D
ecember 16, 2025, 11:07 p.m. EST – Virginia. The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR) released a new outlook for the 2026 housing market. Buyers are expected to encounter a broader inventory, while sellers should see prices move steadily upward at a moderate pace. NVAR’s analysis, drawn from Prince William, Stafford, Loudoun, Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax counties, projects a balanced market: home values will rise, except for Fairfax County condominiums and single‑family homes in Prince William and Stafford, where growth may lag. The forecast also notes that inventory remains at pre‑pandemic lows, but is expanding.

    “Three key takeaways,” said NVAR CEO Ryan McLaughlin. “The 2026 market will trend toward equilibrium, offering a healthier experience for both sides and demonstrating resilience. Prices are expected to rise across all jurisdictions, but at a measured rate. The full effect of federal job cuts on real‑estate activity is still unclear.” McLaughlin added that the impact of recent federal workforce reductions has yet to be fully realized.

    The report’s data come from the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis, covering pricing, sales activity, inventory levels and more.