The short answer: Virginia Beach's median sales price rose 8.4% from September 2025 to September 2026. That was the largest year-over-year gain of the seven major cities in Hampton Roads, according to REIN, our regional MLS. At the same time, the region had 6,357 homes for sale, the most since April 2020, and the median home took 30 days to sell. For owners, the city's median is up, but your price still has to be right for your home. For buyers, you have more choices and more room to negotiate than you've had in years.
I'm Joshua Britt with Joshua Britt Homes at Prodigy Realty. Every month I read REIN's numbers so my clients don't have to. Here's my plain-English take on September.
The September 2026 numbers at a glance
Here is how Hampton Roads as a whole looked in September, straight from REIN's October 2026 release:
| Market indicator (Hampton Roads) | Sept 2026 | Sept 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active residential listings | 6,357 | 5,472 | +16.17% |
| Pending sales | 2,009 | 2,159 | −6.95% |
| Settled sales | 2,142 | 2,117 | +1.18% |
| Median sales price | $375,000 | $365,000 | +2.74% |
| Months' supply of inventory | 2.97 | 2.63 | Up |
| Median days on market | 30 | 27 | +3 days |
| New construction sold via REIN | 221 | 226 | Down 5 homes |
And here is how the median sales price changed year over year in each of the seven major cities:
| City | Median sales price change, Sept 2026 vs. Sept 2025 |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | +8.4% |
| Chesapeake | +2.5% |
| Norfolk | +1.85% |
| Portsmouth | +1.7% |
| Hampton | +1.7% |
| Newport News | +1.63% |
| Suffolk | −3.26% |
Why an 8.4% jump doesn't mean every home gained 8.4%
A median is the midpoint of the homes that actually closed that month. If more larger or waterfront homes happen to close in a given September, the median moves up even if no individual home changed in value. You can see how much medians swing from month to month in the regional number: it fell from $388,950 in August to $375,000 in September, yet it was still 2.74% above last year.
So treat 8.4% as a strong signal about Virginia Beach demand, not as a value for your house. Your home's value comes from recent sales of similar homes near you: same size, age, condition, and location.
What it means if you own a home in Virginia Beach
Prices are up citywide, but buyers have more options. Active listings across the region were up 16.17% from a year ago, and homes took a median of three more days to sell. In a market like this, the homes that sell fastest are priced right from day one and show well.
A few things I'd do if I were selling this fall:
- Price from your street, not from the headline. I pull the REIN sales closest to your home and adjust for the differences.
- Fix the small things before you list. With more homes to choose from, buyers notice deferred maintenance.
- Know your disclosures. If your home is near NAS Oceana, Virginia law and the City of Virginia Beach require you to disclose in writing whether it sits in an aircraft noise zone or accident potential zone (Va. Code § 55.1-704; City of Virginia Beach AICUZ rules).
Curious what your home would sell for today? Start with my free home analysis, or see how my team can help you sell your home.
What it means if you're buying in Virginia Beach
You have more choice and more leverage than buyers had a year ago. REIN's 2026 board president, John Chandler, put it this way in the September release: "The number of homes on the market in our region is at its highest level in over six years, which gives buyers some additional leverage in their efforts to purchase a home." He also noted that "affordability is important for homebuyers, especially with mortgage rates trending up."
Pending sales were down 6.95% from last September, which means fewer buyers went under contract. Here's how I'd use that:
- Get pre-approved first. Rates are moving, so know your real budget. My mortgage calculator is a quick starting point before you talk to a lender.
- Look at homes that have sat a while. A home that's past the 30-day median may have a seller who's open to closing-cost help or repairs.
- Do your homework on location. Check the flood zone on FEMA's map, and if you're near NAS Oceana, look up the AICUZ noise zone on the city's map before you write an offer.
When you're ready, you can search Virginia Beach homes for sale or browse Virginia Beach homes and neighborhoods.
How I read the market for my clients
I spent more than 20 years in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Senior Chief, and I bring the same habit to real estate: get the facts, then make the call. A regional headline is a starting point. The decision you make should come from the sales on your street and your own timeline. In Virginia Beach right now, homes under $400,000 are still moving faster than most, but condition makes a big difference. Updated homes go quickly, while homes with dated interiors tend to sit longer. That opens a door for buyers. If you're willing to put in a little sweat equity, there are great deals out there. You can read more about me.
Frequently asked questions
How much did Virginia Beach home prices go up in September 2026?
Virginia Beach's median sales price rose 8.4% from September 2025, according to REIN. That was the largest year-over-year increase among the seven major cities in Hampton Roads.
What is the median home price in Hampton Roads right now?
The regional median sales price in September 2026 was $375,000, up 2.74% from $365,000 a year earlier, according to REIN.
Does an 8.4% increase mean my Virginia Beach home is worth 8.4% more?
Not necessarily. A median reflects the mix of homes that closed that month. Your home's value depends on recent sales of similar homes near you, which is what a home analysis looks at.
Is it a buyer's market or a seller's market in Virginia Beach?
It's more balanced than a year ago. Regional listings are up 16.17%, pending sales are down 6.95%, and homes take a median of 30 days to sell, which gives buyers more leverage. Well-priced homes still sell.
How long does it take to sell a home in Hampton Roads?
The median days on market across the region was 30 in September 2026, compared with 27 days in September 2025, according to REIN.
Do I have to disclose that my home is near NAS Oceana?
If the home is in a designated noise zone or accident potential zone, yes. Virginia Code § 55.1-704 and the City of Virginia Beach require written disclosure to buyers.
Where does this market data come from?
All market numbers in this post come from REIN (Real Estate Information Network), the multiple listing service for Hampton Roads, in its September 2026 market release.
Want to know what your home is worth?
Request your free, no-obligation home analysis at search.homesforsalevabeach.com/seller. Prefer to talk? Call or text me at (757) 520-0544.
Market data: REIN, September 2026 release. Medians describe the market as a whole, not the value of any specific home.
Joshua Britt, Joshua Britt Homes | Prodigy Realty, 2697 International Pkwy Ste 200, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 · Equal Housing Opportunity
Sources
- REIN, "Median Sales Prices Up, Down Across Region" (September 2026 data, released October 2026): reinmls.com
- Code of Virginia § 55.1-704, military air installation disclosure
- City of Virginia Beach, Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ)
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center
