Busting the Biggest Real Estate Investment Myths in Hampton Roads (2025)

The Real Story Behind One of Virginia’s Hottest Markets

Let’s Be Honest…

If you’ve been thinking about investing in Hampton Roads real estate, chances are you’ve heard it all:
“Prices are way too high.”
“There’s no rental demand.”
“You need a massive down payment.”

Sound familiar? 🤔
The truth is, most of what you’ve heard is outdated, exaggerated, or flat-out wrong. Hampton Roads — with its beaches, bases, universities, and booming tourism — is full of opportunity right now.

Let’s break down the top myths holding people back — and show you what’s really happening in today’s market.

💡 Myth #1: “Hampton Roads Is Too Expensive to Invest In”

The Truth: Nope. It’s actually one of the most affordable coastal markets in the U.S. — especially compared to hotspots like Charleston or the Outer Banks.

Here’s where we’re at (Sept 2025):

• Median home price → $368,250 (+3.44% YoY)

• Homes sit for about 22 days on average (up slightly from last year)

• Inventory is up — 2.74 months of supply vs. 2.3 last year

• Pending sales are up 10.5% — buyers are still out there, and they’re serious

Translation: Prices are climbing steadily, but inventory is improving and deals do exist.

Hot spots we’re watching:

• Norfolk → Ghent, Larchmont, and Downtown for small multi-family properties

• Virginia Beach → Oceanfront, Hilltop, and Sandbridge (where STRs are allowed)

• Chesapeake & Suffolk → Affordable single-family homes with long-term growth potential

💡 Myth #2: “You Need a Huge Down Payment to Get Started”

The Truth: Absolutely not. Most investors here don’t come in with $100K cash. Instead, they’re leveraging smart financing strategies:

• VA Loans → Huge local advantage for service members & veterans: 0% down

• House Hacking → Live in one unit, rent out the rest, and let your tenants cover the mortgage

• Down Payment Assistance Programs → Multiple options for first-time investors and owner-occupants

💡 Pro Tip: Some of our clients have started investing here with as little as 3.5% down — it’s about strategy, not savings.

💡 Myth #3: “There’s No Rental Demand in Hampton Roads”

The Truth: Demand is booming — and it’s being fueled by three unstoppable forces:

1. Military Relocations

With Naval Station Norfolk, Oceana, and Langley AFB nearby, there’s constant housing demand. Military families often prefer 12–24 month leases, making them ideal, reliable tenants.

2. Student Housing

ODU, EVMS, and CNU keep rental demand high, especially for duplexes, quads, and small apartments near campus.

3. Vacation Rentals

Virginia Beach is one of the strongest short-term rental markets in the region — when you buy in the right zones.

• Average occupancy: ~58%

• Average nightly rate: ~$372

• Peak season properties: >$400/night

⚠️ Heads up: Virginia Beach and Norfolk require STR permits. Always confirm zoning before you buy — we’ll walk you through that process.

💡 Myth #4: “Investing Here Is Too Risky”

The Truth: Hampton Roads is actually one of the most stable coastal markets in Virginia. Here’s why:

• Population growth: Projected +5.3% by 2030

• Diverse economy: Military, healthcare, logistics, education, tourism

• Market sentiment: ODU’s 2025 survey shows professionals are “cautiously optimistic”

In other words, it’s not about taking wild risks — it’s about buying the right property, in the right area, with the right strategy. That’s where we come in.

📈 The 5 Smartest Investment Plays in Hampton Roads Right Now

🚀 The Bottom Line

Hampton Roads isn’t just a great place to live — it’s one of the most exciting real estate investment markets on the East Coast right now.

But here’s the catch:

• The best deals don’t sit on Zillow for long

• STR zoning rules can make or break your ROI

• And success comes down to buying the right property in the right area

That’s where Community Partner Group comes in. Whether you’re looking to buy your first property or scale your portfolio, we’ll help you find high-demand rentals, creative financing options, and hidden opportunities other investors miss.