Market Update

Hampton Roads Market Update

Updated October 18, 2026 ยท By Terry TreXler
Hampton Roads waterfront and downtown Norfolk skyline with USS Wisconsin battleship and sailboats on the Elizabeth River

Here's my take on what's happening in the Hampton Roads real estate market right now and what it means for buyers and sellers.

The Big Picture

The Hampton Roads market is active and moving toward balance. Active listings hit about 6,357 at the end of September 2026, up more than 16% from a year ago and the highest level since spring 2020, giving buyers real choices while well-priced homes still sell fast. The regional median sale price came in at $375,000 in September 2026, up 2.7% year over year, and Virginia Beach remains the tightest, strongest market in the region with a median around $430,000 on three-month figures, up 6.8% year over year.

$375,000

Regional Median Sale Price, Sept 2026

Up 2.7% year over year

~30 days

Median Days on Market, Sept 2026

Virginia Beach detached: about 17

6,357

Active Listings, Sept 2026

Up 16% year over year

2.9 mo

Regional Months of Supply

Highest since spring 2020; balancing

$430K

Virginia Beach Median, Sept 2026

Up 6.8% year over year

7.40%

30-Year Fixed, Oct 2026

Freddie Mac, mid-October

For Buyers

Competition is real but manageable. The key is being pre-approved, knowing your budget, and being ready to act when the right home comes up. I monitor new listings daily and can get you in the door before the crowd shows up. In this market, having an experienced agent isn't optional. It's essential.

For Sellers

This is still a favorable market for sellers, but the days of listing any home at any price and getting multiple offers are winding down. Pricing strategy matters more than ever. Homes priced correctly are selling fast and strong. Overpriced homes are sitting and eventually reducing, which signals weakness to buyers.

What to Watch

Interest rates are the wild card. The 30-year fixed average hit 7.40% in mid-October 2026, up from the low 6% range a year ago, which is dampening buyer purchasing power.
New construction in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach is adding inventory, but not enough to change the overall supply picture.
Military PCS season drives a surge in activity every spring and summer. Plan accordingly.
Rental demand remains strong across the region, making buy-and-hold investments attractive.

Want the Latest Market Data?

I track the market daily. Contact me for a personalized analysis of your neighborhood and price range.

Talk to Terry