Where To Buy New Construction Homes In NOVA: My 2026 Checklist

Moving Decisions

New construction is booming in Northern Virginia.
Every year brings new communities, new builders, and new opportunities for buyers who want a fresh start in a growing region.
The challenge comes from choosing the right area for your lifestyle, budget, and long term goals.

This guide gives you a simple and clear checklist to compare the most popular places to buy new construction in Northern Virginia.
You will see what each area does well, what to watch out for, and which type of buyer will get the most value from that location.

Let us get into it.

If you want personal guidance as you explore new construction options, click here to schedule a Perfect Home Consultation.
We will walk you through the areas that match your goals so you can make a confident decision.

 

How to Use This Checklist

Before you start touring model homes, take a moment to decide what matters most to you.

Some buyers want the best commute.
Others want the biggest home they can get for the budget.
Some care most about schools, lifestyle, or long term appreciation.

Here are some of the most common priorities.

  • Best value for your money
  • Strong school systems
  • Commute time to major job centers
  • Access to transit
  • Amenities and community lifestyle
  • Future appreciation potential
  • Preference for townhomes or single family homes

Once you know your top priorities, compare them with the areas below.
Each location includes a short overview along with what it does well and who it is best suited for.

Criteria for Choosing New Construction Homes in Northern Virginia

There are three main criteria I use when recommending where to buy new construction homes in Northern Virginia.

Property taxes

Across the core Northern Virginia counties in this guide, real estate tax rates generally range from 0.8 percent to 1.2 percent of assessed value each year.
Some areas add smaller district fees on top, but this range covers what most buyers will see.

Even a shift from 0.9 percent to 1.1 percent can add several hundred to over a thousand dollars per year to your cost of ownership, especially once you move into higher price points.

For this checklist, I think of lower taxes as being closer to the bottom of that range and higher taxes as being closer to the top, once you factor in local add-ons.

School ratings

I look for areas where the assigned schools perform well on state tests and earn solid ratings on sites like GreatSchools and Niche.
Strong schools shape your day-to-day experience if you have children.
They also help protect your resale value because many buyers filter their search by school assignments.

Pricing and value on new homes

Value shows up in different ways.
It can mean a better price per square foot.
It can mean a bigger lot for the same money.
It can also mean better design, better amenities, or better long-term appreciation.

In this guide, I highlight areas where buyers often get more for their budget, whether that means space, finishes, or lifestyle benefits.

These three criteria serve as the three pillars of a smart new construction decision.
Some areas stand strong on one or two pillars.
A few hold up well across all three.
Your goal is to find the community where the pillars line up with what matters most to you.

The Top Northern Virginia New Construction Areas for 2026

These nine areas cover Loudoun, Fairfax, Alexandria, and Prince William.
This gives you a mix of luxury options, suburban favorites, and best value markets.

Ashburn: Offers Modern Communities, Strong Schools, and Everyday Convenience

Ashburn has been one of Loudoun County’s most popular growth areas for years.
It offers modern communities with strong schools and easy access to the Silver Line.

What Ashburn does well

  • Wide range of builders
  • Strong resale demand
  • Modern layouts and community amenities
  • Shorter commute to Reston and Herndon

What to watch

  • Smaller lot sizes in newer sections
  • Higher HOA fees
  • Prices continue to rise

Best for buyers who want

  • Walkable townhome communities
  • Great schools
  • A clean and modern suburban feel

Take a look at Stratus at West Park in Ashburn

Aldie: Modern Luxury in a Quiet Suburban Setting

Aldie offers a quieter suburban setting with newer master planned communities and larger homes.
It has become one of the top choices for buyers who want more space without giving up convenience.

What Aldie does well

  • Larger floor plans
  • Family friendly communities
  • Mix of mid range and luxury builders
  • Spacious layouts

What to watch

  • Commute on Route 50 can get heavy
  • School boundaries shift as the population grows

Best for buyers who want

  • Newer luxury homes
  • More room to spread out
  • A slower pace compared to Ashburn

Learn more about Parkside Village in Aldie

Leesburg: Scenic Living with Charming Small Town Atmosphere

Leesburg blends a historic small town feel with pockets of new construction around the edges.
It is ideal for buyers who want convenience but prefer a relaxed suburban setting.

What Leesburg does well

  • Larger lots
  • Good value relative to closer in areas
  • Beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation

What to watch

  • Longer commute to Tysons and DC
  • Fewer new construction options compared to Ashburn and Aldie

Best for buyers who want

  • Space and privacy
  • A charming suburban community
  • Good appreciation potential in planned neighborhoods

Take a deep into Cattail Run in Leesburg

Looking at new construction in Northern Virginia can get overwhelming fast.
If you want help narrowing down the right community for your lifestyle, click here to schedule your Perfect Home Consultation today. We can walk through your goals and point you to the areas that match them best.

Alexandria: Offers New Construction with Unmatched Access to DC

Most new construction in Alexandria comes in the form of townhomes and condo style living.
This is the closest you can get to DC while still enjoying new build quality.

What Alexandria does well

  • Strong walkability
  • Excellent access to Metro
  • High long term value due to limited land

What to watch

  • High price per square foot
  • Limited single family options
  • Parking rules vary across communities

Best for buyers who want

  • A short commute to DC or the Pentagon
  • Urban style living
  • Modern townhome communities

Herndon: Modern Neighborhoods That Are Commuter Friendly with Transit Access

Herndon sits between Reston and Dulles Airport and is very popular with tech professionals.
New construction pops up in smaller pockets around the community.

What Herndon does well

  • Close to major tech employers
  • Silver Line access
  • Good value compared to Reston

What to watch

  • Limited inventory
  • Some communities feel older than surrounding areas

Best for buyers who want

  • A balanced commute
  • Modern townhomes
  • Quick access to Reston and Dulles

Chantilly: High Demand Neighborhoods with Strong Schools and Builder Variety

Chantilly is one of the most active new construction hubs in Fairfax and Loudoun.
Builders offer everything from townhomes to larger single family homes.

What Chantilly does well

  • Wide variety of builders
  • Strong school options
  • Great access to major highways

What to watch

  • Construction traffic
  • Smaller lots
  • School boundary adjustments

Best for buyers who want

  • A strong school district
  • Convenience and community amenities
  • Many home style choices

Woodbridge: Affordable New Construction with Room to Grow

Woodbridge delivers some of the best value in Northern Virginia.
Buyers often choose this area to get more space for their budget.

What Woodbridge does well

  • Larger homes at lower prices
  • Access to the Occoquan and Potomac
  • Good mix of townhomes and single family homes

What to watch

  • Traffic along I ninety five
  • Build quality varies by community

Best for buyers who want

  • More home for the money
  • Easy access to Quantico and Fort Belvoir
  • A growing suburban area

Dumfries: Resort Style Amenities and Growing Master Planned Communities

Dumfries is quickly rising in popularity thanks to communities like Potomac Shores.
It delivers a resort style lifestyle at a price that is hard to match elsewhere.

What Dumfries does well

  • Beautiful master planned communities
  • Strong value for new construction
  • Access to waterfront amenities

What to watch

  • HOA and community fee structures
  • Commute times vary widely

Best for buyers who want

  • Resort style amenities
  • Spacious floor plans
  • A newer upscale community feel

Click to view the Potomac Shores Ultimate Guide

Manassas: Affordability and Space with Excellent Commuter Options

Manassas offers affordability, larger lots, and plenty of growth.
It attracts buyers who want more home without stretching the budget.

What Manassas does well

  • Strong value
  • Many new construction options
  • VRE access for commuters

What to watch

  • Commute can be long depending on traffic
  • Appreciation varies by neighborhood

Best for buyers who want

  • A larger home
  • Flexible budgets
  • A growing suburban community

Learn more about Innovation Town Center in Manassas

How to Choose the Right Area

Use this quick guide to narrow your search.

Choose Ashburn if you want a modern community with top amenities.
Choose Aldie if you want more space and newer luxury homes.
Choose Leesburg if you want charm and scenic living.
Choose Alexandria if you want the closest new construction to DC.
Choose Herndon if you work in tech and want a balanced commute.
Choose Chantilly if you want strong schools and builder variety.
Choose Woodbridge if you want the most home for your budget.
Choose Dumfries if you want resort style living.
Choose Manassas if you want space, affordability, and growth.

Ready to Narrow Down Your Ideal Community

If you want a personalized recommendation based on your budget, commute, and lifestyle, schedule your Perfect Home Consultation.
We will help you focus your search and choose the right community with confidence.


Schedule Your Perfect Home Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to buy inventory or build from the ground up

Inventory gives speed and certainty on price and closing date. Building gives customization and may get you better lot selection, but it takes longer and you must budget for unexpected costs. Think about your timing, your financing, and whether you are comfortable living near ongoing construction for several months.

How do schools factor into resale value for new construction

Strong school districts consistently support and increase resale value. Even buyers without children often pay more to be in high performing districts because they know it improves long term demand. New construction in areas with strong schools tends to sell faster and hold value better.

Which areas are most likely to appreciate quickly

Areas with planned infrastructure, growing schools, and limited land for future development tend to appreciate the fastest. In Northern Virginia, communities that add new amenities or expand transit access often experience stronger demand. Focus on the specific development rather than the town name because neighborhoods inside the same city can perform very differently.

How should I compare builders when looking at new construction in Northern Virginia

Not all builders offer the same quality, warranty coverage, or included features. Review customer feedback, visit completed sections of their communities, and look at what is included in the base price versus what counts as an upgrade. Two similar homes can differ significantly once upgrades are added, so compare builders on total finished cost instead of base pricing alone.

What costs should I expect during the new construction process beyond the base price

Buyers should plan for lot premiums, design studio upgrades, structural changes, closing costs, and post move needs such as landscaping or window treatments. Some builders also require prepaid HOA fees or special assessments. Starting with a clear budget makes the process smoother and helps avoid surprises later.

How long does new construction usually take in Northern Virginia

Most production builders take six to ten months from contract to closing. Inventory homes can close much sooner, sometimes within thirty to sixty days. Weather, inspections, material shortages, and change requests can extend timelines, so it helps to stay in regular contact with the builder representative.

Final Thoughts

Buying new construction in Northern Virginia gives you access to some of the most desirable communities on the East Coast.
Each area has strengths that shine depending on your priorities.
Once you know which area fits your lifestyle, it becomes much easier to choose the right builder and the right floor plan.