Quick Real Estate Search

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.

View the waterfront listings »

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

You can save searches and get daily email alerts of new listings, price changes, sold data and market reports. Our Interactive Map Search allows you to view properties on a map or refine your search by drawing the boundaries around the area you want.

Curious about what is happening in your neighborhood? You can create a custom market report to see what is active, under contract and sold.

Considering selling or refinancing your home? Get an instant property valuation now.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you.

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

9205 Rivendell Pl Sw, Calabash
$685,000
4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 100612694 MLS
Some homes offer a beautiful floor plan. Others offer an incredible setting. This one gives you both. Currently under construction in the highly sought-after community of Devaun Park, this new coastal home sits directly across from the pond and within walking distance of the community pool, placing some of the neighborhood's best views and amenities right outside your front door. From the welcoming front porch, step inside to approximately 2,236 heated square feet of thoughtfully designed living space featuring 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. The open-concept layout begins the moment you enter, with the kitchen, dining area and living room coming together to create one spacious, light-filled setting for entertaining, gathering and everyday life. The main-level owner's suite is designed to feel like a true retreat, complete with a spacious bath that flows directly into the laundry room for exceptional convenience. Upstairs, 3 additional bedrooms and 2 full baths create comfortable accommodations for family and guests, with the flexibility to use one as a home office, media room, or hobby space. Outdoor living is an essential part of this home. Spend quiet mornings on the front porch overlooking the pond, then end the day on the screened porch enjoying the coastal breeze. Devaun Park captures the charm of classic Southern living through its front-porch architecture, scenic ponds and beautiful setting along the Calabash River. It is a community designed for enjoying life outside, whether you are walking to the pool, following the waterfront paths or simply taking in the peaceful surroundings. Calabash dining, shopping, golf, and the beaches of the Carolina coast are all just minutes away. With construction underway, now is the opportunity to secure this home before completion. Pond views, thoughtful design, inviting porches, and one of Calabash's most distinctive communities come together in a home that will be worth the wait.

9205 Rivendell Pl Sw, Calabash

963 Woodwind Dr, Leland
$699,999
4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 100612658 MLS
Welcome to 963 Woodwind Drive, where waterfront living, timeless charm, and exceptional outdoor spaces come together in the desirable Waterford community of Leland. Situated on a beautifully landscaped .44-acre canal-front lot, this inviting brick home offers scenic water views and direct backyard access to Waterford's interconnected freshwater canals. A custom-built wooden stairway leads to a waterfront dock, providing a convenient place to launch a kayak, paddleboard, or small non-motorized boat and explore the peaceful waterways throughout the community. An expansive covered front porch welcomes you inside, where hardwood floors, plantation shutters, and crown molding add warmth and character throughout. The foyer opens to an elegant formal dining room with chair rail detailing and decorative wainscoting. The spacious living room features soaring vaulted ceilings, a natural gas fireplace framed by built-in shelving and cabinetry, and an open connection to the kitchen. An additional interior sunroom/sitting area offers flexible space for relaxing or entertaining. The well-appointed kitchen features granite countertops, abundant cabinetry, decorative tile backsplash, updated fixtures, and oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware. GE Profile appliances, approximately one year old, including a double oven, add modern convenience. A generous breakfast bar provides additional seating, while the bright breakfast nook offers a comfortable space for casual dining. The first-floor primary suite features hardwood floors, plantation shutters, and a spacious en suite bath with separate vanities, a soaking tub, and a glass-enclosed shower. A fourth bedroom above the garage, complete with its own bathroom, offers versatility as a guest retreat, home office, media room, or flex space. A separate all-season room with exposed brick walls, tile flooring, Eze-Breeze windows, and custom Norman shades provides another inviting space to enjoy the surrounding scenery. Step outside to an expansive, fully fenced backyard with mature trees, lush lawn, and beautifully landscaped planting beds. The sellers expanded the original patio to create a generous outdoor entertaining area beneath a pergola, complete with a natural gas connected fire pit and decorative stone waterfall feature. Whether gathering around the fire, dining outdoors, or enjoying peaceful canal views, this setting offers a wonderful extension of the home's living space. Additional highlights include a side-entry garage, roof replaced in 2025, tankless water heater installed approximately two years ago, updated bathroom faucets, and a master antenna system. Waterford of the Carolinas offers an exceptional lifestyle with approximately 17 miles of interconnected freshwater canals, a clubhouse, swimming pool, fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball and bocce courts, a sandy beach with kayak launch, playground, and scenic walking and biking trails. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, medical facilities, and historic downtown Wilmington, this home offers a wonderful combination of waterfront living, comfort, and convenience.

963 Woodwind Dr, Leland

2070 New River Inlet Rd, North Topsail Beach
$1,850,000
6 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 100612653 MLS
Seaside Stargazer is a rare opportunity to own a fully furnished, turnkey vacation rental with an established history of exceptional income. Whether you're an experienced investor or looking for a beach home that can generate significant rental revenue, this meticulously maintained property is ready to perform from day one. This spacious 3,475-square-foot home features 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, sleeps up to 16 guests, and sits on 1.1 acres. The property has been professionally maintained and is fully equipped for remote management, making ownership simple whether you're local or out of state. The home has consistently produced outstanding rental income Over the past several years, the property has received extensive upgrades, including a new roof, complete interior renovation with updated furnishings and décor, renovated third-floor living space, new hot tub, Ecobee smart thermostats, Schlage Encode smart lock, Ring security cameras, new stove, water leak monitoring system, third-floor HVAC system, whole-house water booster pump, whole-house water filtration system, custom window resealing, dune vegetation improvements, updated lighting, and many other enhancements. The sale includes everything needed for a smooth transition: Fully furnished and turnkey. Coaching on self-managing the vacation rental. Guidance on meeting material participation requirements for potential bonus depreciation eligibility (buyers should consult their tax advisor). Referrals to trusted local vendors, including cleaners, maintenance professionals, HVAC, plumbing, and more This is more than just a beach house—it's a well-established vacation rental business with proven financial performance, repeat guests, and systems already in place for continued success.

2070 New River Inlet Rd, North Topsail Beach

4478 Wildrye Dr Se, Southport
$1,149,000
3 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 100612316 MLS
Commanding extraordinary 180-degree views of the Founders Club's 17th hole, a picturesque tidal pond, expansive salt marshes, and views reaching the Intracoastal Waterway to Oak Island, this exceptional residence in St. James Plantation offers one of the area's most captivating coastal settings. The Edisto Cottage, designed by renowned architect William Poole, is a quintessential example of classic raised Lowcountry architecture, showcasing timeless Southern charm with expansive covered porches, distinctive dormers, and beautifully established landscaping featuring native coastal plantings. Inside, soaring ceilings, 3/4-inch oak hardwood flooring, elegant architectural details, and walls of windows complement the remarkable surroundings. Extensive renovations and thoughtful improvements, including a new roof in 2020 (awarded a Fortified Roof Certification in 2020 and Recertified in 2026), new gutters, leaf guards and downspouts, an elevator, and an impressive renovated kitchen, combine modern conveniences with classic coastal architecture. The welcoming covered front porch leads through an elegant arched entry into a dramatic great room, where a soaring vaulted ceiling, fireplace, and a set of custom-built bookcases create an impressive gathering space. An open staircase and upper-level overlook add architectural interest, while expansive windows and French doors draw the eye toward the magnificent scenery beyond. Graceful arched openings, transom windows, plantation shutters, and beautifully detailed millwork provide a sense of craftsmanship throughout. The impressive renovated kitchen blends exceptional style with everyday functionality, featuring custom cabinetry, a striking contrasting island, granite countertops, a Wolf gas range, and a GE Monogram refrigerator. Just beyond, the dining area is surrounded by windows that capture breathtaking views across the tidal pond, golf course, and marsh, creating a magical sunrise in the morning and an extraordinary setting for dining. A comfortable adjoining family room offers another inviting place to gather, while the expansive covered rear porch extends the living space outdoors, providing a front-row seat to the ever-changing coastal scenery. The main-level primary suite with new wood flooring enjoys its own panoramic views, with French doors opening directly onto the covered rear porch. The freshly renovated primary bath features separate vanities, a freestanding soaking tub, and a spacious tiled walk-in shower, while thoughtfully designed storage includes built-in medicine cabinets and a generous walk-in closet with custom cabinetry. For added convenience, a stackable washer and dryer is located within the primary walk-in closet. Upstairs, an open loft overlooking the great room offers perhaps the most spectacular vantage point in the home, with an elevated view through the rear windows across the surrounding coastal landscape. The generously sized guest bedrooms each feature their own private bathroom and spacious walk-in closet, providing exceptional comfort and accommodations for visiting family and friends. The owners embraced the natural shoreline, incorporating native coastal plantings that enhance the character of the surrounding marsh. A winding walking trail meanders through the landscape, offering a closer connection to the tidal environment. With the manicured fairways of the Founders Club on one side and the ever-changing marshland beyond, the property enjoys a rare combination of golf course elegance and unspoiled coastal beauty. The home's raised design provides an expansive ground-level garage with epoxy-coated flooring, generous parking and storage, and dedicated workshop spaces ideal for woodworking, hobbies, or projects. Additional improvements include a whole-house Aquasana water filtration system, a reverse osmosis on the kitchen sink and a large propane tank installed with future generator use in mind. Outdoor speakers, a Ring Bird remotely operated irrigation system, and gas and water connections on the rear deck add to the home's functionality. Across the street, a scenic nature park provides additional privacy and green space, further enhancing the property's natural surroundings. Life in St. James Plantation offers an exceptional collection of amenities, including championship golf courses, clubhouses, swimming pools, fitness centers, tennis and pickleball courts, walking and biking trails, a full-service marina, and a private beach club on Oak Island. With the Founders Club just moments away, this distinctive Edisto Cottage offers a remarkable opportunity to enjoy the best of coastal Carolina living.

4478 Wildrye Dr Se, Southport

8332 Bald Eagle Ln, Wilmington
$4,750,000
3 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 100612227 MLS
A once-in-a-generation waterfront canvas on the Intracoastal Waterway. Some properties you renovate. This one you reimagine. Set on a high, grassy point directly on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), 8332 Bald Eagle Lane delivers the one thing no renovation can ever add. A breathtaking, unobstructed view that stretches across the marsh to the horizon, with sunsets that light up the water every single evening. At the heart of the lot stands a magnificent, sprawling live oak, the kind of tree that takes a hundred years to grow, its canopy arching over the lawn toward the water with a porch swing swaying beneath it. Below it, your own private pier reaches out over the ICW to a boat dock and boat lift, ready for the boater who wants deep-water access right from the back yard. Built in the early 2000s and solidly constructed with 2x6 exterior walls, the home offers just over 4,400 square feet of living space plus an additional 2,016 square feet of unconditioned walk-out basement. That lower level is a rare blank slate, ideal for a wine cellar, pool house, gym, or guest quarters. Durable aluminum decking wraps the rear of the home across multiple levels, framing the water view from nearly every room. Inside, the two-story great room is the showpiece. Soaring ceilings, a dramatic wall of arched Palladian windows that pull the water straight into the house, a curved staircase, and an open loft overlooking it all. A generous kitchen, main-level primary suite, private study, oversized bonus room, and multiple additional bedrooms give the floor plan tremendous flexibility. Make no mistake. This home is ready for a full, top-to-bottom renovation. The finishes are original and dated, and that is precisely the opportunity. The hard parts are already done and can never be replicated. The point-style setting, the protected ICW frontage, the private dock, the grand oak, the square footage, and the solid structure. Bring your architect and your vision and create a multimillion-dollar showcase on one of Wilmington's most coveted waterfront streets. Opportunities like this, the view, the oak, the dock, and the location, simply do not come along often. The canvas is extraordinary. The masterpiece is up to you.

8332 Bald Eagle Ln, Wilmington

415 E First St Unit & 416 E Second St., Ocean Isle Beach
$1,400,000
4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 100612194 MLS
An exceptional opportunity to own an oceanfront retreat paired with an additional vacant parcel on beautiful Ocean Isle Beach! Welcome to 415 E First Street and 416 E Second Street, a unique coastal offering that combines a charming, furnished beach home with additional island property, creating an opportunity rarely found along the North Carolina coast. Situated along a peaceful stretch of Ocean Isle Beach, this inviting home offers beautiful Atlantic Ocean views, direct access to the sandy shoreline, and a sense of privacy that makes coastal living even more special. With no home directly behind the property and a privately owned neighboring residence to the east, the setting provides a welcome retreat from the busier areas of the island. Spend your mornings watching the sunrise over the ocean, afternoons enjoying the sand and surf, and evenings relaxing to the sound of the waves. Inside, the home is filled with coastal character, featuring soaring vaulted wood ceilings, exposed beams, and an open-concept layout that brings the kitchen, dining, and living areas together. Natural light fills the inviting living spaces, while the kitchen offers white cabinetry, generous countertop space, and breakfast bar seating. A dedicated dining area and charming breakfast nook provide welcoming spaces to gather, whether enjoying a quiet morning coffee or entertaining family and friends after a day at the beach. Outdoor living is at the heart of this property. The elevated oceanfront deck offers a beautiful setting to take in the coastal scenery, enjoy the ocean breeze, or simply unwind overlooking the Atlantic. Beneath the home, covered outdoor space and convenient outdoor showers make transitioning from the beach effortless. Additional highlights include an updated HVAC system and seller-reported roof improvements featuring an insulated roof installed above the original structure. What truly distinguishes this offering is the additional vacant parcel at 416 E Second Street, included with the residence. This separate piece of island property adds a unique dimension to the purchase, with potential future uses subject to applicable regulations and approvals. Offered furnished with select personal exclusions, the home provides a convenient opportunity to begin enjoying the Ocean Isle Beach lifestyle. With a history of vacation rental use, it also offers appeal to buyers interested in a coastal getaway with rental potential. Whether you're searching for a personal oceanfront escape, a furnished vacation retreat, or a distinctive coastal property with additional land, this offering captures the charm, beauty, and possibilities of owning a piece of Ocean Isle Beach. Come experience coastal living where the beach is your backyard and every day feels like a getaway!

415 E First St Unit & 416 E Second St., Ocean Isle Beach

Start Your Search

Copyright 2026 NCRMLS. All rights reserved. North Carolina Regional Multiple Listing Service, (NCRMLS), provides content displayed here (“provided content”) on an “as is” basis and makes no representations or warranties regarding the provided content, including, but not limited to those of non-infringement, timeliness, accuracy, or completeness. Individuals and companies using information presented are responsible for verification and validation of information they utilize and present to their customers and clients. NCRMLS will not be liable for any damage or loss resulting from use of the provided content or the products available through Portals, IDX, VOW, and/or Syndication. Recipients of this information shall not resell, redistribute, reproduce, modify, or otherwise copy any portion thereof without the expressed written consent of NCRMLS.

How much is your home worth?

Get instant property value now!