Hampton Roads Real Estate Blog

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

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Norfolk's Days Inn Is Becoming 160 Affordable Housing Units — Here's What That Means for the Neighborhood
News

Norfolk's Days Inn Is Becoming 160 Affordable Housing Units — Here's What That Means for the Neighborhood

GoodHomes Communities is converting a Norfolk Days Inn into 160 workforce housing units — one of the latest motel-to-housing conversions reshaping Hampton Roads. Here's what nearby homeowners, renters, and investors need to know about how these projects work and what they typically mean for surrounding property values.

May 26, 2026
VBCDC Turns 40: How Virginia Beach's Largest Nonprofit Housing Provider Has Shaped Our Neighborhoods
Community Spotlight

VBCDC Turns 40: How Virginia Beach's Largest Nonprofit Housing Provider Has Shaped Our Neighborhoods

The Virginia Beach Community Development Corporation is celebrating 40 years of affordable housing work across Hampton Roads. Here's what their mission has meant for local neighborhoods — and why it matters more than ever in today's housing market.

May 26, 2026
Virginia's Free Flood Risk Lookup Tool: How to Check Any Hampton Roads Property in Minutes
flood-and-risk

Virginia's Free Flood Risk Lookup Tool: How to Check Any Hampton Roads Property in Minutes

Most Hampton Roads homeowners and buyers don't know Virginia offers a free flood risk lookup tool that combines FEMA, GIS, and wildlife data in one place. Here's how to use the Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS) to check any property's flood zone status before you buy, sell, or renew your insurance.

May 25, 2026
Suffolk Has 6,800+ Homes in the Pipeline — Is the City Growing Too Fast?
Community Spotlight

Suffolk Has 6,800+ Homes in the Pipeline — Is the City Growing Too Fast?

Nearly 7,000 approved-but-unbuilt homes represent a 16% increase to Suffolk's housing stock — and that number is raising real questions about traffic, schools, and infrastructure. Here's what it actually means for buyers, current homeowners, and anyone watching this market closely.

May 25, 2026
The VA Loan Mistakes Hampton Roads Military Buyers Make Every PCS Season (and How to Avoid Them)
Buying Tips

The VA Loan Mistakes Hampton Roads Military Buyers Make Every PCS Season (and How to Avoid Them)

PCS season is here, and thousands of military families are house-hunting across Hampton Roads right now. One wrong move with a VA loan can cost you thousands — here are the mistakes I see every single spring, and exactly how to avoid them.

May 22, 2026
Norfolk Named 2026 All-America City Finalist — Here's Why It Matters for Hampton Roads
Community Spotlight

Norfolk Named 2026 All-America City Finalist — Here's Why It Matters for Hampton Roads

Norfolk has been named a 2026 All-America City Award finalist by the National Civic League — recognition that reflects real momentum in the city's civic programs and community investment. Here's what earned Norfolk the nod, and what this kind of national attention means for residents, homeowners, and buyers across Hampton Roads.

May 22, 2026
Building or Renovating in a Virginia Beach Flood Zone? Here's What the City Requires
flood-and-risk

Building or Renovating in a Virginia Beach Flood Zone? Here's What the City Requires

Virginia Beach has strict floodplain rules that can significantly affect the cost and timeline of any construction or renovation project in a flood-prone area. Before you break ground — or even pull a permit — here's exactly what the city requires. Understanding these rules upfront can save you thousands and prevent costly surprises.

May 21, 2026
Virginia Beach Is Running Out of Land — Here's Why the City Is Building Up, Not Out
News

Virginia Beach Is Running Out of Land — Here's Why the City Is Building Up, Not Out

Virginia Beach has nearly exhausted its developable land, and the city is responding by pivoting to vertical development — particularly around Town Center. Here's what that means for buyers, homeowners, and investors across Hampton Roads.

May 21, 2026
How Military Spending Drives the Hampton Roads Economy — And Why It Matters for Your Home's Value
Market Update

How Military Spending Drives the Hampton Roads Economy — And Why It Matters for Your Home's Value

Hampton Roads has one of the largest concentrations of military and defense activity in the world — and that economic foundation has a direct, measurable effect on local home values. Here's what homeowners, buyers, and investors need to understand about the connection between DoD spending and the housing market.

May 20, 2026
Norfolk's MacArthur Center Redevelopment: What We Know So Far and Why It's a Big Deal
Community Spotlight

Norfolk's MacArthur Center Redevelopment: What We Know So Far and Why It's a Big Deal

Norfolk's MacArthur Center is closing by June 30, 2026, and the City has major redevelopment plans for the site. Here's what we know about the project, what it means for downtown Norfolk's future, and why Hampton Roads homeowners and investors should be paying close attention.

May 20, 2026
The Ripple Effect: How Virginia Beach's Flood Protection Milestones Are Already Changing Neighborhoods
flood-and-risk

The Ripple Effect: How Virginia Beach's Flood Protection Milestones Are Already Changing Neighborhoods

Virginia Beach's flood mitigation program is delivering real, measurable results — and homeowners near completed projects like South Plaza Trail and Presidential Boulevard are already seeing the benefits. Here's what the city's own Ripple Effect update means for your property value, flood insurance, and quality of life.

May 19, 2026
Data Centers Are Coming to Hampton Roads — Here's How Local Leaders Are Preparing
News

Data Centers Are Coming to Hampton Roads — Here's How Local Leaders Are Preparing

Large-scale data centers are eyeing Hampton Roads, and local governments are moving quickly to establish zoning guardrails before proposals arrive. Here's what homeowners, investors, and residents need to know about the potential impact on neighborhoods, utilities, and property values across the region.

May 19, 2026
Two Hampton Roads Cold Cases Solved After 30+ Years: The Story Behind the Colonial Parkway Murders
local-interest

Two Hampton Roads Cold Cases Solved After 30+ Years: The Story Behind the Colonial Parkway Murders

After more than 30 years, two cold case murders connected to the infamous Colonial Parkway Murders have finally been resolved. Virginia State Police, Hampton Police, and the FBI named Alan Wilmer Sr. as responsible for the deaths of David Knobling, Robin Edwards, and Teresa Howell — bringing long-awaited answers to families and a region that never stopped asking questions.

May 18, 2026
PCS to Norfolk in 2026? What Relocation Guides Won't Tell You About Living Here
Buying Tips

PCS to Norfolk in 2026? What Relocation Guides Won't Tell You About Living Here

Most relocation guides make Hampton Roads sound straightforward. It isn't — and if you're PCSing to Norfolk in 2026, the gaps in that generic advice can cost you real time and money. Here's what two decades of helping military families navigate this area actually looks like.

May 18, 2026
New Construction in Hampton Roads Now Averages $527K — Here's What's Driving the Affordability Squeeze
Market Update

New Construction in Hampton Roads Now Averages $527K — Here's What's Driving the Affordability Squeeze

New construction in Hampton Roads hit an average of $527,543 in 2025 — up nearly 11% while sales volume dropped 28%. Here's what's behind the numbers and what it means if you're weighing a new build against resale.

May 16, 2026
What Does a 2/1 Buydown Actually Cost You? A Real Example from Virginia Beach New Construction
Buying Tips

What Does a 2/1 Buydown Actually Cost You? A Real Example from Virginia Beach New Construction

Builder buydown offers are everywhere in Virginia Beach right now, but most buyers don't know what they're actually agreeing to. Using a real flyer from a Virginia Beach new construction community, Barry Jenkins breaks down the true cost of a 2/1 buydown — month by month, year by year — so you can decide if it's actually a deal.

May 15, 2026
Hampton's Homebuyer Assistance Program: Free Money for Buying Downtown — Here's How to Qualify
Buying Tips

Hampton's Homebuyer Assistance Program: Free Money for Buying Downtown — Here's How to Qualify

Hampton's Homebuyer Assistance Program offers up to $20,000 in down payment and closing cost help for eligible buyers purchasing in two downtown neighborhoods. Most Hampton Roads buyers have never heard of it. Here's exactly how it works and how to apply.

May 15, 2026
Suffolk Just Approved a $2 Billion Improvement Plan — Here's What It Means for Homeowners and Buyers
Community Spotlight

Suffolk Just Approved a $2 Billion Improvement Plan — Here's What It Means for Homeowners and Buyers

Suffolk City Council unanimously approved a $2 billion Community Improvement Plan covering 2026–2035. If you own a home in Suffolk or you're considering buying there, here's where the money is going and why it matters for property values.

May 15, 2026
170 Vacant Public Housing Units in Norfolk — Why This Matters for the Whole City
News

170 Vacant Public Housing Units in Norfolk — Why This Matters for the Whole City

More than 170 units sit empty at a Norfolk public housing complex due to mold and maintenance issues — and if left unresolved, that vacancy rate could put federal funding at serious risk. Here's what that means for Norfolk's redevelopment pipeline and why Hampton Roads residents beyond city limits should pay attention.

May 14, 2026
Virginia Beach Home Prices Up 15.6% Year-Over-Year — What's Driving the Surge?
Market Update

Virginia Beach Home Prices Up 15.6% Year-Over-Year — What's Driving the Surge?

The median list price in Virginia Beach just hit $479,900 — a 15.6% jump from last year — while national prices are actually falling. Here's what's behind the surge and what it means if you're buying, selling, or just watching your equity grow.

May 14, 2026
Virginia Beach Amphitheater Turns 30: A Look Back at Three Decades of Concerts at the Oceanfront
local-interest

Virginia Beach Amphitheater Turns 30: A Look Back at Three Decades of Concerts at the Oceanfront

The Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach is celebrating 30 years as one of Hampton Roads' most beloved entertainment destinations. From its earliest seasons to the upcoming 2026 concert lineup, the venue has been woven into the fabric of this community in ways that go far beyond live music. Here's a look back — and a look ahead.

May 14, 2026
Back Bay Farmhouse May Become Apartments: What Virginia Beach's Kempsville Road Development Means for the Area
Community Spotlight

Back Bay Farmhouse May Become Apartments: What Virginia Beach's Kempsville Road Development Means for the Area

Plans are in early stages to convert the popular Back Bay Farmhouse brewery site on Kempsville Road into a new apartment complex. Here's what that could mean for nearby homeowners, traffic, and the Kempsville corridor's long-term character.

May 13, 2026
Rain Gardens, Oyster Reefs, and Flood Control: Hampton's Dutch-Inspired Strategy That Other HR Cities Should Watch
flood-and-risk

Rain Gardens, Oyster Reefs, and Flood Control: Hampton's Dutch-Inspired Strategy That Other HR Cities Should Watch

Hampton, Virginia is taking a nature-based approach to flood control — rain gardens, oyster reefs, and creek restoration — instead of billion-dollar walls and pumps. Here's why Hampton Roads homeowners everywhere should be paying close attention to what's working.

May 13, 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