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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

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BEAUTIFUL sound-front home in sought-after Riversedge! This home offers the perfect setting for fishing, boating, jet skiing, kayaking and more. The open and spacious layout is designed to take full advantage of the beautiful sound views, with cathedral ceilings, a large main living area and two oversized primary suites. The home also offers two additional bedrooms and a bonus room. Enjoy beautiful sunrises and moonrises from the spacious deck overlooking the sound, complete with composite decking and vinyl railings. The large private pier includes a swimming platform and two jet ski lifts, making it easy to enjoy the water. New Fortified Roof installed in 2025. Riversedge is known for its many fun community events and amenities, including a community boat dock, sound-front park, pickleball court, playground, walking paths, and clubhouse. Come see for yourself!
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Exceptional oceanfront opportunity in the highly desirable South Nags Head area! This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath coastal retreat offers expansive, unobstructed ocean views and a proven history of outstanding rental income year after year. Situated on a wide stretch of beach, this turnkey property has been meticulously cared for and thoughtfully updated, making it an ideal investment, second home, or personal coastal getaway. Recent improvements include a new roof (2021), HVAC system (2020), exterior paint completed in March 2026, and updated appliances throughout (2023–2026). A comprehensive list of additional upgrades is available. Outdoor features include a convenient outdoor shower, storage shed for all your beach gear, and ample space to enjoy the ocean breeze and breathtaking sunrises. Located just minutes from the iconic Fish Heads Bar & Grill and pier, the historic Bodie Island Lighthouse, and Oregon Inlet, this home offers easy access to world-class fishing, boating, dining, shopping, and all the attractions that make the Outer Banks a premier vacation destination. South Nags Head is known for its peaceful beaches, natural beauty, and proximity to local amenities while maintaining a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a well-established oceanfront rental property in one of the Outer Banks' most sought-after locations. Additional pictures here:https://listings.jonathanclarkphoto.com/sites/rkpavppy/unbranded
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Fall in love with this canal-front estate on a rare 1.35-acre lot in the quiet Newbegun Land subdivision. The home has a BRAND NEW ROOF (2026) and a NEW BOATHOUSE with power, water, and a NEW 10K lb boat lift. The home is over 5,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed features, including an open foyer and a layout that balances comfort with impressive entertaining spaces. The home offers 5 large bedrooms, including 2 en-suites (one conveniently located on the first floor). A dedicated office, mudroom, and sunroom add flexibility and practicality, while the family room centers around a cozy gas fireplace. Movie nights reach a new level in the private theater room, complete with a 150'' screen and a new 4K UHD projector. At the heart of the home is a chef's kitchen, perfectly positioned for gatherings and seamless flow into the main living areas and the back deck. Step outside to a backyard designed for unforgettable entertaining, featuring a massive deck, fenced yard, brick fire pit, and pizza oven station — all overlooking the canal, which has an average depth of approximately 3 feet. Water enthusiasts will appreciate direct access to Newbegun Creek and the Pasquotank River, along with the new 10,000-pound boat lift and a new boathouse with water and power. The property also includes both an attached 2-car garage and a detached 2-car garage, providing ample space for vehicles, storage, or hobbies. A whole-house automatic generator adds peace of mind year-round. Located in the desirable Newbegun Land subdivision, residents enjoy a quiet setting with community amenities, including a boat ramp, boat and RV storage, and walking trails. This Elizabeth City home gives max convenience, with its close proximity to the U.S. Coast Guard Base and Elizabeth City State University. Don't pass up this rare opportunity to own a spacious, feature-rich waterfront home!
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Custom Waterfront Home on .61 acres of pristine Maritime Forest. Heart Pine floors with Juniper T&G ceiling. Live wood burning fireplace. Also, abundant storage space with XL walk in attic. Ground level could easily become a separate suite. Well-built sanctuary hidden in Southern Shores. Unique full basement and block foundation make this home a sturdy investment. Built into the natural landscape with very little disturbance of Natural Flora. This is a peacefeul paradise and one of a kind Outer Banks home.
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Welcome to your coastal retreat in Frisco, North Carolina, where soundfront serenity meets upscale comfort. This stunning 5-bedroom, 5-bath canal-front home offers the perfect blend of luxury, functionality, and breathtaking water views—now offered at $1,349,000. Designed for both relaxation and entertaining, the home features a bright, open-concept living area with expansive windows that capture glowing sunsets over the water. The gourmet kitchen is a chef’s dream, complete with modern appliances, generous counter space, and a large island ideal for gathering with family and friends. Step outside to multiple levels of spacious decking, perfect for enjoying coastal breezes or morning coffee with panoramic views. Boating enthusiasts will love the private dock equipped with a new boat lift, offering direct access to the Pamlico Sound for endless days on the water. Bask in the sun on your deck by the 16x32' pool! Inside, each of the five bedrooms provides comfort and privacy, including well-appointed en-suite baths. The home also includes a dedicated game room with [in-ball machine, creating a fun and inviting space for guests of all ages. An elevator services all levels, ensuring ease of access throughout the home. Whether you're looking for a primary residence, vacation getaway, or investment opportunity, this exceptional canal-front property captures the very best of Outer Banks living—where every day feels like a getaway.
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Welcome to Patti's Place, located at 41107 Ocean View Drive in Avon, NC—a stunning oceanfront retreat just south of the Avon Pier, offering the perfect blend of coastal luxury, comfort, and breathtaking Atlantic views. This spacious 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom home has everything you need for making unforgettable family memories, whether you're seeking a year-round residence, vacation getaway, or exceptional investment opportunity. Lovingly maintained and thoughtfully improved, the seller has made numerous upgrades over the years, including some major recent enhancements that add both value and peace of mind. The home features a new fortified roof, the majority of the windows have been replaced, and a convenient full bathroom has been added adjacent to the pool area—perfect for rinsing off after a day on the beach without tracking sand through the house. Wake up to spectacular sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean and spend your days enjoying the beautiful Avon beach just steps from your back door. Patti's Place is centrally located in the village of Avon, within walking distance to shops, restaurants, attractions, and the iconic Avon Pier. Inside, the inviting open-concept living area is filled with natural light and framed by expansive windows showcasing panoramic ocean views. The spacious layout offers plenty of room for family and guests, with five well-appointed bedrooms and five full bathrooms providing comfort and privacy for everyone. You won't soon forget the peaceful serenity of the third-floor oceanfront loft, where time seems to slow down and the endless blue horizon becomes your daily backdrop. The outdoor living spaces are equally impressive. Relax on the expansive decks while listening to the soothing rhythm of the waves, or cool off in your private pool after a day on the beach. Spectacular sunsets can be enjoyed from the sound-side decks, including a spacious screened porch that's perfect for evening gatherings with family and friends. Whether you're hosting summer celebrations, savoring a quiet morning coffee overlooking the ocean, or unwinding beneath a sky full of stars, this home delivers the ultimate Outer Banks lifestyle. Ideally located in the heart of Avon, you'll enjoy convenient access to local dining, shopping, fishing, watersports, and all the attractions that make Hatteras Island such a sought-after destination. Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a beautiful oceanfront property where endless views, coastal charm, quality improvements, and exceptional amenities come together in one remarkable package. Patti's Place is a proven income-producing investment with a strong rental history and a loyal base of returning guests year after year.
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Exceptional sound front estate! 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths with potential 4th bedroom and/or office. Beautifully remodeled gourmet kitchen featuring a Wolf range/oven and Sub-Zero refrigerator, custom backsplash designed and installed by current owner who is a tile artist! Formal dining room, kitchen nook and large island offer your choice of dining options. First floor living master suite with sound views, large his and her closets and a freshly remodeled master bath with soaking tub. Living room boasts a soaring vaulted ceiling conveniently connected to kitchen and pool area. New vented gas fireplace. TV/den leads to screen porch with pool access and sound views. Ground floor office, two car garage, laundry and powder room round out the first floor living space. Two guest bedrooms upstairs with remodeled bath off of middle bedroom. Back bedroom has a lovely deck for morning coffee and sound views. Walk in cedar lined closets and attic spaces offer plenty of storage. Beautiful tile and hardwood throughout. 3 zone HVAC by Train. Tankless gas water heater (2024). Large graphite saltwater pool with endless current! Gorgeous pier (2020) and dock outfitted for boat lift. Beautifully landscaped with sprinkler system. Home has been lovingly maintained and updated!
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This one-of-a -kind oceanfront estate masterfully blends architectural elegance, luxury amenities, and outstanding rental income potential. Designed to capture sweeping Atlantic views, the 8-bedroom residence features seven ensuite bedrooms, soaring ceilings, expansive windows, and walls of glass that fill the home with natural light and showcase the ocean from nearly every angle. The top level is a spectacular gathering space, highlighted by a dramatic great room with panoramic views, expansive oceanfront decks, and a chef's kitchen designed for entertaining. Equipped with two ovens, two refrigerators, two dishwashers, a large cooktop, wine cooler, pantry, and curved seating bar, the kitchen easily accommodates large groups. A gas fireplace, workstation, game area, and three ensuite bedrooms—two oceanfront—complete this level. An elevator provides convenient access to all floors. Designed with both luxury and rental performance in mind, the mid-level offers four additional ocean-view ensuite bedrooms, including an accessible suite with a roll-in shower and roll-under vanity. A standout family suite features built-in Duo bunks, a private bath, adjoining playroom, and ocean views, making it ideal for multi-generational gatherings and maximizing occupancy. The recreation room and sports bar elevate the guest experience with a pool table, bar seating, refrigerator, ice maker, dishwasher, and multiple TVs. An oversized laundry center with double washers and dryers supports high-capacity rentals with ease. Outdoor living rivals a private oceanfront resort. A heated saltwater pool, hot tub overlooking the Atlantic, fitness room, poolside bath, outdoor showers, expansive sun decks, and direct beach access create an unforgettable coastal experience that guests return to year after year. Recent improvements include a 2024 Fortified Roof, 2023 HVAC replacements with transferable warranties, 2024 exterior paint, upgraded Andersen sliders, and a new beach walkway and stairs. Meticulously maintained and thoughtfully designed, this distinctive oceanfront retreat offers the rare combination of luxury living, exceptional guest appeal, and strong investment potential.
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Welcome to your oceanfront opportunity in the heart of Nags Head! This spacious 8-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom coastal home sits on prime oceanfront real estate with incredible potential for the savvy buyer. The top floor features an open-concept design that showcases spectacular ocean views, creating an impressive space for entertaining and relaxation. Generating $178,305 in owner gross rents in 2025, this property shows strong income potential! This well-maintained property features solid bones with room for your personal touches. Step inside to unobstructed ocean views and the thoughtfully designed open-concept layout perfect for vacation rentals. The top-level living room offers comfortable space to relax, while the kitchen boasts granite countertops and stainless appliances with ample dining options including breakfast nook overlooking the ocean, formal dining, and bar seating. The mid-level deck features a hot tub overlooking the pool and protective dune - perfect for unwinding. Spacious bedrooms and smart layout create the ultimate vacation experience. The lower level game room with wet bar provides easy access to the pool and beach walkover. Recent major improvements include a new roof (2021), new pool heater (2022), fresh interior paint and most bedding, updated flooring throughout most of the home, and living room windows. Most windows and siding are original, offering an excellent opportunity to update and personalize to your taste. Prime location near OBX Fishing Pier, Fish Heads, restaurants, shops, and Outer Banks Mall. This property offers the perfect blend of coastal charm and rental-readiness, with cosmetic enhancement possibilities to truly make it your own. Don't miss this chance to own prime oceanfront real estate with proven rental history and room to add value through updates! Please note: The rear pool fence has been replaced with wooden fencing since photos were taken.
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Proven rental performer. Unforgettable oceanfront setting. A floor plan unlike any other. This coastal showstopper generated $198,000 in owner rental income in 2026, putting it within striking distance of the $200K mark and demonstrating the exceptional earning power of this unique property. Offered at $2,250,000, this stunning 5,140-square-foot Hatteras Village cottage rests on approximately 22,000 square feet of oceanfront property with a high dune line, private pool and hot tub. Inside, the expansive main-level living space feels both impressive and wonderfully inviting, blending soaring cathedral ceilings, windows galore, mesmerizing Atlantic views, and a warm, cozy coastal vibe that makes you want to kick off your shoes and stay awhile. The chef's kitchen is truly built for a crowd, featuring two range/ovens, two refrigerators, two dishwashers, two quartz-topped islands, a wine cooler, wet bar, and seating for 13 plus eight bar stools. Add a loft, gas fireplace, and oceanfront deck with Trex decking, and entertaining becomes effortless. The home's seven-level split-floor plan is perhaps its most remarkable feature. With only six to eight steps between levels, the layout creates an uncommon sense of privacy, comfort, and separation while keeping everyone connected. Eight bedrooms with full baths are spread across four levels, including five king bedrooms, two twin rooms and one bunk room. Deck access, spectacular views, including a coveted suite with a private deck and hot tub make outdoor living as easy as it is beautiful. A TV room doubles as a private fitness area with two bikes, weights, bench press, while cushioned cork flooring and an ocean view keep wellness within reach. An elevator and two stackable washer/dryer sets add convenience. And, when it comes to storage, this cottage has you covered. The ground level is vacation central, with an exterior entry ramp, pool access, two showers, a foot washer, a bar with a third refrigerator and microwave, fireplace, pool table and shuffleboard, and plenty of room for both sun and shade. And the beach-day fun is already stocked! An exterior storage room comes loaded with eight bikes, plus an abundance of beach chairs and toys to keep rental guests of all ages happily entertained. An electric car charger is conveniently available. Major improvements include a new fortified roof (2025), new hot tub (2026), pool replastering and new tile (2023), Anderson sliding-door repairs/replacements (2023), and extensive siding, flashing, decking, and exterior painting (2016–2017). The owners have pulled out all the stops to create a guest experience that feels pampered from arrival to departure, including private cleaning after every weekly rental. The payoff is a loyal base of returning guests and consistently impressive rental performance. This is more than an impeccable oceanfront investment. It's a place where big family gatherings feel easy, quiet mornings feel magical, and Hatteras memories seem to make themselves. Here Comes The Sun is sophisticated enough to impress, comfortable enough to exhale in, and unmistakably Hatteras.
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Chicahauk, CANALFRONT, three bedroom, two and a half bath immaculate home with a great floorplan. Soughtafter X-Zone! A portion of the lot is in an AE flood zone. The home is in an X-flood zone. Top notch kitchen. The people who owned this home before the present owner, owned a kitchen and bath store and went all out on updating the kitchen. It is a gourmet, galley style, dream kitchen. Stainless appliances, double ovens, butler’s pantry with vegetable sink. The living area is spacious with a two-story tall cathedral ceiling , dining area and a gorgeous gas fireplace. That area opens to an inviting tiled floor Florida room that is heated by the heat pump system but also has an attractive gas fireplace. Stunning Juniper tray ceiling and Juniper trim. 5 Pella sliders/doors surround this cozy room making it feel like you are outside. Nice views of the canal from the Florida room or the decks. Open each of those and you have a screen porch. Down the hall there is a cute powder room conveniently located off from the living area. Almost all of the downstairs just had new LVP installed in August 2026. Further down the hall on the ground floor is the primary bedroom with a slider out onto the sundeck with a hot tub. A super nice primary bathroom. The washer and dryer are conveniently located in the primary walk-in closet. Up the stairs there is a hall bathroom and two nice bedrooms. The bedroom on the west has a great view of the canal. The owners want most personal items and most nik-naks but are willing to leave most of the furnishings. You will notice some items with blue tape that the owners want. The canalfront is fully bulkheaded. A stone patio would be great for a firepit. In front there is a beautiful 42-foot-wide inviting covered porch that also connects to the detached 541 square foot two car garage. New Fortified Roof in 2020. Amerigas rent on tank paid for 2026. New microwave 2023. Gutter and siding repair and upgrade in May 2022. Water heater replaced in August 2026. There is no vacant lot in between this house and the homes on either side. It is just a wide lot. Look in associated docs for County Permits & Survey, Expenses, MOG/RPD, House Sketch, Southern Shores Realty Disclosure etc. Agent & owner do not guarantee floor plans or measurements completed by Lighthouse Visuals. Close to the Chicahauk common areas tennis courts, gazebo, soccer field. Close to the Market Place Shopping Center, shopping, restaurants. For $160 per year Chicahauk HOA dues include Tennis Courts, Pavilion, Kids play area, Soccer Field, Picnic Area, canal access & canal side picnic area. Ocean access parking in the Chicahauk beach access parking lot. In addition, for a low $70 per year the SS Civic Association lets you take advantage of 33 ocean accesses, three sound side marinas with picnic & crabbing areas. Belong to the Boat Club for $30 per year & the Racquet Club for $25 per year. The Southern Shores Civic Association info can be accessed at SSCAOBX.ORG. Chicahauk association information can be accessed at https://www.cpoaobx.org/covenants/bylaws/ Combo lockbox EZ to Show.
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