True Cost Guide · Four Seasons at Belle Terre · Lewes

Four Seasons at Belle Terre — True Cost 2026

Belle Terre averages ~$706K in Lewes. That is ~$230K above Four Seasons at The Estuary in Millsboro. The Lewes location premium is real — here is exactly what it costs monthly and whether the math works for your retirement budget.

Belle Terre vs The Estuary — The Price Gap in Monthly Terms

Belle Terre average of ~$706K vs The Estuary average of ~$480K: a $226K purchase price difference. At 6.5% on 80% financing, that is approximately $1,034/month more in mortgage at Belle Terre. The HOA fees are roughly similar (~$250/mo each). Property taxes run $303–$394/mo at Belle Terre vs $173–$224/mo at The Estuary (Sussex County rate applied to purchase price). The total monthly gap at average prices is approximately $1,160–$1,200/month in favor of The Estuary.

That $1,160/month buys you: 6 miles to Rehoboth Beach vs 12 miles, the town of Lewes walkability, and the K. Hovnanian Lewes brand. Whether that is worth $1,160/month is a personal calculation that only you can make.

Verify current HOA fee with Belle Terre HOA before using any estimateThe ~$250/mo is from available market data; the community is under homeowner control and the fee may have changed.

Cost Scenarios

Entry — $575K

HOA fee (verify)~$250/mo est.
Property tax~$206–$269/mo
Insurance~$140–$185/mo
Utilities~$180–$250/mo
Total (ex-mortgage)~$776–$954/mo

Average — $706K

HOA fee (verify)~$250/mo est.
Property tax~$253–$329/mo
Insurance~$175–$230/mo
Utilities~$195–$270/mo
Total (ex-mortgage)~$873–$1,079/mo

Upper — $850K

HOA fee (verify)~$250/mo est.
Property tax~$305–$396/mo
Insurance~$200–$265/mo
Utilities~$210–$285/mo
Total (ex-mortgage)~$965–$1,196/mo
Sussex County property taxes stay reasonable even at $706KAt the Belle Terre average, annual property tax is ~$3,036–$3,953. A comparable $706K home in Chester County PA carries $9,178–$11,296/year. The Lewes premium is in the purchase price, not the ongoing tax burden.

Related Pages

Belle Terre or Millsboro?

The monthly cost gap is over $1,100. We can help you decide if the Lewes premium makes sense for your retirement.

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