$19,999 Waterfront Home in Millsboro, Delaware Offers Peaceful Marsh Views Near the Beach

An Affordable Waterfront Opportunity in Millsboro, Delaware

A property priced at just $19,999 is back on the market in Millsboro, Delaware, offering buyers an unusual opportunity to own a home with peaceful water views in the Bay City community.

Located at 26025 S Cherry St, Millsboro, DE 19966, this single-family residence features 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and approximately 980 square feet of living space.

The home was built in 1981 and sits in a waterfront setting with approximately 100 feet of water frontage, according to the listing information.

The property is described as a potential weekend retreat, vacation property, or coastal escape, with marsh views that provide a scenic backdrop from the home.

The listing also notes that the property is being offered under a land lease arrangement, an important detail that prospective buyers should understand before making a purchase decision.

A $19,999 Asking Price

The current asking price is $19,999, following a reported $5,000 price reduction on September 16, 2026.

At approximately 980 square feet, the listed price works out to around $20 per square foot.

That exceptionally low purchase price is one of the most notable aspects of the listing.

However, the low price should be considered together with the property’s ownership structure, condition, location, and lease obligations.

The listing identifies the ownership as Land Lease and reports a lease amount of approximately $951.

Because of this arrangement, prospective buyers should carefully review the land lease agreement, including the recurring payment, lease terms, renewal provisions, restrictions, fees, and responsibilities.

Waterfront Views and Marsh Setting

The property’s biggest visual attraction is its waterfront setting.

The listing describes peaceful marsh views and identifies the property as having a water view.

The home also has approximately 100 feet of water frontage, with the waterfront described as a cove.

This setting creates a distinctly coastal atmosphere.

Instead of looking out toward a conventional suburban yard, residents can enjoy views of the surrounding water and marsh environment.

For someone searching for a quiet retreat near Delaware’s beach communities, the scenery may be one of the most appealing characteristics of the property.

A Peaceful Bay City Location

The property is located in the Bay City community of Millsboro.

The listing describes the area as a sought-after community offering access to a variety of amenities.

According to the property information, community amenities include:

• Beach access
• Boat dock or slip
• Boat ramp
• Tennis courts
• Tot lots and playgrounds

These amenities can add recreational possibilities for residents and guests.

The combination of waterfront views and community amenities creates a setting that may appeal to buyers who enjoy boating, outdoor activities, and coastal recreation.

Three-Bedroom Layout

The home includes three bedrooms, all located on the main level according to the listing.

Having three bedrooms within a 980-square-foot home creates a compact but potentially functional layout.

The bedrooms could accommodate family members, guests, or visitors staying for weekends and vacations.

For a property intended as a second home or seasonal retreat, having multiple bedrooms can also make the home more practical for group stays.

Prospective buyers should verify the exact room dimensions and condition of each bedroom during an in-person inspection.

One Full Bathroom and One Half Bathroom

The property has one full bathroom and one half bathroom.

Both are listed as being located on the main level.

This configuration provides some additional convenience in a compact home.

A full bathroom serves the primary household needs, while the half bathroom can be useful for guests.

Depending on the property’s existing condition, the bathrooms could also provide opportunities for cosmetic improvements.

Modern fixtures, updated flooring, lighting, paint, and other improvements could potentially refresh the interior while maintaining the home’s existing layout.

Approximately 980 Square Feet of Living Space

The residence contains approximately 980 square feet of interior living space.

The entire listed finished area is above ground, with no basement.

The home is a single-level raised ranch or rambler-style property.

A smaller home can be easier to maintain than a large residence, particularly when used as a weekend or vacation property.

The compact footprint also allows the waterfront location to remain the central focus.

Rather than spending most of the ownership experience maintaining a large house, buyers can potentially use the property as a convenient base for enjoying the surrounding coastal area.

Comfortable Living Spaces

The listing describes the interior as offering comfortable living spaces with potential for modernization.

This is important because the property was built in 1981 and may appeal to buyers who want to bring the interior into a more contemporary style.

A renovation could potentially include updated flooring, fresh paint, modern lighting, kitchen improvements, bathroom upgrades, and other cosmetic changes.

The extent of improvements would depend on the home’s current condition and the buyer’s goals.

The existing layout provides a starting point for customization without requiring the buyer to construct an entirely new residence.

A Raised Ranch/Rambler Design

The property is identified as having a Raised Ranch/Rambler architectural style.

This style generally emphasizes practical living arrangements and efficient use of space.

The one-level configuration is particularly convenient for buyers who prefer to avoid multiple levels of stairs.

The three bedrooms and two bathrooms are all located on the main level, according to the listing.

The crawl-space foundation provides an additional structural feature that buyers should inspect carefully during due diligence.

Propane Forced-Air Heating

The home uses forced-air propane heating.

Propane heating can be common in areas where natural gas service is not available or where homeowners use propane for heating.

Prospective buyers should verify the condition and age of the heating system and determine the current propane arrangements.

Understanding heating costs is especially important for anyone planning to use the property during cooler months.

Central Air Conditioning

The listing also identifies central air conditioning with electric cooling.

For a Delaware coastal-area property, air conditioning can be particularly useful during warm and humid summer weather.

Buyers should verify that the system is functioning properly and determine its age and maintenance history.

If the HVAC equipment is older, future replacement costs should be included in a long-term ownership budget.

Public Water and Sewer

Unlike some recreational properties, this home is listed with public water and public sewer.

That can provide additional convenience for buyers who want a coastal retreat without managing private well and septic systems.

The presence of public utilities may also simplify certain aspects of ownership and maintenance.

Nevertheless, buyers should verify connection status, utility costs, and any community-specific fees or requirements before completing a purchase.

Four Driveway Parking Spaces

The property offers driveway parking with approximately four uncovered spaces.

This can be useful for a vacation-oriented home where family members and guests may arrive in multiple vehicles.

The parking arrangement also avoids the need for a separate garage.

For a 980-square-foot property, having room for several vehicles can be a practical feature.

Waterfront Cove Setting

The listing identifies the waterfront feature as a cove.

Cove-front properties can offer a quieter visual environment than homes positioned directly along more active waterfront areas.

The approximately 100 feet of waterfront frontage adds to the property’s recreational character.

Potential buyers interested in boating or fishing should confirm exactly what forms of waterfront access are available from the property itself and what access is provided through the community.

Community Boat Access

The Bay City community reportedly includes a boat dock or slip and boat ramp among its amenities.

For buyers who enjoy boating, these features can be particularly valuable.

Instead of simply having a water view, residents may have access to community facilities that make it easier to enjoy the surrounding waterways.

The precise availability, ownership, fees, and rules for any boat slip or dock should be confirmed with the community or listing representative.

Beach Access

Another notable community amenity is beach access.

This adds another recreational dimension to the property.

The home can potentially serve as a base for days spent near the water, followed by relaxing evenings overlooking the marsh.

For buyers searching for a Delaware coastal lifestyle without necessarily purchasing a traditional beachfront home, this type of setting can be appealing.

Tennis and Playground Amenities

The listed community amenities also include tennis courts and tot lots/playgrounds.

These facilities can make the community more suitable for households with children or families looking for additional recreational options.

The presence of multiple shared amenities means that the property’s appeal is not limited to its individual lot.

However, prospective buyers should confirm whether any additional community fees, rules, or usage restrictions apply.

Close to Delaware Beaches

The listing emphasizes the property’s proximity to Delaware beaches.

Millsboro is located in a region known for access to coastal destinations, restaurants, boating, shopping, and outdoor recreation.

The property therefore has potential appeal beyond its immediate waterfront setting.

A buyer could use the home as a weekend destination and explore nearby beaches and attractions during the day.

This combination of affordability and proximity to coastal activities is a major part of the listing’s appeal.

A Potential Weekend Retreat

One of the most natural uses for the property would be as a weekend retreat.

The compact 980-square-foot layout provides enough space for a small family or group of guests while remaining relatively manageable.

The waterfront view provides a scenic setting for morning coffee, outdoor relaxation, or evening gatherings.

The three-bedroom configuration also makes it possible to accommodate visitors.

For someone living within driving distance, the home could provide an easy escape from the routine of everyday life.

A Possible Vacation Property

The listing also presents the property as a potential vacation opportunity.

The location near Delaware beaches, combined with water views and community amenities, could make the property interesting to buyers considering a second home.

However, anyone considering short-term rental or vacation-rental use should verify local regulations, community rules, lease restrictions, insurance requirements, and any applicable licensing requirements before assuming that such use is permitted.

Rental potential should be evaluated independently rather than assumed from the property’s location.

Potential for Updating the Interior

The property is described as being ready to enjoy while also offering room for personal touches.

This creates an opportunity for buyers who want to improve the home gradually.

Instead of undertaking a complete renovation immediately, a buyer might choose to begin with cosmetic changes.

Fresh interior paint can dramatically change the appearance of a smaller home.

New flooring, modern light fixtures, updated window treatments, and refreshed bathroom finishes could also help create a more contemporary atmosphere.

A Coastal-Inspired Interior

Given the property’s waterfront setting, a future owner could potentially embrace a coastal-inspired interior design.

Light colors, natural textures, simple furnishings, nautical accents, and large amounts of natural-looking wood could complement the marsh views.

The goal would not necessarily require an expensive renovation.

Even relatively simple decorative updates could help connect the interior with the home’s surrounding environment.

Of course, any remodeling plans should be based on the property’s actual condition and the buyer’s budget.

Understanding the Land Lease

One of the most important considerations is the property’s land lease ownership structure.

The listing specifically identifies ownership as Land Lease and reports a lease amount of approximately $951.

This means buyers should not treat the $19,999 asking price as if they were purchasing a conventional fee-simple property with ownership of both the home and underlying land.

The exact terms of the lease are extremely important.

Prospective purchasers should review the lease carefully and understand the recurring payment, duration, renewal terms, responsibilities, restrictions, transfer provisions, and any possible changes to the lease cost.

A real estate attorney or qualified professional can help explain the legal and financial implications of the agreement.

Why the Land Lease Matters

Land-lease properties can have a substantially different ownership structure from traditional real estate.

The buyer may own the structure while leasing the land underneath it.

Because of this, buyers should consider both the upfront purchase price and the ongoing obligations associated with the land lease.

The reported lease amount of approximately $951 should be incorporated into any household or investment budget.

The lease agreement itself should also be reviewed for provisions that could affect future resale, improvements, financing, or occupancy.

Due Diligence Is Especially Important

At an asking price of $19,999, it can be tempting to focus primarily on affordability.

However, the property’s low price makes detailed due diligence even more important.

Potential buyers should investigate:

• The land lease agreement
• Current and future lease payments
• Property taxes
• Community rules
• Utility costs
• Waterfront rights
• Community amenity access
• Insurance availability and costs
• Property condition
• Roof condition
• HVAC systems
• Plumbing
• Electrical systems
• Crawl-space condition
• Flood or insurance considerations
• Rental restrictions
• Resale requirements

These details can significantly affect the overall cost and practicality of ownership.

Tax Information

The listing reports a tax-assessed value of $84,800 and an annual tax amount of approximately $181.

The asking price is substantially below the reported assessed value.

However, buyers should not assume that the assessment represents current market value.

Tax assessments are used for taxation purposes and do not necessarily correspond directly to what a property would sell for on the open market.

Current tax information should be verified with the appropriate local authority.

A Rare Price Point for a Waterfront Property

The combination of a sub-$20,000 asking price and waterfront views naturally makes this listing stand out.

Waterfront properties are often associated with significantly higher prices, particularly in areas with access to beaches and recreational amenities.

In this case, the land-lease structure is an important factor in understanding why the property is priced differently from a conventional waterfront home.

That distinction makes it especially important for buyers to compare the total ownership costs rather than looking only at the initial purchase price.

Back on the Market

The listing states that the property is back on the market at no fault to the seller.

It also encourages interested buyers to act quickly at the current price.

The property has been on Zillow for more than four months according to the information provided, with significant online interest reflected in the listing’s reported views and saves.

As always, online activity should not be interpreted as a guarantee that the property will sell quickly or at a particular price.

The current listing status and availability should be confirmed directly with the listing agent.

A Property With Coastal Potential

For buyers who understand the land-lease arrangement and are comfortable with the property’s compact size, the home presents an unusual combination of characteristics.

It offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, public utilities, central air, propane heating, driveway parking, water views, approximately 100 feet of waterfront frontage, and access to community amenities.

Its proximity to Delaware beaches adds another layer of appeal.

The property can potentially function as a personal retreat, second home, or another form of recreational residence, subject to applicable rules and the buyer’s intended use.

Final Thoughts on 26025 S Cherry St

The $19,999 home at 26025 S Cherry St in Millsboro, Delaware, is an unusual real estate opportunity because it combines a very low asking price with a waterfront setting and access to coastal-area amenities.

The property includes 3 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, 1 half bathroom, and approximately 980 square feet of living space.

Built in 1981, the single-level raised ranch/rambler features propane forced-air heating, central air conditioning, public water, public sewer, and driveway parking for approximately four vehicles.

Outside, the property offers water views and approximately 100 feet of waterfront frontage, with the waterfront identified as a cove.

The Bay City community also lists amenities including beach access, a boat dock or slip, a boat ramp, tennis courts, and playground facilities.

The location near Delaware beaches, restaurants, boating, and shopping adds to its potential as a recreational or coastal retreat.

However, the land-lease arrangement is perhaps the most important detail prospective buyers need to understand. The listing reports a lease amount of approximately $951, and buyers should carefully review all terms before proceeding.

Ultimately, this is not simply a story about buying a waterfront home for $19,999.

It is a story about understanding how an unusual ownership structure can create a dramatically different entry price into a coastal-area property.

For a buyer seeking a low-cost weekend escape, a place near Delaware beaches, or a waterfront property with room for personalization, 26025 S Cherry St could be worth a closer look.

The key is to evaluate the entire package—the home, the waterfront, the community amenities, the lease, the ongoing costs, and the property’s condition—before deciding whether it fits the buyer’s plans.

With its marsh views, three-bedroom layout, community recreation, and coastal location, this Millsboro property offers a distinctive opportunity for someone looking for an affordable way to enjoy the Delaware waterfront lifestyle.

 

From Zillow