Sales comparison approach using 3 comparable sales within 1 mile sold in last 6 months. Adjusted for renovation quality, lot size, and bedroom count. Income approach supports $50,000 annual rental income. Assessed value of $510,300 appears below market.
Coastal Cottage Steps from Wright Brothers Memorial and Beach
This coastal cottage occupies a rare corner parcel directly adjacent to parkland with the Wright Brothers National Memorial just steps away — a location that blends history, beach access and easy rental appeal. The single-story, 870 SF footprint is compact and intentionally efficient: three bedrooms, two full baths, a roomy screened porch and an open living area that was updated for modern comfort while keeping the home’s seaside character intact.
Recent mechanical upgrades reduce immediate maintenance concerns. A new HVAC system and water heater were installed in 2024 and electrical improvements were completed the same year, so buyers benefit from move-in readiness and reduced short-term capital expense. Ceramic tile floors run through the main living areas for durability and easy turnover for vacation guests; central AC and a heat pump ensure year-round comfort.
Outdoor living extends from the screened porch to a level 0.17-acre lot with 75 feet of frontage on Lowell Ave. The property offers a 2-car carport plus driveway parking, and the corner setting creates open sight lines across the adjacent green space — a quiet buffer that enhances privacy and the feeling of space uncommon in close-in beach neighborhoods. Prospect Ave beach access is two blocks away, making mornings at the ocean and quick towel-and-sand cleanups an effortless routine.
For investors, the numbers tell a compelling story: this home generated over $50,000 in gross rental revenue in 2025 with upside to approach $60,000 by extending seasonality or adding winter leases. Comparable short-term rental performance and lease comps in the area suggest sustained demand for turnkey beach cottages in Kill Devil Hills. For owner-occupants, the property offers a manageable, walkable coastal lifestyle with groceries, casual dining and attractions within short drives or comfortable walks.
Buyers should note a few due diligence items: the home was built in 1977 and uses a septic system, so a professional inspection and septic assessment are recommended. Zoning (RL) allows single-family use and accessory dwelling units, offering future flexibility for expansion or redevelopment to capture larger value. With steady appreciation across Kill Devil Hills and median prices remaining strong, this cottage represents both a ready-to-enjoy coastal home and a proven income-producing asset.
See the properties helping shape the valuation.
Comparable sales
- 78 SF smaller
- Similar lot size
- 8 years newer
- 102 SF smaller
- 1 fewer bathroom
- Similar lot size
- 1 year older
- 90 SF larger
- Similar lot size
- 10 years newer
A 1977 coastal cottage on 0.17 acres.
Building
Site & utilities
Kitty Hawk Shores
Researched nearby locations
Location
116 Lowell Ave, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Kitty Hawk Shores is a low‑key coastal neighborhood prized for proximity to beaches, the Wright Brothers National Memorial and a stretch of local shops and restaurants. Residents enjoy short walks or bike rides to Prospect Ave beach access and easy drives to grocery stores and casual dining. The area blends historic sites, family-friendly parks and outdoor recreation—perfect for buyers seeking a relaxed beach lifestyle or investors targeting steady seasonal demand.
Exceptional beach and park access — Prospect Ave beach access is 0.2 miles away, the Wright Brothers National Memorial is 0.1 miles away, and several outdoor attractions (adventure park, breweries, walking routes) sit within a short drive or bike ride.
A factual market snapshot around 116 Lowell Ave.
Kill Devil Hills currently reads as a balanced but active market. Inventory sits around 2.5 months and homes typically sell in about 35 days, showing steady buyer interest without extreme pressure. Median sale prices in the area are near $550,000, with coastal cottages and smaller single-family homes often trading in the $580K–$680K range over the past six months; comps within a mile support an estimated value window of $600K–$650K for properties like this one. Demand remains supported by a 25% increase in median values since 2020 and strong vacation rental performance during peak months. For investors, rental comps and lease data indicate healthy seasonal rates (recent short-term rents equate to roughly $4,800–$5,000/month in peak season), making this a compelling time to acquire a turnkey beach cottage while inventory is low and appreciation is steady. Buyers should act with standard coastal due diligence—inspect roof, septic, and permits—but can expect a market receptive to well-located single-family homes that offer both lifestyle and income potential.
Residential Low Density
Zoning
Research-indicated uses
- Single Family
- Accessory Dwelling Unit
- Home Occupation
Assessment data and recorded transactions.
Assessed value is kept visually separate from the CompCasa market-value estimate.
Tax assessment
Sale history
Rental references from the research record.
Context only—not an investment recommendation or guarantee of achievable rent.
Supporting lease references
- Same living area
- Same living area
What the research supports — and what is still worth verifying.
Key findings
- County assessor shows 2020 purchase at $305,000 ($351/SF) — current estimate $625,000 ($718/SF)
- Assessed value $510,300 (land $337,900, improvements $172,400) — annual taxes $2,772
- Zoned RL — allows single-family residences and accessory dwelling units
- 3 comparable sales within 1 mile in last 6 months range $580K–$670K
- Average days on market in Kill Devil Hills: 35 days (balanced market)
Still worth verifying
Routine buyer due diligence items; these are not known defects.
- Confirm lot dimensions and boundaries
- Verify renovation permits were properly pulled
- Confirm zoning restrictions for future expansions
- Professional home inspection
- Septic system condition assessment
What stands out about this property.
Interior Features
- 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms
- 870 SF single‑story layout
- Ceramic tile flooring throughout main areas
- Open living area with efficient layout
- Screened porch for bug‑free outdoor dining
- Central AC and heat pump (HVAC replaced 2024)
- New water heater (2024)
- Electrical upgrades completed 2024
Exterior & Lot
- Corner lot — 0.17 acres (7,500 SF) with 75' frontage
- Level topography
- Adjacent to parkland/Wright Brothers National Memorial
- 2‑car carport plus driveway (estimated 2 spaces)
- Asphalt roof
- Public water, septic sewer
- Room for expansion or ADU per RL zoning
Location & Neighborhood
- Kitty Hawk Shores neighborhood
- 0.1 mi to Wright Brothers National Memorial
- 0.2 mi to Prospect Ave Beach Access
- 0.5 mi to Publix Super Market
- 0.6 mi to Outer Banks Brewing Station
- 1.2 mi to First Flight Adventure Park
- Dare County Schools (First Flight Middle & High nearby)
Walkability & Recreation
- Walkability Rating: 60/100 — Some errands on foot
- Beach access (Prospect Ave) 0.2 miles
- Wright Brothers National Memorial and green space 0.1 miles
- Nearby casual dining and grocery options within 1 mile
- First Flight Adventure Park and local outdoor activities within 1.5 miles
- Community-friendly streets for walking and biking
Sources & research confidence.
See where the property research came from and how confidence varies by field.