What Virginia Beach Homebuyers Really Want

Melanie 

Ortiz Reyes

Content Specialist

In the Virginia Beach real estate market, understanding buyer preferences is a critical advantage for industry professionals as this is a highly competitive area for agents. PrimeStreet reached out to Virginia Beach natives and asked them what they looked for or are currently looking for when buying a home in this area. Through these conversations with local residents and homebuyers, we've gathered insights into what matters most to people searching for homes in this coastal city. From neighborhood considerations to specific home features, here's what Virginia Beach homebuyers are prioritizing in 2025.

Top Neighborhood Considerations

Flight Patterns and Aircraft Noise

One big factor influencing home values and buyer interest in Virginia Beach is proximity to naval air stations and flight paths. Properties located in high-noise zones, particularly those near military installations, typically command lower prices. While some buyers may not consider aircraft noise a dealbreaker, others specifically search for homes outside flight patterns.

As one resident noted, "You'll have a harder time reselling a place in the 75 dB zone." Though these properties still sell, they often do so at a discount compared to similar homes in quieter areas. Real estate professionals should be familiar with the AICUZ (Air Installations Compatible Use Zones) planning maps to properly advise clients about noise exposure levels.

Flood Zone Concerns

In this coastal community, flood risk ranks among the top concerns for buyers. "You definitely want to avoid properties that require flood insurance," mentioned one local homeowner. With rising sea levels and increasingly severe weather events, flood zone status has become a critical consideration that can make or break a sale.

For many buyers, being in a non-flooding area is non-negotiable, as flooding concerns affect not only immediate safety but also long-term property values and insurance costs. Real estate agents should be prepared to discuss FEMA flood maps, insurance requirements, and elevation certificates with potential buyers.

Proximity to Work and Amenities

Commute time remains a priority for Virginia Beach homebuyers. One resident specifically sought a home with "close to work (11 min commute)" as a primary requirement. The city's traffic patterns, particularly during tourist season, make strategic location increasingly valuable.

Beyond work commutes, proximity to the beach, shopping centers like Town Center, access to Interstate 64, and distance to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel all factor into location decisions. Agents should highlight these convenience factors when marketing properties.

Home Features That Matter Most

Architectural Style and Construction

Brick homes continue to hold strong appeal in Virginia Beach, especially to buyers planning for long-term residence. Single-story ranch homes are desirable among older buyers or those planning to age in place. As one homeowner in their 60s explained, they wanted a "brick single story ranch home... want this to be the home I die in."

The durability of brick construction against coastal weather conditions makes these homes more valuable, and the single-story layout eliminates future accessibility concerns.

Space Requirements and Layout

Virginia Beach buyers prioritize specific space configurations:

• Minimum of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
• Larger living rooms and den areas
• Kitchen eating areas plus formal dining spaces
• Workshop space or large garages
• Moderate lot sizes (typically 1/3 to 1/2 acre)

The pandemic's influence on home design continues to be felt, with more buyers seeking dedicated home office spaces and versatile rooms that can serve multiple purposes.

Outdoor Areas

Mature landscaping, particularly shaded backyards, ranks highly among Virginia Beach homebuyers. Neighborhoods with established trees like L&J Gardens, described by one resident as having "the old growth typically only found in areas like Little Neck, some bits in Great Neck, and Thoroughgood," go for premium prices specifically because of this feature.

Ample driveway space and usable outdoor living areas are also on buyer wish lists, reflecting the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that Virginia Beach's climate facilitates much of the year.

Dealbreakers and Non-Negotiables

HOA Concerns

Perhaps no single factor was mentioned more consistently as a dealbreaker than homeowners associations. "HOA is a deal breaker," stated one resident flatly, with others expressing similar sentiments. Buyers frequently cite concerns about restrictive covenants, rising association fees, and limitations on property use as reasons to avoid HOA communities.

When working with Virginia Beach clients, you should be prepared to discuss the specific benefits and limitations of HOAs, as well as maintaining a portfolio of non-HOA options for buyers who consider this a non-negotiable factor.

School Districts

For families with children, school quality often outweighs other variables. Even in a market with rising prices, buyers with school-aged children will stretch budgets for homes in desirable school districts.

Properties zoned for top-performing schools in Virginia Beach tend to maintain stronger values even during market fluctuations, making them safer investments over time. Agents should maintain current knowledge of school ratings, boundaries, and specialized programs to better serve family buyers.

Value Considerations and Market Trends

Budget vs. New Construction

Many buyers initially want a new construction but end up choosing existing homes due to budget constraints. As one local resident explains, "Financial concerns typically override the desire for new builds, as most new construction in Virginia Beach commands higher prices, builders must ensure homes justify the valuable land they occupy."

This creates opportunities for agents who can identify solid homes in good locations that might need cosmetic updates rather than structural overhauls. Homes with good bones but dated finishes are the current go-to.

Meeting Virginia Beach Buyers Where They Are

Successfully serving Virginia Beach homebuyers means understanding their unique preferences and concerns. From flight patterns and flood zones to HOA avoidance and school district priorities, local buyers have clear patterns in their must-haves and dealbreakers.

The most successful agents in the area will be those who can navigate these concerns while helping clients balance their ideal wish lists with market realities. By focusing on what matters most to these buyers, agents can better match clients with homes that truly meet their needs.