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Waterfront Homes & Real Estate For Sale

2,121 waterfront and water-access homes sold across Wilmington and the surrounding southeastern North Carolina coast over the past 12 months, with a median sold price of $655,000. That compares with $365,000 for homes without water access in the same area. Waterfront homes sold in a median of 55 days.

Waterfront homes for sale in Wilmington, NC and surrounding areas offer natural beauty, tranquility and easy access to the water. From oceanfront and Intracoastal Waterway properties to homes with private docks, boat slips and marina access, waterfront living balances relaxation and recreation. Use the numbers below to compare areas, then jump to the listings.

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Coastal NC waterfront homes: market stats

  • Closed sales in the past 12 months: 2,121
  • Median sold price: $655,000
  • Typical price range: $370K to $1.65M
  • Median price per square foot: $290
  • Typical size: median 2,316 sqft
  • Median days on market: 55 days
  • Home types sold: 1,687 single-family homes, 145 townhomes, 289 condos
  • HOA fees range from $420 to $7,800 per year (median $1,680).
  • Median real estate taxes are $2,821 per year and are based on assessed value.

These figures cover homes flagged in Hive MLS with oceanfront, ICW or marina frontage, a boat dock, a boat slip, a boat ramp, a marina or a waterfront community. Homes can fall into more than one group.

Waterfront homes vs. homes without water access

  • Median sold price: $655,000 with water access, $365,000 without
  • Median size: 2,316 sqft with water access, 1,774 sqft without
  • Median price per square foot: $290 with water access, $205 without
  • Median days on market: 55 with water access, 38 without

What waterfront homes cost by type of water access

  • Oceanfront: 349 sales, median $925,000
  • ICW front: 173 sales, median $1,150,000
  • Marina front: 44 sales, median $760,000
  • Boat slip: 244 sales, median $777,500
  • Marina community: 475 sales, median $715,000
  • Boat dock: 735 sales, median $640,000
  • Waterfront community: 1,096 sales, median $632,000
  • Boat ramp: 540 sales, median $613,000

Direct frontage on the ocean or Intracoastal Waterway sits at the top of the market. Water access through a community dock, slip, ramp or marina costs much less.

Waterfront homes by price range

  • Under $400K: 293 sales
  • $400K to $600K: 610 sales
  • $600K to $800K: 454 sales
  • $800K to $1M: 240 sales
  • Over $1M: 524 sales

Waterfront homes by area

Closed waterfront and water-access sales over the past 12 months, by area (areas with 10 or more sales). Select an area for its waterfront homes page.

  • Wilmington: 300 sales, median $884,000, $313 per sqft
  • Southport: 283 sales, median $630,000, $261 per sqft
  • Hampstead: 168 sales, median $745,000, $261 per sqft
  • Oak Island: 144 sales, median $855,000, $527 per sqft
  • Leland: 123 sales, median $630,000, $254 per sqft
  • Bolivia: 104 sales, median $582,000, $242 per sqft
  • Carolina Beach: 99 sales, median $610,000, $583 per sqft
  • North Topsail Beach: 98 sales, median $621,000, $444 per sqft
  • Sneads Ferry: 93 sales, median $460,000, $194 per sqft
  • Holly Ridge: 85 sales, median $630,000, $243 per sqft
  • Supply: 85 sales, median $585,000, $256 per sqft
  • Ocean Isle Beach: 73 sales, median $530,000, $432 per sqft
  • Surf City: 56 sales, median $835,000, $492 per sqft
  • Wrightsville Beach: 53 sales, median $1,720,000, $1046 per sqft
  • Holden Beach: 50 sales, median $1,278,000, $682 per sqft
  • Castle Hayne: 44 sales, median $673,000, $275 per sqft
  • Shallotte: 41 sales, median $370,000, $200 per sqft
  • Calabash: 38 sales, median $586,000, $286 per sqft
  • Kure Beach: 28 sales, median $563,000, $479 per sqft
  • Hubert: 27 sales, median $364,000, $185 per sqft
  • Bald Head Island: 26 sales, median $1,650,000, $881 per sqft
  • Jacksonville: 23 sales, median $328,000, $186 per sqft
  • Rocky Point: 22 sales, median $457,000, $197 per sqft
  • Topsail Beach: 18 sales, median $1,165,000, $577 per sqft
  • Swansboro: 15 sales, median $535,000, $261 per sqft
  • Sunset Beach: 10 sales, median $1,112,000, $440 per sqft

Top waterfront communities

What to look for in a waterfront home

  • Whether the dock or slip is private, shared or only a right to build, and who maintains it
  • Water depth at low tide and the size of boat it can handle
  • Flood zone, flood insurance and wind coverage costs
  • Bulkhead, shoreline and dock condition, and any permits

Search waterfront homes

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Questions about waterfront homes

How much do waterfront homes cost on the southeastern North Carolina coast?

The median sold price for waterfront and water-access homes was $655,000, with most sales between $370K and $1.65M. Homes with ICW frontage had a median of $1,150,000 and oceanfront homes $925,000.

Which areas have the most waterfront home sales?

Wilmington had the most with 300, followed by Southport with 283, Hampstead with 168, Oak Island with 144 and Leland with 123.

What is the difference between waterfront and water access?

A waterfront home sits directly on the water. A water-access home is in a community with a shared dock, slip, ramp or marina. Water access usually costs much less than direct frontage.

Source: Hive MLS closed sales of single-family homes, townhomes and condos, past 12 months. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Browse All Waterfront Properties for Sale

987 Ashburton Rd Se, Bolivia
$480,900
4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 100613604 MLS
Discover the perfect blend of modern comfort, spacious living, and resort-style amenities in this beautiful Hamilton floor plan located in the gated community of RiverSea Plantation in Bolivia! Offering 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, this home features a thoughtfully designed open-concept layout with plenty of room to relax, entertain, and enjoy everyday living. The spacious family room flows seamlessly into the kitchen and dining area, with access to a covered rear patio overlooking the peaceful pond-front setting. The gourmet kitchen is designed to impress with an oversized quartz island, stainless steel appliances, tile backsplash, and a walk-in pantry. Abundant natural light enhances the home's open and inviting feel. The first-floor primary suite offers a private retreat with dual vanities, an oversized tiled shower, and an enormous walk-in closet. A separate first-floor guest bedroom, full bathroom, and dedicated laundry room add convenience and flexibility. Upstairs, you'll find a spacious loft or game room, two additional bedrooms with walk-in closets, a full bathroom, and generous walk-in storage. Enjoy all that RiverSea Plantation has to offer, including a clubhouse, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, walking trails, RV and boat storage, and a community boat ramp providing access to the Intracoastal Waterway. Whether you're looking for an active lifestyle, a peaceful coastal retreat, or a place to call home, this community offers something for everyone. Conveniently located in Bolivia with easy access to Southport, area beaches, shopping, dining, and Wilmington, this home offers the opportunity to enjoy the best of coastal North Carolina living!

987 Ashburton Rd Se, Bolivia

116 Old Millstone Landing Ln, Sneads Ferry
$398,000
3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 100613594 MLS
Creekfront living, thoughtful updates, and a location that puts you close to everything coastal North Carolina has to offer! Situated in Sneads Ferry, this move-in-ready home offers 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, a dedicated home office, and a versatile flex space above the garage, complete with an attached full bathroom. Step inside to find a welcoming layout featuring a cozy gas fireplace and newly installed luxury vinyl plank flooring (July 2026), bringing a fresh, updated feel to the home. The dedicated office provides the perfect space for working from home, while the flex space above the garage offers endless possibilities for a guest retreat, hobby room, additional living area, or whatever best suits your needs. Enjoy the peaceful setting of creekfront living, where you can unwind and take in the natural beauty right in your own backyard. With navigable water suitable for kayaking or boating with a vessel without a T-top, this property offers the opportunity to get out on the water and enjoy coastal living. The screened-in back porch offers the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee, relax in the evenings, or simply take in the peaceful creekfront surroundings. Recent improvements include a new HVAC system installed in 2025, offering added peace of mind for the next owner. The home can also be offered partially furnished, making your move that much easier! **Offered below the pre-listing appraised value, this property presents an excellent opportunity to enjoy creekfront living at an attractive value.** Conveniently located near Camp Lejeune, shopping, dining, and the beautiful beaches of Topsail Island, this property offers the perfect combination of comfort, functionality, and coastal charm. Whether you're looking for a primary residence or a coastal getaway, this home is ready for its next chapter. Schedule your showing and come experience creekfront living for yourself!

116 Old Millstone Landing Ln, Sneads Ferry

1800 Baywater Ct Se, Bolivia
$1,059,000
4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 100613571 MLS
Welcome to this beautifully appointed custom home in Winding River Plantation, offering 3,214 heated square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, exceptional craftsmanship, and peaceful pond and wooded views. Situated on two combined lots, this move-in-ready property is being offered partially furnished, with furnishings in the great room, dining area, and bonus room over the garage included in the sale. The property features a three-car attached garage and an oversized detached garage with space for two or more vehicles, offering over 1,700 square feet of combined garage space for parking, storage, and recreational equipment. A welcoming stamped concrete front porch introduces the home's impressive architectural details, including custom crown molding, raised-panel wainscoting, and soaring 10- to 12-foot ceilings. Just off the front foyer, a beautifully appointed private office features a large window that fills the room with natural light, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. This versatile space offers flexibility to serve as a dedicated home office, study, or potential additional bedroom, depending on the needs of its next owner. Inside, the thoughtfully designed open floor plan seamlessly connects the great room, dining area, and kitchen, creating an inviting setting for everyday living and entertaining. The great room showcases a stunning 12-foot coffered ceiling, elegant raised paneling, and a gas fireplace with floor-to-ceiling stacked stone surrounded by custom built-ins. Beautiful barn doors lead to the sunroom, where expansive windows frame the backyard pond and wooded views, complemented by a media center, dry bar, and shiplap accents. The farmhouse-inspired dining area provides direct access to the screened porch, offering a comfortable outdoor space to enjoy the surrounding scenery. Beyond the porch, the spacious backyard and concrete patio provide additional opportunities for outdoor dining, grilling, and relaxation. The generously equipped kitchen features wraparound granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a five-burner gas cooktop with decorative hood, tiled backsplash, and a center island with prep sink. A second island with raised bar seating adds valuable countertop space and an inviting area for casual dining or entertaining. Privately positioned within the home, the primary suite features a tray ceiling, a comfortable sitting alcove, and two walk-in closets. The en-suite bathroom includes separate vanities with tower storage, a floor-to-ceiling tiled walk-in shower with built-in seating, recessed niches, dual showerheads, and a jetted soaking tub with a heating feature. A separate bedroom wing offers two additional bedrooms and a shared bathroom featuring a dual-sink vanity and tiled walk-in shower. Upstairs, the spacious bonus room provides flexible space for recreation, entertainment, a home office, or additional living needs. Storage is abundant throughout the property, with two expansive floored attic storage areas, an oversized walk-in pantry, and a spacious laundry room featuring a utility sink and built-in desk area. With its combination of custom finishes, flexible living spaces, extensive garage capacity, and scenic outdoor surroundings, this Winding River Plantation property offers an exceptional opportunity to enjoy the distinctive features of this thoughtfully designed home.

1800 Baywater Ct Se, Bolivia

900 Carolina Beach Ave N Unit Apt F, Carolina Beach
$675,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 100613490 MLS ⋅ Aquarian Condo BLDG.
Perched on the top floor of Aquarian Condos, this bright 3-bedroom, 2-bath end unit offers breathtaking, unobstructed oceanfront & southern coastline views in an intimate & friendly community of just six privately owned homes. With a strict no-rental policy, Aquarian offers something increasingly hard to find at the beach: a peaceful, uncrowded setting reserved exclusively for its owners and their guests. Equally rare, the beautifully maintained building reflects the pride of its owners & the attentive oversight of a proactive HOA. Spanning 1,200 square feet, this light-filled home celebrates its spectacular coastal setting throughout. Vaulted living room ceilings, charming bay windows, & expansive sliding glass doors frame endless ocean views, while the covered oceanfront balcony invites you to savor morning sunrises & the soothing rhythm of the waves. Enjoy Carolina Beach fireworks from the comfort of your living room! Down the hall, the primary suite opens to a second private balcony with views of the harbor & features a double vanity & walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms share a full bath, with direct access from one of them. Skylights brighten both bathrooms, while the galley-style kitchen is open to those captivating ocean views. Offered fully furnished with appliances, this coastal haven is ready for your immediate enjoyment. Other conveniences include 2 assigned parking spaces & a private ground-level storage room. Public beach access is right next door, with a neighborhood café, mini-market, & town dinghy dock just across the street. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is less than a mile away. If you've been longing for the beauty of oceanfront living without the bustle of vacation rentals, this is an extraordinary opportunity to make a coveted stretch of Carolina Beach your very own private escape. Schedule your showing today!

900 Carolina Beach Ave N Unit Apt F, Carolina Beach

4833 Waves Pointe, Wilmington
$525,000
2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 100613390 MLS
Bright, inviting, and beautifully positioned on the water, this single-level home offers an easy flow, generous living space, and picturesque views from both inside and out. The exterior immediately stands out with its cheerful coastal-inspired color, welcoming front porch, and attractive landscaping. A covered porch stretches across the front of the home and creates a wonderful place to relax, entertain, or simply enjoy the peaceful lake setting just beyond the path. Inside, the home opens to a long foyer with attractive flooring, soft neutral tones, and a clean, airy feel that continues throughout. The main living area is spacious and open, with recessed lighting, ceiling fans, large windows, and an effortless connection between the living room, dining area, and kitchen. A fireplace with classic trim creates a warm focal point, while built-in shelving and lower cabinets add both charm and practical storage. The kitchen is designed for both everyday convenience and entertaining, featuring a large center island with seating space, abundant cabinet storage, expansive counter space, under-cabinet lighting, tile backsplash, a cooktop with vent hood, built-in microwave and wall oven, and a pantry for added organization. The dining area is nicely defined and still open to the rest of the living space, making the layout feel connected without sacrificing function. A separate flex space at the rear of the home is filled with natural light and framed by glass doors overlooking the lake. This room offers excellent versatility for a sitting room, office, reading area, or additional dining space. The water view continues into one of the secondary bedrooms, creating a bright and relaxing atmosphere. The bedrooms shown are generously sized, and the primary suite offers a spacious retreat with tray ceiling detail, a large bathroom with dual-sink vanity, soaking tub, separate shower, private water closet, and a substantial walk-in closet. An additional full bath and a dedicated laundry room with storage shelving add to the home’s everyday comfort and convenience. Outdoor living continues with a rear patio, while the front porch remains a true highlight thanks to its broad lake view and direct connection to the walking path along the water. The detached garage and driveway provide practical parking and storage, and the exterior presentation is neat, polished, and easy to maintain. The surrounding community amenities shown in the photos add even more appeal, including scenic lakes, walking paths, a clubhouse, pool, gathering areas, open green spaces, a waterfront dock, and inviting common areas designed for enjoying the outdoors. Nearby commercial spaces, restaurants, and services are also pictured, adding convenience to the setting. This property combines attractive curb appeal, a spacious open layout, flexible living areas, and memorable water views in a setting that encourages both relaxation and connection to the outdoors. It is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy comfortable single-level living with welcoming indoor spaces and beautiful surroundings.

4833 Waves Pointe, Wilmington

606 Hampton Colony Cir N, North Topsail Beach
$1,900,000
6 Beds ⋅ 7 Baths ⋅ 100613302 MLS
Welcome to 606 Hampton Colony Circle, set on one of North Topsail Beach's largest oceanfront lots! This custom-built 6-bedroom home is beautifully furnished and thoughtfully decorated throughout. With sweeping ocean views, a private crossover to the beach, its own volleyball court, a bocce ball court, and an elegant rope fence to frame it all, this home offers everything you need for the perfect coastal getaway. Quality construction includes a metal roof, composite decking, vinyl handrails and deck trim, high-impact tempered glass hurricane windows, concrete driveway and large parking pad for multiple vehicles, and an elevator serving every level. The ground-level entry features a drop zone with a mini refrigerator, a welcome convenience after a day on the beach. The second level offers four bedrooms with tiled baths and quartz vanities. Two bedrooms have private baths, while the other two share a hybrid jack-and-jill bath with a separate vanity and toilet for each room. A full-length covered oceanfront deck completes the level, with a relaxing porch swing at either end. The reverse floor plan places the main living area on the third level, where 10 foot ceilings, open space, and ocean views provide a luxurious space primed for entertaining. The kitchen features custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, a separate prep sink, and premium stainless steel appliances. The living area offers built-in bookshelves and a gas log fireplace, and a large, covered deck extends the space outdoors. A second primary suite on this level includes a luxury bath, walk-in closet, and private soundside balcony with exceptional views. A separate laundry room next to the kitchen adds everyday convenience. The fourth-level penthouse is home to the primary suite, a private retreat with a wet bar, custom walk-in closet, luxurious full bath with tiled floors and shower, and spacious balcony with spectacular views of the ocean. Additional features for the home include ground level storage closets for all of your beach accessories, a security system with cameras, faux wood blinds on all windows, and draperies to cover sliding doors. Whether you're looking for a family beach home, a gathering place for generations to come, or a standout vacation rental, 606 Hampton Colony Circle delivers space, quality, and an oceanfront setting that is hard to find on Topsail Island. Mornings start with sunrise over the water, afternoons belong to the beach and the courts, and evenings wind down on the deck to the sound of the waves. Schedule your showing today!

606 Hampton Colony Cir N, North Topsail Beach

973 Woodwind Dr, Leland
$799,000
4 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 100613223 MLS
Welcome to 973 Woodwind Drive, an exceptional waterfront home in Waterford of the Carolinas. Offering over 3,400 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this beautiful residence features 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and sits on a generous 0.39-acre homesite overlooking a peaceful canal. Step inside the foyer and you are welcomed by high ceilings that opens to an elegant living room and formal dining area. The spacious kitchen is designed for both everyday living and entertaining, featuring stainless steel appliances, gas range, expansive counter space, abundant cabinetry, and a sunny breakfast nook overlooking the backyard. The first-floor primary suite offers a private retreat with a spacious walk-in closet and an ensuite bath featuring a walk-in shower. Just beyond the kitchen, the inviting family room is centered around a cozy fireplace and flows into a versatile flex room perfect for a home office, fitness room, or hobby space. This floor plan provides two additional main-level bedrooms with a shared ensuite bathroom with double sinks. Upstairs, you'll find a spacious fourth bedroom or bonus room complete with an ensuite bathroom, making it ideal for guests, multi-generational living, or additional recreational space. Additional highlights include a spacious two-car garage equipped with an electric vehicle charging station. Step outside to the covered screened porch that opens to the patio and beautifully fenced backyard, creating the perfect setting for entertaining, outdoor dining, or relaxing while enjoying serene canal views. Your own private dock, kayak launch, and kayak storage provide direct access to the water right from your backyard. Waterford of the Carolinas offers outstanding community amenities, including a clubhouse, resort-style pool, fitness center, tennis, pickleball and volleyball courts, playground, scenic walking trails, and beautifully maintained green spaces. This exceptional home combines spacious living, waterfront enjoyment, and an incredible amenity-rich lifestyle just minutes from downtown Wilmington, shopping, dining, and area beaches.

973 Woodwind Dr, Leland

538 Medcalf Dr Sw, Sunset Beach
$525,000
3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 100613213 MLS
Enjoy the beauty of waterfront living in this 2,413-square-foot home overlooking Sunset Lakes in desirable Sunset Beach, North Carolina. Featuring three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a flex room/office, and a one-car garage, this thoughtfully designed home offers comfort, convenience, and scenic surroundings. The first floor features two bedrooms connected by a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, a dedicated laundry room, a versatile flex room or home office, and convenient garage access. A three-stop elevator provides easy access between levels. The reverse floor plan places the main living spaces on the upper level, maximizing the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful lake setting. The spacious, open-concept kitchen, dining, and living areas feature hardwood floors, custom lighting, and an inviting atmosphere ideal for entertaining or relaxing at home. Step outside onto the large deck and take in the peaceful waterfront surroundings. The primary suite offers a special touch of luxury with its own fireplace, while the primary bathroom features a second fireplace, creating a warm and relaxing retreat. With three fireplaces throughout the home, there is no shortage of charm and ambiance. Additional highlights include propane that services a gas range, a gas grill hookup, and a heat pump HVAC system as well as the 3 fireplaces. Recent updates provide added peace of mind, including a new roof in 2025, an upstairs HVAC replacement in 2021, and a downstairs HVAC system and air handler replacement in 2024. The refrigerator is approximately two years old. Whether you are seeking a full-time residence, a coastal getaway, or a place to enjoy the tranquility of waterfront living, this Sunset Lakes home offers a distinctive combination of thoughtful design, modern conveniences, and a beautiful Sunset Beach setting as well as 4 mile proximity to the white sands of Sunset Beach Island.

538 Medcalf Dr Sw, Sunset Beach

995 Ocean Blvd W, Holden Beach
$1,275,000
4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 100613177 MLS
Vintage Oceanfront Charm on Holden Beach! Timeless coastal charm meets the beauty of oceanfront living! This classic H-Plan beach cottage has been the setting for countless cherished family memories and is ready for its next chapter. With the Atlantic Ocean as your backyard and the sandy shores of Holden Beach just steps away, this is the kind of coastal retreat that never goes out of style. The popular H-Plan features 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths on the main living level, offering a traditional beach house layout perfect for gathering with family and friends. An additional ground-level area provides 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, and a laundry room, offering approximately 370 square feet of additional space not included in the home's reported heated square footage. Step outside onto the spacious oceanfront deck, where salty breezes, spectacular sunrises, and the soothing sounds of the waves become part of your everyday experience. Your private boardwalk leads directly to the beach, making it easy to enjoy morning walks, afternoon swims, and endless days with your toes in the sand. A covered street-side porch provides another inviting place to relax and enjoy island life. Additional features include a two-bay garage, convenient outdoor shower, and a wonderful location on beautiful Holden Beach. Whether you envision preserving its nostalgic beach cottage character, adding your personal touches, or exploring its potential as a coastal investment, this oceanfront property offers an opportunity to create new memories while honoring the old. Come discover the enduring appeal of a vintage Holden Beach oceanfront cottage, where the memories are priceless and the possibilities are yours to imagine!

995 Ocean Blvd W, Holden Beach

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