Property listing for 116 Lowell Ave, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
For SaleSingle Family Home

$625,000

116 Lowell Ave, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Coastal Cottage Steps from Wright Brothers Memorial and Beach

3 Bed · 2 Bath · 870 Sq Ft

Renovated 3BR/2BA cottage with screened porch and proven rental income

3

Beds

2

Baths

870

Sq Ft

1977

Built

0.17 acres

Lot

2-car carport

Garage

About 116 Lowell Ave

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.

Home Highlights

New HVAC and water heater (2024)Proven 2025 vacation rental income: $50,000+Screened porch and level corner lotTwo-block walk to Prospect Ave beach accessElectrical upgrades (2024) and move-in ready conditionZoned RL — potential for accessory dwelling unit870 SF, efficient 3BR/2BA coastal cottage2-car carport + driveway parking

Property Features

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

Neighborhood & Location

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.

Market Insights

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.

Nearby Schools

First Flight High School

High

7/10

First Flight Middle School

Middle

8/10

Nags Head Elementary School

Elementary

5/10

Walkability & Recreation

60
Walkability
90
Recreation

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.

Investment Highlights

  • Recently installed HVAC system and water heater (2024) reduce near-term maintenance costs
  • Proven vacation rental income exceeding $50K in 2025 with potential to reach $60K
  • Corner lot adjacent to Wright Brothers Memorial offers open views and low traffic
  • Two-block walk to Prospect Ave Beach Access with bathhouse and showers
  • Potential for future expansion or new build to capture ocean views over parkland
  • Located in X Flood Zone, reducing flood insurance requirements

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)

Things to Consider

  • Built in 1977 — potential for aging infrastructure requiring inspection
  • Septic system — verify condition and capacity for current and future use
  • Adjacent to parkland — confirm any restrictions or easements affecting property use
  • Rental income projections are estimates and may vary based on market conditions

Opportunity Analysis

Well-maintained coastal cottage in prime Kill Devil Hills location with strong rental history and potential for increased income. Recent upgrades and proximity to beach and historical landmarks enhance appeal. Balanced market conditions suggest stable appreciation.

Potential Use Scenarios

  • Continue operating as vacation rental with potential to increase income through extended season or winter leases
  • Explore options for expansion or new build to capture ocean views and increase property value
  • Consider as primary residence with benefits of proximity to beach and local amenities

Risk Factors

  • 1977 construction — potential for aging infrastructure requiring maintenance
  • Septic system — ensure capacity and condition meet current and future needs
  • Rental income variability — subject to market conditions and management effectiveness

Buyers should conduct independent due diligence before making any purchase decisions.

AI Valuation Estimate

Low

$600K

Midpoint

$625K

High

$650K

$718/SF estimated price per square foot

82% confidence

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.

As of 2026-03-07

This is a computer-generated estimate for informational purposes only and is not an appraisal or professional valuation.

Market & Area Data

Market Trends

Area Median Price$550,000
Avg Days on Market35 days
Inventory2.5 months
1-Year Appreciation+5.0%

Demographics

Population (1 mi)4,000
Median Income (1 mi)$65,000

Kill Devil Hills median home values increased 25% from 2020-2025. Strong demand for vacation rentals. Walkability Rating estimate: 60/100.

Nearby Points of Interest

  • Wright Brothers National Memorial (0.1 mi)
  • Prospect Ave Beach Access (0.2 mi)
  • Publix Super Market (0.5 mi)
  • Outer Banks Brewing Station (0.6 mi)
  • First Flight Adventure Park (1.2 mi)

Proximity to Wright Brothers Memorial and beach access offers recreational opportunities. Nearby shopping and dining options enhance convenience.

School District

DistrictDare County Schools
ElementaryNags Head Elementary School (5/10)
MiddleFirst Flight Middle School (8/10)
HighFirst Flight High School (7/10)

Market data is based on aggregated public records and may not reflect real-time conditions.

Property Details

Building Details

Year Built1977
Constructionframe
Stories1
Roofasphalt
Heatingheat pump
Coolingcentral AC
Basementnone
FireplaceNo
Conditiongood

Lot & Site

Lot Size0.17 acres (7,500 SF)
Topographylevel
Parkingcarport_and_driveway
Parking Spaces2
Frontage75 ft frontage on Lowell Ave

Utilities

Waterpublic
Sewerseptic
ElectricDominion Energy
Gasnone

Zoning & Land Use

Zoning CodeRL
DescriptionResidential Low Density
JurisdictionTown of Kill Devil Hills

Allowed Uses

single familyaccessory dwelling unithome occupation
Current Useresidential
Assessor UseSingle Family Residential

Tax & Sale History

Tax Assessment

Total Assessed$510,300
Land$337,900
Improvements$172,400
Annual Tax (2025)$2,772

Sale History

2020-12-22$305,000

$351/SF

Arm's length transaction

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