Quick Summary
- Virginia Beach recorded the highest home-turnover rate among major U.S. metros in 2025 — meaning more homes changed hands here than anywhere else in the country.
- High turnover indicates a dynamic, in-demand market shaped by affordability, steady job growth, and strong migration patterns.
- Buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals can benefit from this trend, but they need to move strategically in a market where contracts move fast and competition is strong.
Introduction
If you’re buying or selling a home in Virginia Beach, you’re participating in one of the most active real estate markets in the country. According to a 2025 Redfin analysis, Virginia Beach had the #1 highest home-turnover rate among the 50 largest metro areas — an impressive indicator of just how bustling the housing market has become.
But what does “home turnover” actually mean? And why does it matter to homeowners, homebuyers, investors, and real estate professionals?
More importantly:
How can you use this trend to your advantage?
This article breaks down why Virginia Beach topped the list in 2025, what factors contributed to this explosive movement in the housing market, and what it means for anyone thinking about buying or selling property in the region.
What Is Home Turnover — And Why Does It Matter?
Home turnover refers to the number of homes sold per 1,000 homes in a given area. It’s a metric used by economists, analysts, and local governments to measure real estate activity and demand.
A high turnover rate often means:
- Homes are selling quickly.
- Buyers feel confident in the local market.
- People are moving into (and within) the region at higher rates.
- The housing market is liquid — properties enter and exit the market more frequently.
In other words, people want to live in Virginia Beach — and they’re making moves to get here.
Being the #1 turnover market in the country is not just a statistic. It’s a reflection of economic growth, lifestyle appeal, and strong long-term market fundamentals.
Why Virginia Beach Ranked #1 in Home Turnover in 2025
Several key factors came together to push Virginia Beach to the top of the national list. Here’s a deeper look at what’s driving the movement.
1. Affordability Compared to Nearby Coastal Markets
Despite being a coastal city with major lifestyle amenities, Virginia Beach remains significantly more affordable than places like:
- Washington, DC
- Northern Virginia
- Maryland suburbs
- Northeastern coastal cities (Boston, NYC, etc.)
This price advantage attracts:
- First-time buyers
- Military families
- Remote workers seeking lower cost of living
- Retirees moving south
- Professionals seeking more space or a change in lifestyle
Affordability drives demand — and demand drives turnover.
2. Military Relocation Creates Natural Market Movement
Virginia Beach has one of the largest concentrations of military personnel on the East Coast, including:
- Naval Air Station Oceana
- Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story
- Dam Neck Annex
Service members frequently rotate in and out of the region. This creates predictable, consistent movement in the real estate market.
Homes near military hubs tend to change hands at higher rates, and that trend boosts turnover citywide.
3. Strong Job Market and Economic Stability
Virginia Beach benefits from a diverse and stable job market, particularly in:
- Defense contracting
- Healthcare
- Tourism
- Technology
- Logistics
- Government and public service
Job security and availability increase housing demand and encourage job-related relocations. Economic health is one of the biggest predictors of high turnover, and Virginia Beach continues to perform well.
4. Lifestyle Appeal and Quality of Life
Virginia Beach attracts homeowners for reasons beyond employment:
- Beaches & waterfront living
- Great schools
- Outdoor recreation
- A mild climate
- Family-friendly neighborhoods
- Urban conveniences without the big-city chaos
These quality-of-life benefits attract steady population growth — and with that growth comes continual movement in the housing market.
5. New Construction and Redevelopment Play a Role
The city has seen major growth in:
- Suburban residential developments
- Coastal redevelopment
- Mixed-use communities
- New-build neighborhoods
More homes being built means more homes being sold — both now and in the resale cycle years later.
What This Means for Homebuyers in Virginia Beach
If you’re a homebuyer in a high-turnover market, here’s what you need to know:
1. Inventory Moves Quickly — Be Prepared
Homes in popular neighborhoods often go under contract within days, sometimes hours. Buyers need to be:
- Pre-approved
- Contract-ready
- Working with real estate professionals who move fast
2. Competitive Offers Are Common
High turnover often means:
- Multiple offers
- Limited negotiation time
- Short inspection windows
- Appraisal gaps
Don’t panic — preparation and a strong strategy can help you secure the right home without overpaying.
3. Due Diligence Matters More Than Ever
Fast markets reward speed, but speed without legal clarity is risky.
We regularly see:
- Contracts with unclear contingencies
- Buyers signing without understanding inspection protections
- Title issues discovered too late
- Delays caused by mistakes on the seller’s side
Having a real estate attorney review your contract early helps you move quickly and safely.
What This Means for Sellers in Virginia Beach
For sellers, being in the #1 turnover market comes with substantial benefits:
1. You Have Stronger Negotiation Power
A competitive market gives sellers a favorable position to:
- Set terms
- Select stronger offers
- Decline risky or weak financing
- Reduce concessions
2. Homes Generally Sell Faster
Shorter days on market = stronger net proceeds and less carrying cost.
3. Clean Title and Fast Contract Readiness Are Critical
Even in a hot market, the fastest way to lose a great offer is a preventable contract or title issue.
Sellers should:
- Resolve liens early
- Clear any title defects
- Prepare HOA documents in advance
- Understand occupancy and closing requirements
Working with a real estate attorney ensures you’re transaction-ready long before the listing goes live.
What This Means for Real Estate Agents and Lenders
High turnover means:
- More clients
- More transactions
- More urgency
Professionals in the market need:
- Quick response times
- Clear, compliant contracts
- Reliable communication
- Trustworthy closing partners
Agents and lenders who partner with a strong real estate law firm can offer smoother, more reliable client experiences — especially during competitive cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Virginia Beach a good place to buy a home in 2025?
Yes. High turnover typically indicates buyer confidence, a strong job market, and long-term stability.
Why are so many people moving to Virginia Beach?
Affordability, high quality of life, military movement, job opportunities, and coastal living all contribute.
Does high turnover mean prices will go up?
Often, yes — increased demand tends to push prices upward over time.
Is now a good time to sell in Virginia Beach?
For many homeowners, absolutely. Fast-moving markets typically benefit sellers.
Conclusion
Virginia Beach earning the #1 spot for home turnover in 2025 is no accident. It reflects a thriving, desirable, and fast-moving housing market shaped by strong demand and steady population growth.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or transitioning within the city, understanding the market’s dynamics — and preparing accordingly — can make your next move significantly easier.
At Pittman & Associates, we work closely with buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and lenders to ensure every transaction is handled with precision and care. In a fast-paced market, having a trusted legal partner makes all the difference.