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For sale
  • Price cut: $5K (7/24)
    $429,300

    1896 New River Inlet #1412, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460

    2beds
    1,229sqft
    : 
    $3,354/mo
    Get pre-qualified
    Condominium
    Built in 1984
    -- sqft lot
    $421,500 Zestimate®
    $349/sqft
    $835/mo HOA

    What's special

    Oceanfront penthouse condoFully renovated top-floor penthouseFresh paint throughoutTwo private balconiesDual water viewsTennis courts
    What is it like to own an oceanfront penthouse condo on Topsail Island, North Carolina? This is the answer. Topsail Island is a 26-mile barrier island along the southeastern North Carolina coast, named in the days of piracy when buccaneers would hide their ships behind the dunes and merchant vessels could see only the tops of their sails. That history of hiding something extraordinary behind an unassuming exterior has never felt more appropriate than it does at Unit 1412 in Shipwatch Villas, a fully renovated top-floor penthouse with skylights, volume ceilings, dual water views, and two private balconies at one of the most recognized addresses on the island. North Topsail Beach carries a town motto of Nature's Tranquil Beauty, and it earns it. Located on the northernmost 11 miles of Topsail Island, the town is known for being laid back and peaceful, with breathtaking Atlantic sunrises, spectacular Intracoastal sunsets, and maritime forests that feel genuinely untouched. North Topsail Beach consistently attracts buyers who want to maximize their coastal experience without paying the higher premiums seen in more commercialized destinations. Unit 1412 is the penthouse that earns that description in full. Skylights exclusive to this floor pour natural light into every room from above. Volume ceilings amplify that light in a way no lower unit can replicate. The primary suite faces east for Atlantic sunrise views every morning. The guest suite faces west toward the Intracoastal Waterway for sunset views every evening. Two private balconies connect you to both. A complete renovation delivers brand new luxury vinyl plank flooring, updated bathrooms with solid surface countertops, a refreshed kitchen with stainless appliances, and fresh paint throughout. Every room is ready. Nothing is waiting for you. From this address you are steps from direct private beach boardwalk access, an oceanfront community pool with sundeck, and tennis courts, and minutes from the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue Center and Seaview Fishing Pier, one of the longest piers on the North Carolina coast. Surf City waterfront dining and Wilmington's historic downtown are both within easy reach. Shipwatch Villas is now VA approved. Qualified veterans, active duty service members, and military retirees can purchase using VA financing with little to no down payment and no private mortgage insurance required. Contact a VA-approved lender for current rates and terms. Camp Lejeune, MCAS New River, MARSOC, and Stone Bay are all within comfortable reach. This unit has never been in a rental program, zero rental wear, zero deferred maintenance, and a completely clean slate for whoever comes next. Whether you are looking for a short-term vacation rental investment, a long-term rental income property, a primary coastal residence, or a lock-and-leave second home, this penthouse delivers on every front. Topsail Island short-term rental revenue has grown 17 to 26 percent year over year and comparable oceanfront units generate strong seasonal income. Never rented means you design the program, keep the first season, and build the reputation from a pristine starting point. The number of miles of Topsail Island coastline does not increase. The number of penthouse units with skylights at Shipwatch Villas does not increase. Demand from relocation buyers, military families, retirees, and investors continues to grow. That is the investment case. Top floor. Skylights. Renovated. Two elevators service the complex. Pool. VA approved. Topsail Island.
    143 days
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    362
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    13
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    Zillow last checked:

    Listing updated:

    Listed by:

    McKenzie L Johnson 910-554-0761,

    eXp Realty

    Source: Hive MLS,MLS#: 100563285MLS LogoOriginating MLS: Jacksonville Board of Realtors

      Facts & features

      Interior

      Bedrooms & bathrooms
      • Bedrooms: 2
      • Bathrooms: 2
      • Full bathrooms: 2
      Rooms
      • Room types: Master Bedroom, Bedroom 2, Great Room
      Heating
      • Heat Pump, Electric
      Cooling
      • Central Air, Ceiling Fan(s), Heat Pump
      Appliances
      • Included: Electric Oven, Built-In Microwave, Washer, Refrigerator, Dryer, Dishwasher, Electric Range
      • Laundry: Dryer Hookup, Washer Hookup, In Hall
      Features
      • Vaulted Ceiling(s), High Ceilings, Entrance Foyer, Elevator, Ceiling Fan(s), Furnished, Walk-in Shower, Blinds/Shades, Eat-in Kitchen
      • Flooring: LVT/LVP, Tile
      • Windows: Skylight(s)
      • Attic: Access Only,Scuttle,Storage
      • Furnished: Yes
      Interior area
      • Total structure area: 1,229
      • Total interior livable area: 1,229 sqft
      Video & virtual tour

      Property

      Parking
      • Parking features: Parking Lot, Asphalt, Paved
      Accessibility
      • Accessibility features: Accessible Elevator Installed
      Features
      • Levels: Three Or More
      • Patio & porch: Open, Covered, Balcony
      • Exterior features: Outdoor Shower, Cluster Mailboxes
      • Has private pool: Yes
      • Pool features: In Ground, Private
      • Fencing: None
      • Has view: Yes
      • View description: ICW, Marsh, Ocean, Water
      • Has water view: Yes
      • Water view: Marsh,Ocean,Water
      • Waterfront features: Deeded Beach Access, Deeded Water Rights, Waterfront, Ocean Front
      • Frontage type: Oceanfront
      Lot
      • Features: Dunes, Deeded Beach Access, Deeded Water Rights, Deeded Waterfront, Ocean Side
      Details
      • Parcel number: 429814347908412
      • Zoning: R
      • Special conditions: Standard

      Construction

      Type & style
      • Home type: Condo
      • Property subtype: Condominium
      Materials
      • Cedar, Wood Siding, Steel Frame, Wood Frame
      • Foundation: Other, Raised, Pilings
      • Roof: Shingle
      Condition
      • New construction: No
      • Year built: 1984

      Utilities & green energy

      • Sewer: Public Sewer
      • Water: County Water
      • Utilities for property: Cable Available, Sewer Connected, Water Connected

      Community & HOA

      Community
      • Security: Smoke Detector(s)
      • Subdivision: Shipwatch Villas
      HOA
      • Has HOA: Yes
      • Amenities included: Roof Maintenance, Beach Rights, Pool, Elevator(s), Flood Insurance, Maintenance Common Areas, Maintenance Grounds, Maintenance Roads, Maintenance Structure, Master Insure, Security, Trash
      • HOA fee: $10,020 annually
      • HOA name: Shipwatch Villas HOA
      Location
      • Region: North Topsail Beach

      Financial & listing details

      • Price per square foot: $349/sqft
      • Tax assessed value: $340,000
      • Annual tax amount: $3,689
      • Date on market: 3/28/2026
      • Cumulative days on market: 143 days
      • Listing agreement: Exclusive Right To Sell
      • Listing terms: Cash,Conventional,VA Loan
      • Road surface type: Paved

        Estimated market value

        $421,500

        $400,000 - $443,000

        $1,704/mo

        Price history

        DateEventPrice
        7/24/2026Price change$429,300-1.1%$349/sqft
        Source: Hive MLS #100563285 Report a problem
        6/5/2026Price change$434,250-3.5%$353/sqft
        Source: eXp Realty #100563285 Report a problem
        4/24/2026Price change$449,900-2.2%$366/sqft
        Source: eXp Realty #100563285 Report a problem
        3/28/2026Listed for sale$459,900+130%$374/sqft
        Source: Hive MLS #100563285 Report a problem
        2/26/2010Sold$200,000$163/sqft
        Source: Public Record Report a problem

        Public tax history

        YearProperty taxesTax assessment
        2025$3,689 $340,000
        2024$3,689 $340,000
        2023$3,689 $340,000
        2022$3,689 +83%$340,000 +96.5%
        2021$2,015 +4.5%$173,000
        2020$1,929 $173,000
        2019$1,929 +6.3%$173,000
        2018$1,814 +9.6%$173,000 +11.6%
        2017$1,656 $155,000
        2016$1,656 $155,000
        2015$1,656 -3.1%$155,000 -3.1%
        2014$1,709 +11.2%$160,000
        2013$1,537 +17.1%$160,000
        2012$1,313 $160,000
        2011$1,313 -9.6%$160,000
        2010$1,452 -49.3%$160,000 -57.2%
        2009$2,864 +15.3%$373,806
        2008$2,484 -4.2%$373,806
        2007$2,593 +4.5%$373,806
        2006$2,481 +146.9%$373,806 +370.3%
        2005$1,005 $79,476
        Find assessor info on the county website

        Monthly payment

        Est. payment

        Payment breakdown

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        All calculations are estimates and provided by Zillow, Inc. for informational purposes only. Actual amounts may vary.
        HOA fees may include property taxes on listings classified as Co-Ops. Contact the listing agent and/or owner for fee details.
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        Climate risks

        Neighborhood: 28460

        Getting around

        8 / 100
        Car-Dependent
        28 / 100
        Somewhat Bikeable

        Nearby schools

        GreatSchools rating
        Schools provided by the listing agent
        • Elementary: Coastal
        • Middle: Dixon
        • High: Dixon

        Source: Hive MLS. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.

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