Housing Inventory Rises for 19th Month: What It Means for Virginia Beach Buyers & Sellers

by Megan Luker, REALTOR® | VA Beach | Real Broker LLC

Photo Credit: Realtor.com, Redfin, and Virginia Beach MLS data

Housing inventory rose for the 19th straight month in May 2025. See Virginia Beach housing market trends, buyer opportunities, and seller strategies.

Housing inventory is up nationwide—and Virginia Beach is feeling the impact. In May 2025, buyers had 31.5% more actively listed homes than a year ago, pushing the number of homes for sale above 1 million for the first time since 2019. But while options are expanding, inventory is still 14% below pre-pandemic levels, showing the market is normalizing slowly.

National Housing Market Trends

19th straight month of inventory growth
31.5% more active listings compared to last year
Over 1 million homes for sale for the first time since winter 2019
Still below 2017–2019 inventory averages

Homes are also spending longer on the market. The typical U.S. home now sits 51 days before selling—six days longer than last year and marking the 14th straight month of slower turnover. More inventory + slower sales = new opportunities for buyers.

Virginia Beach Housing Market Snapshot

While inventory is rising nationally, Virginia Beach remains among the three slowest metros to recover—alongside Hartford and Chicago. That means:

Buyers here still face tighter-than-normal choices compared to pre-2020.
Sellers may continue to see strong demand if their homes are priced competitively.

Across Hampton Roads, inventory growth is happening but hasn’t fully caught up with regions like the South and West, where new construction booms (Austin, Denver, Phoenix) have fueled major rebounds.

Regional and Metro Differences

28 of the 50 largest metros (including Virginia Beach) are still below pre-pandemic inventory levels.
22 metros (all in the South & West) now exceed 2017–2019 averages thanks to construction surges.
Richmond, VA shows that new construction doesn’t always equal inventory growth—demand still plays a huge role.

For Virginia Beach buyers, this means inventory is expanding, but competition hasn’t disappeared.

What This Means for Buyers

✅ More Choices – With listings up nationally and regionally, buyers now have more options than in recent years.
✅ More Negotiation Power – Longer days on market mean sellers may be more open to concessions, rate buydowns, or repairs.
✅ Timing Advantage – Buyers no longer face the same frantic bidding wars of 2021–2022.

But keep in mind: Inventory in Virginia Beach is still below historic levels, so desirable homes can still move quickly.

What This Means for Sellers

📈 More Competition – With more homes on the market, pricing and presentation matter more than ever.
📉 Longer Days on Market – Be prepared for a slower sale compared to last year.
💡 Strategy Is Key – Homes priced right and marketed well still attract strong interest, especially in sought-after Virginia Beach neighborhoods.

FAQs

Is it a buyer’s or seller’s market in Virginia Beach right now?
It’s shifting toward a more balanced market. Buyers have more options, but inventory is still below pre-pandemic levels, keeping sellers in a relatively strong position.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the rest of the U.S. housing market?
Virginia Beach is recovering inventory more slowly than many southern and western metros. Buyers here may still face tighter supply than in places like Austin or Denver.
Should I wait to buy in Virginia Beach until inventory fully recovers?
Not necessarily. Mortgage rates, personal timelines, and neighborhood availability matter more than national averages. The right home may be available now.

📲 Whether you’re buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on the market, it’s important to work with a local expert. Virginia Beach has its own unique inventory challenges and opportunities. Call me at 757-703-1590 or DM me on Instagram @virginiabeachwithmegan—I’d love to guide you through your next move in Hampton Roads.

✍️ Written by Megan Luker, REALTOR® | Virginia Beach Military Relocation Expert, Navy Wife & Mom
Licensed REALTOR® in the Commonwealth of VA at ΓEA⅃ Broker, LLC
📱 757-703-1590 (direct) | ☎️ 855-450-0442 (office)
📍 1765 Greensboro Station Place, 900 McLean, VA 22102
📧 megan@lukerativegroup.com