Homes/North Carolina/Oak Island/3318 W Dolphin Dr
CompCasa Property Analysis · land

3318 W Dolphin Dr

Marsh-Front Buildable Lot with Ocean Access on West End

0.17-acre parcel adjacent to Montgomery Slough, steps from the beach

0.17 acres
CompCasa valuation analysis
Estimated market value
$475,000
Low $450,000 · Midpoint $475,000 · High $500,000
Confidence80%Sales comparison approach
Last recorded sale$480,000Jan 25, 2026
Assessed value$320,0002025 assessment
CompCasa estimate$475,000Mar 8, 2026
Estimate vs. last recorded sale−$5,000 / −1.0%
$450,000$475,000 midpoint$500,000
Median sale price$720,000
Avg days on market83 days
Inventory2.5 months

Sales comparison approach using recent land sales in Oak Island's West End. Adjusted for marsh-front location and proximity to beach access.

About the property

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.

Comparable evidence

See the properties helping shape the valuation.

Comparable sales

01Sold price$480,000
Property address3320 W Dolphin Dr, Oak Island, NC 28465
0.01 mi7,449 sq ft lot
Sold Jan 25, 2026
Subject difference
  • Similar lot size
Research comparison noteAdjacent lot with similar dimensions and features, also part of court-ordered sale.
02Sold price$1,565,000
Property address3228 E Dolphin Dr, Oak Island, NC 28465
5 bed4.5 bath2,450 sq ftBuilt 20211.5 mi10,018 sq ft lot$639/SF
Sold Jun 14, 2022
Subject difference
  • 2,439 SF larger lot
Research comparison noteNewly constructed home on larger lot, indicating strong market for developed properties.
Comp methodology: Comparable sales focused on nearby land and developed properties to assess land value and potential post-development value.
Property details

A residential land on 0.17 acres.

Site & utilities

Lot size0.17 acres
Lot area7,579 sq ft
TopographyCleared/Partial
Frontage50 ft frontage on W Dolphin Dr
AccessDirect access from W Dolphin Dr
WaterPublic
SewerMunicipal
ElectricAvailable
Location & nearby

West End

Researched nearby locations

Montgomery Slough (adjacent)
Atlantic Ocean (0.1 mi)
Intracoastal Waterway (0.5 mi)

Location

3318 W Dolphin Dr, Oak Island, NC 28465

View in Google Maps
Editorial neighborhood context

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.

Nearby access summary

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.

ElementarySouthport Elementary (9/10)
Middle schoolSouth Brunswick Middle (3/10)
High schoolSouth Brunswick High (4/10)
School districtBrunswick County Schools
Market context

A factual market snapshot around 3318 W Dolphin Dr.

Median sale price$720,000
Avg days on market83 days
Inventory2.5 months
1-year appreciation6.5%
5-year appreciation25.0%
Editorial market perspective

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.

Zoning & land use

Residential

Zoning

Zoning codeOK-R-7
DescriptionResidential
JurisdictionTown of Oak Island
Current useVacant Land

Research-indicated uses

  • Single Family Residential
Verify with the jurisdiction: Zoning, setbacks, and allowed-use summaries are research indicators—not legal advice or a determination that a specific use is permitted.
Tax & sale history

Assessment data and recorded transactions.

Assessed value is kept visually separate from the CompCasa market-value estimate.

Tax assessment

Assessed land$320,000
Assessed improvements$0
Total assessed$320,000
Assessment year2025
Annual property tax$2,464
Tax year2025

Sale history

2026-01-25$480,000
Research findings & due diligence

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
Highlights & features

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
Research transparency

Sources & research confidence.

See where the property research came from and how confidence varies by field.

View sources & confidence
1
Compass listing page for 3318 W Dolphin DrView source
2
Realtor.com listing for 3228 E Dolphin DrView source
Important: This analysis is AI-assisted and may contain inaccuracies. It is not a formal appraisal. Verify all critical facts with primary records, licensed professionals, and on-site inspection before making purchase decisions.