Estimate anchored to MLS list price ($950,000) and local coastal market norms. Range reflects +/- ~8% sensitivity for condition, flood-elevation costs, and comparable sales variability. No live comps search performed.
Canal-Front Home with Direct ICW Access & Short Walk to Beach
This canal-front Ocean Isle Beach home delivers waterfront lifestyle and genuine rental upside in a single package. Located on E Second Street with direct Intracoastal Waterway access from your backyard, the house sits just blocks from the Leland Street public beach access — the rare property that lets you trade sand for sailing in minutes.
Step into the well-proportioned main living level where an eat-in kitchen and a casual breakfast nook open to a generous living area designed for gatherings. Every bedroom on the main level functions as a private suite with its own bathroom, giving groups privacy and flexibility; a convenient half-bath on the main floor serves guests. Upstairs you'll find two large additional bedrooms that offer separation and comfort for family or rental guests. Outside, the main-level deck overlooks the canal — the perfect place for evening cocktails, watching boats pass, or launching kayaks.
The lower level houses a one-car garage and two versatile rooms for storing surfboards, bikes, and fishing gear, or converting into a workshop or additional guest space. An enclosed outdoor shower makes rinsing off after a beach day effortless. The house’s coastal bones are solid and ready for cosmetic updating to match your taste — whether you’re seeking a turnkey vacation home or a high-performing short-term rental.
Practical benefits include direct water access for boating and fishing, close proximity to the Ocean Isle Pier and local dining, and an adjacent vacant lot offered separately for buyers seeking more land or development options. With four full suites and 4.5 baths across 2,110 square feet, this property is configured to maximize both leisure and rental returns. Schedule a showing with the listing agent to see how easily the beach and the ICW become part of everyday life here.
A 1984 coastal on 0.14 acres.
Building
Site & utilities
Ocean Isle Beach (East Second Street area)
Researched nearby locations
Location
189 E Second St, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
Ocean Isle Beach is a small, family-friendly barrier island community known for beaches, fishing, and boating. The built environment mixes older coastal cottages with renovated second homes and newer constructions. Local dining, a pier, and small shops serve residents and visitors; larger shopping and services are a short drive inland in Shallotte or Calabash.
Excellent access to coastal recreation: beach walking, pier fishing, boating from canal/ICW, nearby parks and water-based activities.
A factual market snapshot around 189 E Second St.
Coastal Brunswick County continues to attract buyers seeking second homes, retirement relocations, and short-term rental income. Ocean Isle Beach is a tight market for water-access properties: inventory is limited, and well-priced canal-front homes move quickly during peak seasons. Median home prices in the immediate area are typically lower than the list price here, but canal and direct-ICW properties carry a notable premium. Expect active interest from boat-owning buyers and investor-operators focused on summer bookings. Days-on-market for desirable waterfront listings is shorter than the broader county average; accurate pricing, clear flood-elevation disclosures, and a strong photo set are critical to capture attention.
Typical single-family residential coastal zoning; small-lot residential along island communities. Check town zoning for setbacks and flood/VE zone rules.
Zoning
Research-indicated uses
- Single Family Residential
- Accessory Structures Per Local Code
- Short Term Rental Subject To Town/Municipal Regulations
What the research supports — and what is still worth verifying.
Key findings
- List price: $950,000; reported price per sf: $450.
- Living area: 2,110 sq ft; Lot: 6,098 sq ft; Year built: 1984.
- 4 beds, 4.5 baths; main-level living with lower-level garage/storage.
- Property is canal-front with direct ICW access and close to public beach access.
- Estimated market value range: $875k–$1.02M (confidence moderate).
What stands out about this property.
Interior Features
- 4 private bedroom suites on main and upper levels
- 4.5 bathrooms including main-level half bath
- Eat-in kitchen with breakfast nook
- Open living area ideal for groups and entertaining
- Two upstairs bedrooms provide separation for families
Exterior & Lot
- Canal frontage with direct Intracoastal Waterway access
- Main-level deck with water views
- One-car garage plus two lower-level storage/utility rooms
- Enclosed outdoor shower
- Lot size: 6,098 sq ft (approx. 0.14 acres)
Location & Neighborhood
- Blocks from Leland Street Beach Access and Ocean Isle Pier
- Quiet residential street with mix of vacation homes and year-round residences
- Nearby shops and restaurants within short drive
- Adjacent vacant lot available (separate listing)
Walkability & Recreation
- Walkability Rating: 65/100
- Easy beach walk (within a few blocks)
- Immediate boating, fishing, kayaking from backyard canal
- Local bike-friendly streets and short drives to marinas
Sources & research confidence.
See where the property research came from and how confidence varies by field.