Sales comparison approach using recent land sales in Oak Island's West End. Adjusted for marsh-front location and proximity to beach access.
Marsh-Front Buildable Lot with Ocean Access on West End
This rare West End parcel at 3318 W Dolphin Drive offers the kind of maritime setting most buyers search for: a 50 x 150 ft, 0.17-acre marsh-front lot with direct views across Montgomery Slough and just a short stroll to the Atlantic shoreline. Cleared/partial topography and 50 feet of street frontage present a straightforward canvas for a custom single-family residence designed to capture both marsh and ocean glimpses.
Utilities are in place at the street — public water, municipal sewer, and electric are available — and the lot is zoned OK-R-7 for single-family residential use. These practical advantages, combined with the site’s immediate proximity to tidal waters and public water access to the Intracoastal (approximately 0.5 miles), make this property particularly appealing to buyers who value fishing, boating, and an outdoor coastal lifestyle.
Financially, the parcel is offered as part of a court-ordered sale at $480,000. The assessed land value for 2025 is $320,000 with annual property taxes of $2,464. Recent nearby sales and current market analysis place fair market expectations for similar marsh-front lots in the $450,000–$500,000 range; an adjacent lot with comparable dimensions and features recently sold under similar circumstances. Buyers should note potential environmental and permitting considerations for marsh-front construction and are encouraged to verify setback and build requirements with the Town of Oak Island.
Living here means being steps from sand and saltwater: Atlantic Ocean beach access is roughly 0.1 miles away, Montgomery Slough brushes the property edge, and the Intracoastal Waterway sits conveniently close for weekend boat outings. Oak Island’s West End combines quiet residential streets with direct access to coastal recreation, while Southport Elementary (highly rated) serves the neighborhood; middle and high school options are part of Brunswick County Schools. This is an opportunity to build a thoughtfully sited coastal home where tidal marsh vistas meet easy beach access.
See the properties helping shape the valuation.
Comparable sales
- Similar lot size
- 2,439 SF larger lot
A residential land on 0.17 acres.
Site & utilities
West End
Researched nearby locations
Location
3318 W Dolphin Dr, Oak Island, NC 28465
Oak Island’s West End is defined by tidal marshes, quiet residential streets, and easy access to both the Atlantic shoreline and the Intracoastal Waterway. Residents enjoy a low-key coastal lifestyle centered on boating, fishing, and beach time; nearby public water access points make day trips to the ICW simple. The neighborhood benefits from strong elementary school ratings, while island amenities and Southport’s shops and dining are a short drive away. West End appeals to buyers seeking a relaxed seaside community with authentic coastal character.
Excellent access to coastal recreation: Montgomery Slough sits adjacent, the Atlantic Ocean is about 0.1 miles away, and Intracoastal Waterway access is roughly 0.5 miles—ideal for boating, fishing, beach days, and shoreline walks.
A factual market snapshot around 3318 W Dolphin Dr.
Oak Island’s market currently favors sellers, driven by limited inventory (approximately 2.5 months supply) and steady appreciation. Area metrics show a median sale price near $720,000, average days on market about 83, and year-over-year appreciation around 6.5% (with roughly 25% growth over five years). Land and single-family lots on Oak Island’s desirable waterfronts and marsh-front locations typically command a premium and can move quickly when properly priced and marketed.
For this property type—vacant residential land in the West End—demand is concentrated among buyers looking to build coastal primary homes or high-performing vacation rentals. Recent comparable transactions (including both raw parcels and recently built homes on larger lots) indicate that buyers are willing to pay for proximity to the ocean and water access. Given the low inventory for marsh-front lots, now is a strategically strong time for sellers; for buyers, preparedness (completed site due diligence, financing or cash readiness, and an early engagement with local permitting authorities) is essential to compete effectively. Attention to environmental permitting and setback rules will shape buildable footprints and project timelines, so factor those into offers and development budgets.
Residential
Zoning
Research-indicated uses
- Single Family Residential
Assessment data and recorded transactions.
Assessed value is kept visually separate from the CompCasa market-value estimate.
Tax assessment
Sale history
What the research supports — and what is still worth verifying.
Key findings
- Assessed value for 2025 is $320,000 with annual taxes of $2,464
- Lot dimensions are 50 x 150 ft, totaling 0.17 acres
- Zoned OK-R-7 for residential use
- Recent comparable land sales suggest a value between $450,000 and $500,000
- Court-ordered sale listed at $480,000
Still worth verifying
Routine buyer due diligence items; these are not known defects.
- Confirm zoning regulations and any building restrictions
- Verify environmental considerations for marsh-front construction
- Review recent comparable land sales for updated valuation
What stands out about this property.
Interior Features
- Vacant buildable lot
- Zoned OK-R-7 for single-family residential
- Cleared/partial topography
- Public water available
- Municipal sewer available
- Electric service available at street
Exterior & Lot
- Marsh-front on Montgomery Slough
- 50 ft frontage on W Dolphin Dr
- Lot size: 0.17 acres (7,579 sqft)
- Approx. 50 x 150 ft dimensions
- Short (0.1 mi) walk to Atlantic Ocean access
- Cleared/partial lot suitable for immediate site plans
Location & Neighborhood
- West End neighborhood of Oak Island
- Adjacent to Montgomery Slough
- 0.5 mi to Intracoastal Waterway public access
- Part of Brunswick County Schools
- Short drive to island amenities and coastal recreational access
Walkability & Recreation
- Walkability Rating: 45/100 — Car-Dependent
- Montgomery Slough adjacent for scenic walks
- Atlantic Ocean beach access ~0.1 miles
- Intracoastal Waterway access ~0.5 miles for boating and fishing
- Nearby shoreline and neighborhood streets for walking and biking
- Community recreation and water sports nearby
Sources & research confidence.
See where the property research came from and how confidence varies by field.