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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.

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

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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

9274 Oldfield Rd Nw, Calabash
$925,000
4 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 100611792 MLS
When the quality is exceptional you can just feel it. It takes a visit to experience all that custom built 9274 Oldfield Road NW has to offer in the golf community of desirable Crow Creek. Situated on nearly 1/2 acre, and offering an impressive 4149 heated sq ft, this spacious residence features 4 BR, 4.5 BA, a bonus room and an oversized 2-car garage that is 30' wide! A peaceful water view adds to the appeal, creating a beautiful backdrop for enjoying the Carolina lifestyle. Designed w/ generous living space & timeless brick construction, this home offers a welcoming atmosphere for everyday living & entertaining. Gather around the fireplace for a cozy evening or enjoy relaxing on the impressive rear porch while enjoying the water view. The 1st floor features a primary suite that has an exit to the large rear porch, and a generous bath with a soaking tub and large walk-in shower. Also downstairs is a 2nd bedroom with its own private bath and an enormous laundry room. Upstairs you'll find BR 3 & 4, each with a WIC and their own private baths. There is also a bonus room you can enjoy as a media room, hobby space, home office or 5th BR. Call to find out how the rooms can be configured to provide for two primary suites, both with sitting rooms. BR 3 & bonus room each have large areas of walk-in attic storage. Peace of mind comes w/ several important updates, including a new HVAC system installed in Dec '25, all new outside lighting & a new water heater in '26. The crawl space is encapsulated & equipped with a dehumidifier, providing an added layer of moisture control & home protection. Seller is even providing a 1-year Supreme Warranty. Crow Creek is known for its attractive golf course, scenic surroundings, and community atmosphere. The golf course offers an enjoyable setting for golfers of varying skill levels, with rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and picturesque views throughout the course. Whether you're an avid golfer or simply appreciate the appeal of a golf course community, Crow Creek offers an inviting setting to call home. Minutes from downtown Calabash, this property is convenient to local seafood restaurants, shopping & everyday essentials. The beautiful beaches of Sunset and Ocean Isle are a short drive away, along with additional coastal destinations, boating, fishing, & numerous other golf courses. Nearby Little River, SC & the attractions of North Myrtle Beach provide even more options for dining, entertainment & recreation.

9274 Oldfield Rd Nw, Calabash

463 Caldonia Creek Rd, Atkinson
$350,000
2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ 100611520 MLS
Escape to the peaceful waterfront setting of Caldonia Creek, just off the Black River, in Atkinson, North Carolina. Situated on approximately one acre, this custom-built home offers a unique combination of craftsmanship, natural beauty, and outdoor living. Built in 2019 by its general contractor owner, this two-bedroom, one-bath home features approximately 1,495 heated square feet with thoughtful details throughout. Step inside and discover beautiful tongue-and-groove pine walls and ceilings, custom trim work, and a spacious open living area highlighted by soaring cathedral ceilings. The kitchen is a standout feature, showcasing rich black walnut cabinetry, granite countertops, a gas range, pantry, and a generous island offering additional seating and storage. The open layout connects the kitchen and living area, creating an inviting space for everyday living or gathering with guests. Both bedrooms feature nine-foot ceilings, while the bathroom offers tile flooring, a step-in shower, and a distinctive cypress vanity with vessel sink. An upstairs loft provides additional flexible space, and built-in storage adds functionality throughout the home. Outside, the waterfront setting takes center stage. Enjoy quiet mornings on the screened porch, relax on the spacious paved patio beneath the elevated home, or head down to the pier to take in the peaceful surroundings. Additional outdoor features previously reported include a boat ramp, storage areas, and fishing-related amenities. With its metal roof, fiber-cement exterior, elevated construction, custom woodwork, and access to the natural beauty of Caldonia Creek and the nearby Black River, this property offers an appealing opportunity for those seeking a full-time residence or a waterfront retreat. Come experience the craftsmanship, character, and relaxed waterfront lifestyle this unique property has to offer.

463 Caldonia Creek Rd, Atkinson

274 Twining Rose Ln, Holly Ridge
$869,000
4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 100611261 MLS
Experience extraordinary coastal living in the sought-after Summerhouse on Everett Bay community in Holly Ridge, NC! Offering an impressive 3,447 heated square feet, this beautiful new construction home features 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 1 half bathroom, a dedicated first-floor home office, and upstairs loft. The expansive living room features a fireplace and flows into a spacious kitchen with a center island, walk-in pantry, and dedicated dining area. The first-floor primary suite offers a private retreat with a generous bathroom and two walk-in closets. Upstairs, three additional bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and an open loft. Enjoy the coastal Carolina lifestyle from the welcoming covered front porch or the expansive 21-foot screened rear porch, ideal for morning coffee, outdoor dining, and relaxing evenings. An attached garage and dedicated laundry room add everyday convenience. Located in the gated Summerhouse on Everett Bay community, residents enjoy resort-style amenities, featuring 6 scenic lakes, two gated entries, Resort style community pool with lazy river, pickleball courts, breathtaking clubhouse, boat launch with direct access to the intracoastal waterway including day docks and pier, on-site boat storage, picnic areas, nature park with fire pit, walking trails, open air pavilion, playground, and fully equipped fitness center with lockers & showers. Just a short drive from Surf City, Topsail Island, beautiful beaches, shopping, and dining, this home delivers the perfect combination of space, coastal charm, and convenience. Schedule your private showing today!

274 Twining Rose Ln, Holly Ridge

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