The 2026 Virginia General Assembly session officially began on January 14, and we are closely tracking legislative activity that will shape the housing market, consumer protections, and the real estate profession throughout the year.
With lawmakers back in Richmond, now is a critical moment for Realtor® advocacy. Decisions made early in session often set the tone for the rest of the year, especially on housing-related issues that matter most to our families, neighbors, and clients.
Virginia REALTORS® (VAR) has released its official 2026 Legislative Agenda, outlining a set of proposals designed to improve housing opportunity, support Realtor® business, and strengthen local communities statewide.
Key housing-related priorities include:
- Homebuyer Support & Affordability Measures — Proposals such as a homebuyer tax credit for first-time buyers and consideration of a temporary freeze or reduction of the state capital gains tax for home sellers are aimed at reducing barriers to entry in today’s market.
- Increasing Housing Opportunity — Legislation to modify or remove the cap on local government workforce homeownershipgrants supports programs that help workers live where they serve communities.
- Property and Consumer Protections — Efforts to limit the ability of homeowners insurance to deny coverage based solely on roof age and to tighten protections against deed fraud help protect both homeowners and practitioners.
- Military and Renting Families — Aligning the Virginia Residential Landlord-Tenant Act with federal protections for military personnel ensures fair transition opportunities for service members and their families.
- Professional and Industry Support — Changes to DPOR criminal background checks aim to streamline licensing timelines, while Realtor® license plates would support Realtor®-managed disaster relief in the Commonwealth.
These agenda items reflect Realtor® commitment to housing availability and market stability — from entry-level buyers to long-term homeowners — while safeguarding industry viability and consumer interests.
Northern Virginia Focus: What is at Stake
In Northern Virginia, housing affordability and supply challenges remain among the most pressing issues facing our region. From workforce housing concerns to the impacts of local regulatory proposals, NVAR is actively engaged in:
- Supporting policies that expand housing supply and reduce friction in development
- Monitoring legislation that affects land-use, zoning, and local permitting
- Advocating for balanced landlord-tenant standards that protect investment without undermining market stability. I.e. oppose rent control or rent stabilization measures.
- Ensuring property rights and market-based solutions remain central to the housing debate
With this newly convened General Assembly, NVAR members have a key role to play in shaping policies that support sustainable housing opportunities throughout Northern Virginia.
Join Us for 2026 NVAR Realtor® Lobby Day on January 29
Strong advocacy doesn’t happen from the sidelines. Your Realtor® voice matters. That’s why NVAR encourages members to participate in NVAR Lobby Day on January 29 in Richmond. This annual advocacy event connects Realtors® directly with legislators to:
- Share local perspectives on housing challenges
- Educate lawmakers about Realtor® priorities
- Advance legislative solutions that support homeownership and thriving communities
Sign up for Lobby Day today to participate as the 2026 session unfolds. REGISTER HERE