Hampton Roads Real Estate Blog

Market reports, buying & selling guides, and community insights — from the Legacy Home Search team.

AllMarket ReportsMarket UpdateBuying TipsSelling TipsCommunity SpotlightInvestmentNews
Virginia Beach Property Values Are Rising Again — Here's What That Means for Your Wallet
Market Update

Virginia Beach Property Values Are Rising Again — Here's What That Means for Your Wallet

Virginia Beach property assessments are climbing for another year, and whether you own, rent, or are planning to buy, it affects you. Here's a straightforward breakdown of what rising assessments mean for homeowners, buyers, and investors across Hampton Roads.

April 20, 2026
The Hampton Roads Neighborhoods Smart Investors Are Watching Right Now
Investment

The Hampton Roads Neighborhoods Smart Investors Are Watching Right Now

Hampton Roads is quietly becoming one of the Mid-Atlantic's most compelling rental markets, and certain neighborhoods are pulling ahead faster than others. If you're building a rental portfolio across Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, or Suffolk, knowing where growth is happening before prices climb is a real advantage. Here's what the data and local trends are telling us.

April 20, 2026
Suffolk's Hidden Gem Neighborhoods: Where Hampton Roads Buyers Are Finding Real Value in 2026
Community Spotlight

Suffolk's Hidden Gem Neighborhoods: Where Hampton Roads Buyers Are Finding Real Value in 2026

While Virginia Beach prices keep climbing, Suffolk is quietly offering Hampton Roads buyers something increasingly rare: affordability, character, and real long-term growth potential. If you've been priced out of coastal markets, Suffolk deserves a serious look. Here's what you need to know.

April 19, 2026
Suffolk Home Prices Dip 4.4%: Correction or Buying Opportunity?
Market Update

Suffolk Home Prices Dip 4.4%: Correction or Buying Opportunity?

Suffolk home prices dropped 4.4% year-over-year in March 2026, with a median sale price of $393K. For buyers and investors watching Hampton Roads, this shift is worth paying attention to. Here's what the data means and how to think about it strategically.

April 19, 2026
Virginia Beach Property Values Are Rising Again — Here's What That Means for Your Wallet
Market Update

Virginia Beach Property Values Are Rising Again — Here's What That Means for Your Wallet

Virginia Beach property assessments are climbing for another year, and the ripple effects touch every homeowner, buyer, and investor in Hampton Roads. Understanding what's driving these increases — and how to respond — can make a real difference in your financial decisions this year.

April 19, 2026
What Virginia's 2025 HOA Law Changes Mean for Hampton Roads Homeowners
News

What Virginia's 2025 HOA Law Changes Mean for Hampton Roads Homeowners

Virginia's 2025 HOA law updates introduce important reforms affecting homeowners, buyers, and associations across Hampton Roads. From resale disclosures to stronger owner protections, here's what you need to know before buying, selling, or living in an HOA community.

April 18, 2026
Virginia Homeowners Can Now Build ADUs By Right — Here's What That Means for Hampton Roads
News

Virginia Homeowners Can Now Build ADUs By Right — Here's What That Means for Hampton Roads

A new Virginia law signed in April 2026 gives homeowners the legal right to build accessory dwelling units on their property, removing the local red tape that previously blocked many projects. For Hampton Roads homeowners, this could mean new rental income, added living space, or a meaningful boost in property value. Here's what you need to know.

April 18, 2026
What Are Hampton Roads Home Values Doing in 2026?
Market Update

What Are Hampton Roads Home Values Doing in 2026?

Hampton Roads home values rose 4.17% in 2025 — more than double the national average. Here's what's driving the market and what to expect in 2026.

April 18, 2026AI
Virginia Beach vs Chesapeake: Which Is Better for Home Buyers?
Community Spotlight

Virginia Beach vs Chesapeake: Which Is Better for Home Buyers?

Both cities offer strong value — but they're different in important ways. Here's a head-to-head comparison for buyers weighing their options.

April 18, 2026AI
Best Neighborhoods for First-Time Buyers in Virginia Beach?
Buying Tips

Best Neighborhoods for First-Time Buyers in Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has great options for first-time buyers — if you know where to look. Here are the neighborhoods offering the best value in 2026.

April 18, 2026AI
What Happens If the Appraisal Comes In Low in Virginia?
Buying Tips

What Happens If the Appraisal Comes In Low in Virginia?

A low appraisal doesn't have to kill the deal. Here are your options as a buyer when the appraised value comes in below the contract price.

April 18, 2026AI
What Do Hampton Roads Home Sellers Need to Know About Appraisals?
Selling Tips

What Do Hampton Roads Home Sellers Need to Know About Appraisals?

The buyer's lender orders an appraisal after your home goes under contract. Here's how it works, what can go wrong, and how to prepare.

April 18, 2026AI
What Does It Cost to Buy a Home in Virginia Beach in 2026?
Buying Tips

What Does It Cost to Buy a Home in Virginia Beach in 2026?

Beyond the purchase price, buying in Virginia Beach means closing costs, a down payment, and ongoing ownership costs. Here's what to budget.

April 18, 2026AI
What Does It Cost to Sell a House in Virginia Beach?
Selling Tips

What Does It Cost to Sell a House in Virginia Beach?

Selling in Virginia Beach costs 6–9% of the sale price when you add up commission, closing costs, and repairs. Here's the full picture.

April 18, 2026AI
How Much Are Closing Costs for Hampton Roads Home Sellers?
Selling Tips

How Much Are Closing Costs for Hampton Roads Home Sellers?

Beyond commission, Hampton Roads sellers pay grantor's tax, settlement fees, and prorated taxes. Here's the complete breakdown.

April 18, 2026AI
What Do Sellers Pay in Virginia Real Estate Commissions?
Selling Tips

What Do Sellers Pay in Virginia Real Estate Commissions?

The NAR settlement changed how commissions work. Here's what Virginia Beach sellers actually pay in 2026 — and how to negotiate it.

April 18, 2026AI
What Are Typical Closing Costs for Virginia Home Buyers?
Buying Tips

What Are Typical Closing Costs for Virginia Home Buyers?

Closing costs in Virginia typically run 2–5% of the purchase price for buyers. Here's exactly what you'll pay — and a few ways to reduce it.

April 18, 2026AI
Virginia Beach Home Prices Up 6.3%: What March 2026 Data Means for Hampton Roads Buyers and Sellers
Market Update

Virginia Beach Home Prices Up 6.3%: What March 2026 Data Means for Hampton Roads Buyers and Sellers

Virginia Beach home prices jumped 6.3% year-over-year in March 2026, pushing the median sale price to around $340,000. Homes are moving fast, often going pending in under 30 days. Here's what that means if you're buying, selling, or investing in Hampton Roads right now.

April 18, 2026
Virginia Beach Home Values Are Rising Again: What a 6.5% Increase Means for You
Market Update

Virginia Beach Home Values Are Rising Again: What a 6.5% Increase Means for You

Virginia Beach property values are projected to increase by 6.5% in 2026, continuing a trend of steady appreciation across Hampton Roads. Whether you own a home, are thinking about buying, or are considering an investment property, this shift affects your financial picture in real ways. Here's what you need to know.

April 16, 2026
Why Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads Are Winning in 2026 — And What It Means for You
News

Why Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads Are Winning in 2026 — And What It Means for You

Hampton Roads home values appreciated 4.17% in 2025 — more than double the national average. With the Bridge-Tunnel expansion, Amazon's new fulfillment center, and record defense spending, this region is accelerating. Here's what it means for buyers, sellers, and investors.

April 15, 2026
Hampton Roads Just Got a Blueprint for Economic Growth — Here's What It Means for Your Home
News

Hampton Roads Just Got a Blueprint for Economic Growth — Here's What It Means for Your Home

The Hampton Roads Alliance has unveiled a regional economic playbook designed to attract jobs and corporate investment across the metro area. For homeowners, buyers, and investors, that kind of intentional growth strategy has real implications for property values and housing demand. Here's what you need to know.

April 14, 2026
What Hampton Roads Homeowners Actually Pay in Property Taxes (2025 Guide)
Buying Tips

What Hampton Roads Homeowners Actually Pay in Property Taxes (2025 Guide)

Property taxes are one of the biggest ongoing costs of owning a home in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or anywhere in Hampton Roads. This guide breaks down how Virginia property taxes work, what local rates look like in 2025, and what buyers and owners should factor into their budgets.

April 14, 2026
Chesapeake Market Report
Market Report

Chesapeake Real Estate Market Trends Data, April 2026

The median list price for single-family homes in Chesapeake sits at $550,000 as of April 12, 2026, with new listings com

April 2026$550,000
Hampton Market Report
Market Report

Hampton Real Estate Market Trends Data, April 2026

Hampton's median list price sits at $336,000 with a Market Action Index of 48 — up from 44 last month — confirming this

April 2026$336,000
Suffolk Market Report
Market Report

Suffolk Real Estate Market Trends Data, April 2026

The median list price in Suffolk sits at $524,990 with 305 active single-family homes on the market and a Market Action

April 2026$524,990
Newport News Market Report
Market Report

Newport News Real Estate Market Trends Data, April 2026

The median list price in Newport News sits at $320,000 with a Market Action Index of 55 — up from 49 last month — confir

April 2026$320,000
Norfolk Market Report
Market Report

Norfolk Real Estate Market Trends Data, April 2026

The median list price for single-family homes in Norfolk sits at $350,000 as of April 12, 2026, with a Market Action Ind

April 2026$350,000
Virginia Beach Market Report
Market Report

Virginia Beach Real Estate Market Trends Data, April 2026

The median list price for Virginia Beach single-family homes sits at $609,000 as of April 11, 2026, with a Market Action

April 2026$609,000
A $350 Million Bet on Virginia Beach: What Atlantic Park Means for Homeowners and Investors
Community Spotlight

A $350 Million Bet on Virginia Beach: What Atlantic Park Means for Homeowners and Investors

A massive $350 million mixed-use development is reshaping the Virginia Beach Oceanfront — and it's not just big news for tourists. For homeowners, buyers, and investors across Hampton Roads, Atlantic Park signals real opportunity worth paying attention to.

April 11, 2026