Northern Virginia Housing Market Outshines National Trends in November Sales Data

Northern Virginia Housing Market Outshines National Trends

In November 2025, the real estate landscape in Northern Virginia showcased distinct trends diverging from the national scene. While the broader U.S. housing market struggled with rising interest rates and affordability issues, Northern Virginia's market exhibited resilience, characterized by strong buyer demand, substantial inventory growth, and increased home prices.

According to the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® (NVAR), a total of 1,091 homes were sold in November 2025, reflecting a 6.6% decrease compared to the previous year. In contrast, U.S. existing-home sales saw only a slight decline of 1.0%, emphasizing the unique dynamics within Northern Virginia. The decrease in closed sales can largely be attributed to a tight inventory, a recurring theme that continues to impact the region's housing market.

Rising Home Prices

Home prices in Northern Virginia are making headlines. The median price for homes sold in November rose to $740,000, marking a 5.7% increase from November 2024. This increase starkly contrasts with the national average, which saw only a 1.2% rise to $409,200. Such figures not only underscore Northern Virginia's reputation as a highly coveted market but also reflect the ongoing struggle with housing affordability.

Ryan McLaughlin, CEO of NVAR, noted, "National headlines often suggest a one-size-fits-all housing story, but Northern Virginia continues to prove that real estate is profoundly local." Even amidst a cooling sales activity plume, strong price growth and quicker market pace have highlighted the persistent demand for housing in this region.

Inventory Dynamics

While inventory issues remain prevalent, November did witness a surge in active listings. There were 2,042 homes available—an impressive 45.1% increase from the previous year, indicating progress towards a more balanced market. By comparison, national inventory only rose by 7.5%, revealing that local sellers are becoming more active in response to enduring buyer enthusiasm.

Yet, the greater number of listings does not negate the fact that homes in Northern Virginia are taking longer to sell. The average days on market increased by 31.8%, reaching 29 days. However, even with this extension, homes are still selling faster than the national average of 36 days.

Market Supply and Demand

The months of supply metric serves as a crucial indicator of the market's strength. With Northern Virginia's supply climbing to 1.48 months—up 41.2% year-over-year—this figure still pales in comparison to the national average of 4.2 months, which experienced a 10.5% increase. This stark contrast emphasizes the competitive nature of the Northern Virginia housing market, where demand continues to outstrip supply.

McLaughlin emphasized that the rise in inventory should be viewed positively. He stated, "More listings and slightly longer market times are signs of normalization. Northern Virginia is moving toward a more balanced market, but it is doing so from a position of long-term desirability that continues to set it apart from national trends."

The Path Forward

As we draw conclusions from the November statistics, it’s evident that while the national housing market is gradually coming to a standstill, Northern Virginia stands strong, proving itself to be a dynamically competitive marketplace. Both buyers and sellers may find opportunities and challenges in the coming months as inventory stabilizes and price growth continues at a moderate pace.

Overall, NVAR's insights project that Northern Virginia's housing market will maintain its unique trajectory in 2026, leaning towards balance with slight price increases and improving inventory levels.

This regional snapshot reaffirms the importance of localized market insights and serves as a potent reminder of the unique realities within various real estate markets across the U.S.