About the Study

In November 2022, the City Council approved an ordinance to fund an updated housing study and report, which was previously completed in 2016. 

An updated study was needed to analyze the current housing market and identify strategies to address housing needs in Virginia Beach, considering the COVID-19 pandemic and other demographic changes that have had a major impact over the last several years.

The Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech (VCHR) and HousingForward Virginia conducted the study and submitted the final report to City Council, which was completed in January 2024. 

Local and regional data, best practices, public and stakeholder engagement opportunities and consultant interviews with Council members were part of the consultant's analysis and proposed strategy development.

Housing & Neighborhood Preservation presented to City Council staff recommendations on prioritizing the consultants’ proposed strategies on March 12, 2024.

On May 21, 2024, City Council approved a resolution (page 18) to direct the City Manager to proceed with the following activities that were proposed in the housing study report:

• Advance discussions with the Virginia Beach Development Authority to fund new, large-scale, mixed-use development projects;
• Design a housing education campaign to incorporate into successful community engagement; and
• Research opportunities to simplify and streamline the permitting and review process.

2024 Virginia Beach Housing Study

• Consumer Report (16 pages): Provides highlights and insights from the study.
• Full Report (113 pages): Expands on data analysis, methodology and recommendations.