Ginguite Creek on the West! 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 of the Wright Brothers 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 and Rec with indoor and outdoor facilities, Library and Senior Center (Baum Center), bike paths and walkways. Everything for daily needs is close by. Most shops are locally sourced, but familiar names of larger stores dot the area giving it a spirit of the thriving, seasoned community it is.
The location of this home allows for easy ingress and egress when coming across Wright Memorial Bridge or heading to the mainland. Well-maintained and in great shape; numerous renovations and improvements have kept this home fresh and beautiful. 93 Osprey Lane is a treasure you will be glad you discovered on the Outer Banks!
E?njoy the ultimate coastal lifestyle at this premier seven-bedroom Outer Banks oceanfront estate located in the prestigious Pine Island community in Corolla. Recent updates in 2026 that have just been completed include NEW LVP flooring, NEW interior and exterior paint, and many new windows and doors. This home boasts an exceptional layout, breathtaking views, direct private beach access, and all the amenities guests need-- a large private pool and hot tub, sauna, game room, generous bedrooms and baths, large decks for soaking in the sunshine, a direct walkway to the beach with dune top seating, and more. The kitchen is fully equipped for large groups and features granite counters, double refrigerators, double ovens/stoves and double dishwashers, along with plenty of seating. The upstairs grand master suite is one of seven spacious bedrooms, many of which offer direct deck access and private baths. Also enjoy community perks and resort style amenities that Pine Island offers, including the neighborhood pools, beach club, playground, bike/jogging paths and tennis and basketball courts. Whether you are seeking a lucrative investment or a private family retreat, 455 Pipsis Point offers the perfect blend of luxury, location, and proven income potential.
Welcome to coastal charm. Featuring exceptional views of Kitty Hawk Bay and its wildlife; an active osprey nest alongside dock entices birdwatching! Open floor plan with windows to the bay provides the canvas. Scenes are dynamic and breathtaking. Main floor features an updated kitchen, dining area, large living room with fireplace and half-bath. Living room opens onto the generously wide and long sun deck (pergola provides ample shaded area) overlooking the bay and its surrounding wetlands. Master bedroom and ensuite on the main floor are designed for one-floor living. Steps from the deck lead to a 150' dock with a 12’ x 12’ platform/boat dock...giving easy access and purpose to fishing, crabbing and kayaking! Two guest bedrooms, each with bay views, shared bath, laundry area (washer and dryer), closets and attic-access complete the second floor.
Park-like walkways throughout Bay Drive connect this intergenerational community. Accessibility to treasures of the Outer Banks is a given from ocean to sound: beautiful clean beaches and the surf of the Atlantic Ocean on the East—restaurants, shops, places of worship, activities in-between—and a home overlooking Kitty Hawk Bay on the West! Known for excellent elementary, middle and high schools, Dare County also hosts a community college and trade school offerings. Kill Devil Hills (KDH) is best known for hosting the location of the First Flight of the Wright Brothers with the iconic Wright Memorial and Visitor's Center. The Town of KDH also hosts the best of recreation: Parks and Rec with state of the art indoor and outdoor facilities, Library and Senior Center (Baum Center), bike paths and walkways. Everything for daily needs is close by from groceries to fuel to urgent care to pharmacies to banking to places of worship. Most shops are locally sourced, familiar names of larger stores dot the area giving it a spirit of the thriving, seasoned community it is.
Hospitality of location and natural beauty satisfies the soul. 3102 Bay Drive offers what is desired to make a house a home as you entertain friends, find solitude, relax, enjoy watersports and glorious sunsets!
Welcome to Perfect Peace, a classic oceanfront home in Rodanthe with room for the whole crew and updates that check all the boxes. Located right on South Shore Drive, the home was lifted and moved back on the lot in 2025 and has received a major refresh in the process. The entire lower level was rebuilt and now features a brand-new game room with a wet bar, half bath, and two ensuite bedrooms. The game room also includes a new air hockey table and a 500+ game arcade system. The second floor offers four additional bedrooms, including two king ensuites—three of which open to a shaded deck with ocean views and a new 6-person hot tub. The top-level primary suite has tray ceilings, a Jacuzzi tub surrounded by windows, and a separate glass-enclosed shower. The main living area features high ceilings, cypress trim, and custom windows, and opens to a large screened porch and sundeck—plenty of room to gather or spread out. A spiral staircase leads to the ship’s watch, a quiet spot to take in the views or sneak away with a book. Recent improvements include a fully rebuilt lower level, new LVP flooring throughout, a 3-zone HVAC system with Ecobee thermostats and sensors on doors and windows, fresh paint, all new decks, a new driveway, new septic system, updated electrical panels, new deck furniture and even the pilings are new. The entire ocean-facing wall was replaced, including new doors and windows on that side and throughout the lower level. A new fortified roof has now been installed, with light-colored shingles to help reduce summer heat gain and energy costs. In addition, smart energy-saving and remote-control features have been added, appealing both to owners and to those using the home as a rental. Window film is also planned for installation this winter on the main living level to further reduce solar heat and protect interiors, adding another layer of energy efficiency. Located just down from the Rodanthe Pier, you’re close to fishing, watersports, and wide sandy beaches. The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, Pamlico Sound, and local favorites like Watermen’s and Good Winds are nearby. Whether you’re looking for a solid rental or a second home to make beach memories, Perfect Peace is ready when you are.
Welcome to DREAM COME TRUE II, the ultimate oceanfront getaway in Avon! The seller has thoroughly prepared for a pool addition, with a survey and CAMA permit on file showing its potential location. DREAM COME TRUE II is an exceptional rental property. The addition of a pool is anticipated to significantly increase rental income, with projections estimating a potential $166,430,making it an even more appealing investment opportunity. This stunning five-bedroom, four-bath home offers unparalleled coastal luxury. Recent upgrades and additions include a new Tiki bar for refreshing drinks after a day on the sand and a fully renovated top-level master bathroom in 2024. In 2023, the home was freshly painted and updated with luxury vinyl plank, complemented by new art and décor. This beautiful home features two wrap-around decks for stunning beach views, a hot tub with privacy lattice, and four large bedrooms on the first level, including two queen master bedrooms, a queen bedroom, and a bedroom with a single bunk and a queen bed sharing a bathroom. A king master bedroom on the main level offers ultimate privacy. The spacious, light-filled open floor plan is perfect for entertaining, with a kitchen that boasts stainless steel appliances, granite, and a large center island. The top-floor game room with shuffleboard provides indoor recreation. The property is conveniently located near attractions like Avon Pier and Canadian Hole, ideal for kiteboarding and kayaking. The local area brims with dining options such as Gidget’s Pizza, Oceana’s Bistro, Pangea, and Ketch 55, along with a variety of shopping venues that add to the charm and convenience of Avon living. A chain grocery store, hardware store, and medical center are also conveniently located nearby. This home is your dream come true, perfect for creating lifelong memories with family and friends. Don't miss your chance to own this prime oceanfront property. Schedule your viewing today and make DREAM COME TRUE II your reality!
Stunning Soundfront Home in Currituck County, NC. Discover your dream waterfront retreat in the heart of Currituck, perfectly situated between the breathtaking Outer Banks and vibrant Hampton Roads. This exceptional home boasts captivating water views, a private pier, and a bulkhead shoreline, all nestled on a serene, private road that promises tranquility. Outdoor Paradise. with an expansive, oversized covered Trex deck, perfect for entertaining or simply relaxing while enjoying the picturesque ?water views. Equipped with a gas hookup, this outdoor space is ideal for summer barbecues and gatherings. The property features a concrete crawl space ?with lights, and a carport for your convenience. A detached shed/workshop comes with 30-amp electric service, making it an excellent area for hobbies or extra storage.?Comfortable living areas ?including a spacious foyer formal dining room, perfect for hosting dinner parties. The generous great room flows seamlessly into a gourmet kitchen equipped with a gas stove and breakfast bar, making it a chef's delight. The first-floor primary suite is a true sanctuary, offering stunning sound views, a tray ceiling, dual walk-in closets, and an ensuite bath featuring a double vanity, jetted tub, and a separate shower for a spa-like experience.Convenience is key, with a mudroom and a full bath located just off the garage, ensuring easy access for family and guests alike?. Room for Everyone...Venture upstairs to find three additional well-appointed bedrooms, each offering ample space and natural light. The large Finished Room Over Garage (FROG) serves as an excellent bonus space, providing generous storage and versatility for your needs, whether it be a playroom, home office, or guest suite. Impeccable Features, thoughtfully designed with no carpet throughout, ensuring easy maintenance and cleanliness. A whole-house generator adds peace of mind, ensuring you are never without power during storms or outages. A Boater's Dream,embrace the waterfront lifestyle with easy access to boating, fishing, and all the recreational activities that the sound has to offer. This meticulously maintained property is ready for you to move in and start enjoying the coastal life. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to own a piece of paradise in Currituck County. Call today to schedule your private showing and experience all that this waterfront gem has to offer!
Experience the best of Corolla living in this stunning 10-bedroom oceanfront retreat. Perfectly positioned to capture sweeping Atlantic views, this expansive coastal home offers the ideal blend of luxury, comfort, and income potential, consistently boasting over $300K in annual income. The home features an elevator for easy access to all levels, a home theatre, and a spacious game room for endless entertainment. Step outside to your private pool, tiki bar, and hot tub, or head straight to the beach from your oceanfront walkway.