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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

3 bd
2 ba
300 sq ft
Welcome to 50024 Blackbeard's Court in Frisco, NC—a charming canal front retreat offering the perfect blend of coastal living and comfort. This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath cottage is ideally situated on a 10K+sq. ft. lot. Pirate's Hangout is nestled on a peaceful canal in the sought after neighborhood of Brigand's Bay in Frisco! This location features easy access to the water and gorgeous water views right from your back yard! Inside, you'll find a spacious open-concept living area designed for gathering and entertaining. The large main living space is filled with natural light and flows seamlessly into the dining and kitchen areas, creating an inviting atmosphere for family and friends. Whether you're enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting guests after a day on the water, this layout offers both functionality and comfort. The thoughtfully designed floor plan includes three comfortable bedrooms, including a primary suite, along with 2.5 bathrooms to accommodate family and visitors. Outside, the canal front setting provides the ideal backdrop for fishing, kayaking, boating, or simply relaxing and taking in the peaceful waterfront surroundings. Whether you're searching for a primary residence, vacation getaway, or investment opportunity, this Frisco gem offers the coastal lifestyle you've been dreaming of in one of Hatteras Island's most desirable waterfront communities.
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4 bd
4 ba
This beautifully appointed 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home offers 3,625 square feet of coastal living designed for comfort, entertaining, and elevated views. An elevator services all levels, providing ease and accessibility throughout the home. The top level features a spacious, open floor plan with beautiful sound views, making it the perfect gathering space for family and friends. The living room is accented by an electric fireplace, custom built-in shelving, recessed lighting, and surround sound, creating a warm yet modern coastal ambiance. Large decks on all three levels extend the living space outdoors—ideal for entertaining or simply enjoying the views. The kitchen features lots of granite countertops and plenty of cabinet space. The home is being sold furnished, including all appliances, making it truly move-in or rental ready. Upstairs bedrooms are generously sized, each with private bathrooms, offering comfort and privacy for guests and owners alike. The lower level provides exceptional flexibility with a private bedroom, full bath, kitchenette, and sitting area—perfect for guests, in-laws, or extended stays. Additional highlights include a brand-new York dual-zone heat pump, outdoor shower, and water access with electrical outlets on all exterior levels for added convenience. Metal roof. Thoughtfully designed and well-equipped, this home is ideal as a primary residence, second home, or investment property, combining space, functionality, and stunning sound views.
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Welcome to 120 W. Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, a spectacular elevated soundfront retreat in Colington Island featuring 109 feet of pristine waterfront, a private boat dock, breathtaking panoramic views, and a beautifully finished private guest suite with separate living quarters ideal for extended family, guests, or rental income. Built in 2022 and thoughtfully positioned on a high homesite, this custom home captures both sunrise and sunset over the sound from nearly every room. From the moment you enter, you are greeted by light-filled spaces and exceptional craftsmanship. Expansive windows and transom accents frame the sparkling water, while the open-concept living area was designed to bring the outdoors in. Rich custom pine doors and trim, upgraded semi-gloss paint, commercial-grade flooring, and a dramatic all-oak staircase create a warm yet elegant coastal feel throughout. The spacious living room is centered around a gas fireplace and opens seamlessly to expansive composite decking, creating the perfect place for morning coffee, sunset cocktails, or simply relaxing while taking in the peaceful waterfront setting. The gourmet kitchen is both beautiful and functional, featuring custom all-wood maple cabinetry, quartz countertops, a farmhouse sink, double ovens, a gas range, upgraded Frigidaire appliances, soft-close drawers and cabinetry, and exceptional storage. The adjoining dining and living areas are perfect for entertaining while keeping the incredible views front and center. The upper level offers three spacious bedrooms and two luxurious baths, including two private suites with walk-in closets and beautifully tiled baths. The primary suite feels like a private retreat with sweeping water views, an oversized walk-in closet, and a spa-like bath featuring a custom-tiled shower with double showerheads. The lower level offers exceptional flexibility with a private guest or extended-family suite featuring two private entrances, a great room/rec room, a kitchenette, a stackable washer/dryer, a 4th bedroom, and a full bath. This separate living space is ideal for an accessory dwelling unit, guests, a home office, a media room, or a recreation room. Currently operating as the successful short-term rental “Dream Bay,” this lower level generated approximately $12,000 in rental income in just four months. Every detail has been thoughtfully upgraded, including Therma windows, upgraded siding and trim, custom cabinetry throughout, Nest thermostats, separate HVAC systems for each level, upgraded lighting and hardware, a propane fireplace, gas water heater, and gas range. Outside, the lifestyle is equally impressive, with a bulkheaded shoreline, an irrigation system, an outdoor shower, an enclosed lower-level sitting area, air-conditioned storage, and endless opportunities for boating, kayaking, fishing, and enjoying life on the water. Located in the gated community of Colington Harbour with access to a soundfront park, pool, tennis courts, and recreation area, this remarkable property offers the perfect blend of luxury, privacy, versatility, and coastal living. This is the kind of home that makes you slow down, breathe deeper, and imagine yourself living every day surrounded by extraordinary views and unforgettable sunsets.
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Welcome home to your waterfront dream location! 2307 Bay Drive in Kill Devil Hills has a Semi-Soundfront home on East side of Bay Drive. Stroll across Bay Drive to where your parcel continues and is secured by bulkhead and adorned with Private 350' Pier, 10k lb rated boat lift and bonus Jet Ski Lift. Relax, crab, fish, swim or boat in peace and enjoy your private unrestricted views of sunsets over Kitty Hawk Bay in the Albemarle Sound. Alternatively, enjoy elevated views from your covered decks or top level sun deck. Top Level has large En-suite with private entrance to Sun Deck, gas fireplace, Custom tile shower and jetted tub that looks over the most spectacular Soundside sunsets. Bring your own Bubbles! Additional Bedrooms on the East Side of home have walk-in closets with large closets with built-in storage. The Mid-Level has West Facing Kitchen, Living and Dining. Travel down the Hall to full Bathroom, Laundry Room, Flex Room and Large En-Suite with lots of storage. The entire ground floor of home has 3 car garage and copious amounts of workspace and storage. Flow from one space to the next in this well thought out floorpan and make this your home or Vacation Getaway for 2026! If an investment property is what you are looking for, Bay Drive has gained in popularity with its gracious sunset views and large walking paths leading to the Wright Brothers' Memorial Monument!
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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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Live the worry-free, Island lifestyle in this newly constructed coastal cottage in Kinnakeet Villas, located in the village of Avon. Completed in 2025, this pondfront, bright, comfortable home offers 2 generously sized bedrooms, 2 full baths, and a reverse floor-plan with an open-concept living area centered around a spacious kitchen with quartz countertops, a large island, and clean coastal finishes. Vaulted ceilings and natural light give the main living area an open, comfortable feel, while luxury vinyl plank flooring adds a practical, easy-care finish throughout. Over-sized double French doors in the living room open to the extra large covered deck, where you can take in the distant Sound views and amazing sunsets. An additional smaller covered deck off the kitchen, landscaped grounds, and an outdoor shower complete the coastal feel and extend the living space outside. Between the ample closets, the oversized laundry and utility space, and the large 18'x7' elevated ground-level room, there’s plenty of storage for beach gear, fishing equipment, and wind sports toys. With municipal water, community septic, quality construction, and HOA-covered road and grounds maintenance, ownership here is designed to be simple and straightforward. As an added benefit, the seller is offering to cover the first year of dues for a Kinnakeet Shores amenities membership, providing easy access to the oceanfront and soundside trails and beaches, an Olympic-size pool, kiddie pool, tennis and pickleball courts, fitness trails, and stocked freshwater lakes. All homes in Kinnakeet Villas are deeded to prohibit short-term rentals of less than 30 days, creating a true residential setting with a stronger sense of community and year-round neighborhood feel. Come see for yourself - we’re putting the neighbor back in neighborhood. *Tax bill has not been generated in the Dare County system yet.*
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Soundfront, high elevation, with panoramic water views from this beautifully positioned 3-bedroom, 2-bath home. Perfectly situated along Kitty Hawk Bay and the Albemarle Sound, this property boasts over 65 feet of bulkheaded water frontage and a thoughtfully designed, three-tiered terraced yard—ideal for relaxing, entertaining, or simply taking in the ever-changing waterfront scenery. Elevated on high ground in a quiet cul-de-sac, this home offers both peace of mind and a serene, private setting. Covered parking beneath the home provides convenient dry entry, along with a fenced yard area and an outdoor shower—perfect for rinsing off after a day on the water or at the beach. Inside, the main living area is filled with natural light and showcases a wood-burning fireplace, beautiful white oak cathedral ceilings and picturesque, panoramic views from the living room, kitchen, and dining area. The open layout creates an inviting space for gathering while maximizing the home’s incredible vantage point. Step out onto the sun deck overlooking the sound—an ideal spot for morning coffee at sunrise, evening sunsets, outdoor dining, and relaxing coastal breezes. The entire third floor is dedicated to a private primary suite retreat, complete with a walk-in closet, ensuite bath featuring an oversized jetted tub, and a loft area overlooking the water. A private deck off the suite provides a peaceful escape to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. 2 additional bedrooms - one with its own private covered deck, a full common bathroom and laundry are located on the main living level. The ground level offers a versatile flex space perfect for a home office, den, or additional living area—tailored to fit your needs. This home is truly turnkey and includes all furnishings and appliances. Located less than half a mile from community amenities including a boat launch, soundfront beach, park, and playground, and optional membership to include the community pool, tennis courts and clubhouse, this home ensures both tranquility and convenience. Whether you're seeking a full-time residence, vacation getaway, or investment opportunity, this exceptional waterfront property delivers breathtaking views, unique outdoor living, and a truly serene coastal lifestyle.
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8 bd
8 ba
Experience the ultimate Outer Banks lifestyle at 1225 Atlantic Avenue, a spectacular oceanfront retreat offering direct beach access, panoramic Atlantic Ocean views, and exceptional income-producing potential. Extensively renovated and upgraded with over $350,000 in improvements since 2023, this turnkey property has been transformed into a premier luxury vacation destination designed to maximize both owner enjoyment and rental performance. Perfectly positioned on one of Corolla's most desirable stretches of coastline, this expansive home features 8 bedrooms and 8 full bathrooms, supported by a brand-new septic system. Every detail has been thoughtfully updated, including all bathrooms, new flooring throughout, updated lighting, windows, fresh interior and exterior paint, upgraded kitchen finishes, new furnishings and bedding throughout, and HVAC systems. The home is built for entertaining and creating unforgettable vacation experiences. Guests enjoy multiple gathering spaces, a dedicated theater room, poker room, private pool, hot tub, elevator, expansive oceanfront decks, and direct private beach access. The open-concept living areas showcase breathtaking ocean views and create the perfect setting for family gatherings, special events, and luxury beach vacations. Beyond the home itself, ownership here means embracing the iconic Outer Banks lifestyle—morning sunrises over the Atlantic, private walks on wide sandy beaches, days spent fishing, surfing, shelling, and relaxing by the pool, followed by evenings enjoying ocean breezes from expansive decks under the Carolina stars. Virtual tour https://www.zillow.com/view-imx/50f68903-ead5-4fc0-b217-8a522a20e91c?wl=true&setAttribution=mls&initialViewType=pano
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Check this one out! This coastal home in Currituck NC located in the highly sought-after Bells Island community, offering water access and a community boat ramp w/voluntary HOA. for the ultimate boating, fishing, and jet ski lifestyle. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on a spacious corner lot and features a bright, layout with a large living room, cozy gas fireplace, and a relaxing sunroom perfect for year-round enjoyment. Ideal as a primary residence, vacation getaway, or investment opportunity, this property delivers the best of coastal North Carolina real estate. Conveniently positioned among Currituck County homes for sale, you'll enjoy easy access to Elizabeth City, nearby Outer Banks real estate, and a close-to-Virginia commute--making it a perfect OBX nearby property. The community offers a voluntary HOA with clubhouse and boat ramp access, while still giving you the flexibility of no required HOA. Enjoy peaceful island living where every day feels like a vacation. Schedule your private showing today!
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CANALFRONT SOUTHERN SHORES HOME! BUILT IN 2022 WITH QUALITY CONSTRUCTION, REFINED FINISHES, EXPANSIVE SCREENED PORCH, FLEXIBLE LOWER LEVEL, AND PEACEFUL WATER VIEWS! Welcome to 166 S Dogwood Trail—a beautifully designed canalfront home in Southern Shores offering the rare combination of newer construction, thoughtful craftsmanship, privacy, and relaxed coastal living. Built in 2022 and lightly used as a private second home, this property feels fresh, elevated, and exceptionally well cared for, with timeless finishes and a layout designed to make the most of its peaceful waterfront setting. Designed by respected local residential designer Jeff Sawyer and built by Albemarle Construction, the home reflects quality and intention throughout. From the moment you arrive, the setting feels calm and private, surrounded by mature natural landscape, professionally designed grounds, irrigation, and thoughtfully placed plantings that continue to enhance the property’s sense of seclusion. The main level is bright, open, and beautifully connected to the outdoors. Engineered hardwood flooring flows through the main living areas, while expansive Marvin Windows bring in natural light and frame the surrounding landscape and canal views. The open-concept layout connects the kitchen, dining area, and living room with ease, creating a warm and inviting central gathering space for everyday living or entertaining. The kitchen is both stylish and functional, featuring custom Schuler cabinetry with a beautiful two-tone finish, quartz countertops, modern appliances, a range hood, generous prep space, and excellent storage. The living area is anchored by a fireplace beneath the television, adding warmth and comfort to the home’s clean coastal design. One of the home’s most exceptional features is the oversized screened porch overlooking the backyard and canal. Spanning approximately 16 x 36 feet, this outdoor living space feels like a true extension of the home, with room for a large dining table, comfortable lounge furniture, ceiling fans, and year-round enjoyment of the peaceful water views. Whether beginning the day with coffee, hosting friends, or relaxing in the evening, this porch captures the quiet beauty of canalfront Southern Shores living. The bedroom layout is equally thoughtful. The spacious primary suite offers peaceful water views and direct access to the rear deck, along with a well-appointed en-suite bath featuring a standing shower, double vanity, and ample cabinetry. A second private suite includes excellent closet space and its own en-suite bath with a standing shower, creating a comfortable retreat for guests. An additional bedroom is generously sized with wonderful natural light, large windows, and ample closet space, located near a full hall bath and linen closet. Everyday functionality is beautifully addressed with a separate laundry room featuring a like-new stacked washer and dryer, abundant cabinetry, and generous counter space. The home’s finishes feel fresh and refined throughout, with much of the property showing like new. The lower level adds tremendous versatility, including a two-car garage and approximately 1,700 square feet of enclosed flex space designed for recreation, storage, workshop use, gym space, beach gear, indoor gathering, or future lifestyle needs. Built with flood-compliant materials and engineered flood vents, this level greatly expands the home’s functionality while preserving peace of mind. Constructed on 120 pilings with careful attention to structural integrity, 166 S Dogwood Trail offers the confidence of newer coastal construction in one of the Outer Banks’ most desirable communities. With its canalfront setting, refined finishes, expansive screened porch, generous storage, and quiet Southern Shores location just minutes from the beach, dining, shopping, and local amenities, this home is a rare opportunity to enjoy elevated, low-maintenance coastal living in a truly special waterfront setting.
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5 bd
3 ba
Welcome to Sof'Shell, a 5 bedroom oceanfront home in Corolla, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. With FOUR levels of living space, brand new ocean-facing decks, ocean views, and fantastic rental income history, this home is unique in every way. And let's not overlook the wide, uncrowded beach out front that makes Corolla so special, and the established dune protecting the home and the coastline. Lovingly furnished and decorated for maximum guest experience, Sof'Shell brought in 96k in owner income in 2024 and in 2025, and has 71k already on the books for 2026. The ground level includes a living space with half bath that also opens to the outside shower. There's laundry and storage on this level also. The next level includes the main entryway, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. One of the bedrooms has an attached bath, with sliders that open to the ocean-facing deck. The other two bedrooms share a hall bathroom with large tile shower and double sinks. On the third level, you'll find the main living space that opens to the dining and kitchen. There's a large screened porch off the kitchen, ideal for outside dining, that also opens onto the uncovered deck. The largest of the bedrooms is on its own wing, with ocean views and the largest bathroom attached to it. On the other side of the main living space is another bedroom with sliders that open to the deck, and a full bathroom in the hallway. There are ocean views from the main living and dining space, or walk out onto the ocean-facing deck for even more views and a hot tub. There's plenty of space for deck chairs and bar tables on the deck, as it's a great spot to start your morning or wind down your day. Walk up the custom wood spiral staircase to the loft, for another living space and a cute catwalk to the top level deck, with amazing ocean views. There is space for everyone in this unique layout with 3 living spaces. Sof'Shell is a great place to call home as she is, she's already functioning as a rental investment and is completely turn key. But since she's located on prime oceanfront real estate, a new owner could maximize the financial investment even further by putting a larger structure in its place, as the neighbors did. If that is the goal of a new owner, this is a great option b/c you can get great rental income for months or years while you spend time designing your dream investment home. And as always, FREE PIZZA WITH PURCHASE, courtesy of the listing agent.
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Tucked among the live oaks in the waterfront community of Brigands Bay, this canalfront property offers a rare opportunity for someone with vision to bring a unique coastal home back to life. With 3,104 square feet of heated living space and an impressive 1,340 square feet of garage and utility area, there is plenty of room to reimagine this property into something special. The home features soaring ceilings, walls of windows that bring in natural light, spacious living areas, and large decks overlooking the wooded canalfront setting. The oversized garage is a huge bonus on Hatteras Island where most homes offer limited storage, making it ideal for boats, water toys, fishing gear, and all your beach equipment. The canalfront lot is heavily wooded and the condition of the bulkhead is unknown. This property is being sold as is and will likely appeal to a builder, investor, or handy buyer ready to take on a project. Brigands Bay is one of Frisco’s favorite waterfront neighborhoods, ideal for walking, biking, fishing, windsurfing, and enjoying those famous Hatteras Island sunsets. Ramp 49 is just around the corner for beach driving and shell hunting, Sandy Bay offers easy soundside adventures, and the Frisco Bathhouse provides lifeguarded beach access. Local restaurants, shops, art galleries, and the Hatteras Ocracoke ferry are all just minutes away. Whether you are looking for a full time home, a weekend getaway, or an investment opportunity, this Brigands Bay property offers incredible potential in a location people love.
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