10 reasons we’re excited to buy land in Virginia in 2026

Virginia continues to stand out as one of the most compelling places in the U.S. to buy land—whether you want a private retreat, a build site, timber ground, or productive acreage close to strong job markets. Recent land-value and market-activity data also show why buyers keep watching the Old Dominion closely. In 2023, Virginia agricultural land sold for an average of $5,464 per acre, and recent statewide data places average agricultural land value at approximately $5,850 per acre, according to Mossy Oak Properties. Even with price strength, transaction volume cooled: Virginia agricultural land sales dropped to 1,461 transactions in 2023 from 2,159 the year prior—a 32.3% decrease—per Mossy Oak Properties. At the county level, prices can vary dramatically, from affordable rural tracts to premium Northern Virginia parcels.

Reasons to Buy Land in Virginia

1. A market with long-term demand (and clear regional price differences)

Virginia offers everything from mountain and valley acreage to coastal plains and suburban-adjacent parcels—so land values reflect local demand. In the Central District, agricultural land averaged $6,283 per acre in 2023, according to Mossy Oak Properties. In Northern Virginia, prices can jump dramatically: Loudoun County shows average land values around $110,782 per acre, and in Fairfax County the median price per acre reached $728,417, per Mossy Oak Properties. This range gives buyers options—whether you want proximity to major employment hubs or more acreage for the money farther out.

2. Mild, four-season climate that supports year-round land use

Virginia’s four distinct seasons make it comfortable to enjoy your property throughout the year without the extremes found in many regions. That climate flexibility supports gardens, hobby farms, hunting camps, and full-time living.

3. Easy access to major metros without giving up open space

Virginia blends rural quiet with strong metro access. You can own land with room to breathe while staying within reach of places like Richmond—or commuting distance to Washington, D.C., depending on where you buy.

4. Outdoor recreation built into the landscape

From the Blue Ridge to rivers, lakes, and public lands, Virginia makes it easy to plan weekends around hiking, fishing, boating, and hunting. Buying land here can turn those activities into everyday conveniences.

5. A deep American story and living history

Virginia’s heritage is more than tourism—it shapes local communities, architecture, and the character of the land itself. Many buyers love the idea of owning property in a state that played a central role in America’s founding.

6. Education options that attract families and stabilize communities

Virginia’s strong K–12 and higher-education presence continues to make the state appealing for families who want long-term community stability and opportunity.

7. Business-friendly energy and room to build something

Many land buyers want more than a view—they want optionality. Virginia’s mix of rural enterprise, tourism, agriculture, and professional services makes it feasible to run certain small businesses from your land (subject to zoning and permits).

8. Wine country appeal in the right regions

Northern Virginia’s rolling hills and vineyard culture add lifestyle value that’s hard to quantify. For some buyers, owning land near wineries is a feature—not a bonus.

9. Productive farm economics—and income potential through leasing

If you’re buying agricultural land (or land with farm potential), leasing can help offset ownership costs. Virginia’s non-irrigated cropland rental rates are highest in Rockingham County at $102 per acre annually, according to Morning Ag Clips (National Agricultural Statistics Service). For the right parcel, that kind of rent signal can support long-term holding strategies.

10. A resilient land market with ongoing value movement

Virginia land values have continued to shift upward in key segments. Farm real estate values increased 10.4% in Virginia from 2023 to 2024, according to Morning Ag Clips. On the federal reporting side, Virginia farm real estate value is $5,470 per acre with a 5.4% change from 2024 (2025 data), per USDA NASS Farm Real Estate Value by State Map. These numbers reinforce what many buyers already believe: well-chosen Virginia land can hold value and remain desirable.

Tips for Finding the Best Land Parcels in Virginia

• Use online listings to map pricing, but also work with a local agent who understands zoning, road access, and neighborhood trends.
• Drive targeted rural areas and look for unadvertised parcels; some sellers still rely on signage and word of mouth.
• Walk the property to understand slopes, wet areas, timber, and any visible encroachments.
• Review county records for easements, liens, floodplain indicators, and deed restrictions before you get emotionally attached.
• Order a survey to confirm boundaries and acreage match the legal description.
• Talk with locals (farmers, loggers, builders, and adjacent owners) to learn what listings don’t say.
• Move quickly when a well-priced parcel fits your criteria—especially in high-demand counties where inventory tightens fast.
• Stay flexible; the best value often comes with tradeoffs like longer utility runs, limited clearing, or a narrower build site.

Avoiding Pitfalls When Buying Virginia Land

• Never rely only on listing photos or seller descriptions; visit in person and walk the perimeter.
• Confirm zoning, permitted uses, and any HOA or deed restrictions before you negotiate.
• Pay for a title search and survey; these steps prevent costly surprises.
• Verify legal access and the right to use any existing roads, lanes, or shared driveways.
• Consider an appraisal or strong comparable-sales review so you don’t overpay.
• Be cautious of “too good to be true” pricing; it often signals access issues, easements, wetlands, or building limitations.
• Negotiate based on facts (access, utilities, soil suitability, restrictions), not hype.
• Refuse rushed timelines; due diligence protects your money and your future plans.

Financing Your Virginia Land Purchase

You can fund a Virginia land purchase in several practical ways:

Conventional loans — Banks and credit unions may finance vacant land, typically requiring stronger credit, down payment, and documentation than a primary-home mortgage.

Seller financing — Some owners will carry the note, which can reduce friction and speed up closing.

Home equity — A home equity loan or line of credit can provide flexible capital if you have sufficient equity.

Retirement funds (self-directed) — Some buyers use self-directed IRA/401(k) structures where allowed; consult qualified professionals before pursuing this route.

Crowdfunding or partners — These models can work for investment-focused tracts, but they add complexity and require clear legal agreements.

Hard money/bridge loans — Useful for short timelines, though rates and fees are typically higher.

Market Outlook for Buying Land in Virginia

Virginia’s land market combines upward value pressure with periodic shifts in activity. Even as transaction counts fell in 2023—down to 1,461 agricultural land transactions from 2,159 the year before (a 32.3% decrease), per Mossy Oak Properties—pricing signals remained firm in many areas. In 2023, Virginia agricultural land sold for an average of $5,464 per acre, and recent statewide average agricultural land value sits around $5,850 per acre, according to Mossy Oak Properties. More broadly, farm real estate values increased 10.4% from 2023 to 2024, per Morning Ag Clips, and 2025 reporting places Virginia farm real estate value at $5,470 per acre with a 5.4% change from 2024, per USDA NASS Farm Real Estate Value by State Map.

Translation: the “right time” depends on your goals, but buyers who do strong due diligence and focus on fit (access, restrictions, utilities, and intended use) can still find compelling opportunities across the state.

Finding Cheap Land in Virginia (Without Buying a Headache)

• Target rural counties where per-acre pricing is typically lower than Northern Virginia.
• Consider land without improvements (no utilities, minimal clearing, no driveway) if your timeline and budget allow development work.
• Evaluate parcels with conservation easements carefully; restrictions can lower price but also limit future uses.
• Shop in the off-season when competition often drops.
• Look into tax-delinquent situations cautiously and verify title and redemption rules.
• Negotiate directly with motivated sellers when possible, but still use professionals for title and survey.
• Research before bidding on auctions; fast timelines can compress due diligence.

Questions to Ask When Viewing Land

• Does the parcel have legal road access, and can you build an approved driveway?
• What does zoning allow (home, farm, short-term rental, business use), and what requires permits?
• Where are the easements, rights-of-way, and utility corridors?
• How does the land drain after heavy rain, and are there wet areas or floodplain concerns?
• What’s the topography like for building, clearing, and maintaining a driveway?
• Are there nearby noise sources (highways, industrial sites, shooting ranges, commercial activity)?
• What are the likely septic and well considerations, and have soils been evaluated?
• How will vegetation management affect views and usability over time?

Choosing a Home Site on Land in Virginia

• Pick a site that balances views, privacy, and practical build costs.
• Confirm setbacks, septic placement requirements, and any stream or wetland buffers.
• Plan for sunlight exposure if you want gardens, pasture, or solar.
• Map utility routes and estimate extension costs early.
• Avoid low areas that collect water; prioritize stable, well-drained ground.
• Validate access for construction vehicles and emergency services.

Process of Buying Land in Virginia

• Define your intended use (build, recreation, timber, agriculture, investment) and must-have criteria.
• Identify candidate parcels through listings, agents, local networks, and public records.
• Research zoning and county requirements before you spend money on inspections.
• Walk the land and document conditions, boundaries, and access points.
• Pull county records to check easements, liens, restrictions, and ownership details.
• Order title work and a survey; address issues before closing.
• Finalize financing, insurance, and any required evaluations (soil, septic, timber, wetlands).
• Close, record the deed, and secure your management plan (clearing, access, maintenance).

Final Thoughts

Buying land in Virginia can be a powerful long-term move—whether you’re building a home, creating a recreational basecamp, farming, or investing for future flexibility. The data supports continued interest: Virginia agricultural land averaged $5,464 per acre in 2023, with a recent statewide average around $5,850 per acre, according to Mossy Oak Properties. Values can surge in high-demand Northern Virginia counties—Loudoun averages around $110,782 per acre and Fairfax shows a $728,417 median price per acre, per Mossy Oak Properties—while other regions remain more approachable. Pair smart due diligence with a financing plan that fits your timeline, and you can secure a slice of Virginia that matches your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Virginia land getting more expensive?

Many indicators point to upward pressure in farm-related segments. Farm real estate values increased 10.4% in Virginia from 2023 to 2024, according to Morning Ag Clips. Meanwhile, 2025 reporting places Virginia farm real estate value at $5,470 per acre with a 5.4% change from 2024, per USDA NASS Farm Real Estate Value by State Map.

How much does land cost per acre in Virginia?

Pricing depends heavily on location and intended use. In 2023, Virginia agricultural land sold for an average of $5,464 per acre, and recent statewide average agricultural land value is approximately $5,850 per acre, according to Mossy Oak Properties. In premium Northern Virginia markets, Loudoun averages around $110,782 per acre and Fairfax County’s median reached $728,417 per acre, per Mossy Oak Properties.

Are there signs the market is cooling?

Activity slowed in 2023. Virginia agricultural land transaction volume decreased to 1,461 transactions in 2023 from 2,159 the previous year—a 32.3% decrease—according to Mossy Oak Properties. Lower transaction volume can create opportunities for prepared buyers, but every parcel still requires careful evaluation.

Can land in Virginia generate income?

Yes, depending on zoning and land characteristics. For cropland leasing, Virginia’s non-irrigated cropland rental rates are highest in Rockingham County at $102 per acre annually, according to Morning Ag Clips (National Agricultural Statistics Service).

Is Virginia gaining or losing forestland?

Forestland can be a major draw for recreation, privacy, and long-term stewardship. In 2023, forestland holdings in Virginia expanded by 3,902 acres (2.2 percent), according to the Virginia General Assembly Annual Report on Virginia Agricultural Land in Foreign Ownership.