Stats Investors, Buyers, and Sellers Should Know About
- The median sale price of a house in August was $250,000
- The city in Virginia only had 140 new single-family housing permits back in 2008
- Roanoke has 47 neighborhoods and plenty of schools
- The market had a median sale-to-list ratio of 1.000 in July
- The metro area had a hotness score of 68.7 in August
- Roanoke saw a $18,725 gain in median home price in Q1
- There have been 2,829 transactions over the past year
- The RRHA maintains over 1,000 public housing units
- 850 homes were sold in September 2025
A Very Competitive Market
The real estate market has been heating up fast. In August 2025-2026, home prices climbed 6.4% from the same time last year, reaching a median sale price of $250,000. Many houses received multiple offers, and some buyers even waived contingencies to stand out.
The city in Virginia has not always been this competitive. With more people seeking to balance affordability, lifestyle, and long-term investment value, however, its housing scene has transformed into one of the state’s more dynamic markets.
Hitting Rock Bottom and Bouncing Back
To really appreciate how far the city has come, it is worth looking back at its toughest years.
In 2008, when the housing crash rippled across the country, the city was not immune. That year, only 140 new housing permits were issued, and every single one was for a single-family home. By 2012, things had hit rock bottom with just 43 permits.
Fortunately, the following year, they saw an impressive rebound with 226 new housing permits, including 65 for single-family homes and 161 for multifamily developments. The recovery showed renewed confidence in the area’s potential and laid the foundation for a healthier mix of options, something that benefits both buyers and sellers today.
Roanoke for Families
Roanoke is now recognized as a diverse and livable city, comprising 47 distinct neighborhoods. Some of the best include Raleigh Court, South Roanoke, and Preston Park. Families considering a move also appreciate the educational opportunities.
Roanoke has 37 public schools rated “good” or higher by GreatSchools, as well as six private and charter schools. This combination of neighborhood character and strong learning facilities adds appeal for local buyers and out-of-town investors searching for stable, family-friendly communities.
A Good Median Sale-To-List Ratio
As of July 2025, Roanoke’s median sale-to-list ratio stood at exactly 1.000. Homes, on average, sold for their full asking price. That was balance, a rare middle ground in today’s real estate climate.
On the one hand, it meant fewer bidding wars and a more predictable negotiation process for buyers. On the other hand, it suggested that sellers could still command a fair value for their homes without drastically adjusting their expectations.
A Market Ranking Up
In August 2025, Roanoke scored 68.7 on market hotness. It also had a supply score of 58.86 and a demand score of 78.60. The city ranked 86th, an improvement of 86 places from the previous month, though still down 15 spots from the same time last year.
There were 933 homes on the market, up 3.67% from the month prior but still down a steep 50.73% compared to last year. Therefore, new inventory slowly trickled in, but competition remained tight. It was an advantageous environment for sellers, especially those who had well-presented and properly priced properties.
Attracting Buyers
The Virginia real estate market kicked off 2025 on relatively steady ground. Larger metro areas continue to see price growth, but smaller cities like Roanoke are quietly outpacing many of them in percentage gains.
During the first quarter, Roanoke’s year-to-date median home price jumped from $274,750 to $293,475. That was an $18,725 increase compared to the same period last year. This upward movement indicates a surge in demand for affordable housing outside the state’s larger and more expensive cities.
Roanoke’s small-town charm, a thriving downtown, and expanding economic opportunities are attracting a new wave of buyers, from retirees to younger professionals from other cities and states.
Movements in the Past Year
Looking at recent real estate statistics, activity has remained robust.
Over the past twelve months, there have been 2,829 property transactions across the city. Homes currently on the market represent 57.46% of residential properties, while recently sold homes account for 39.36%.
This level of movement reflects a healthy, active marketplace. It signals a range of choices at various price points for buyers, and buyers for well-positioned listings for sellers.
Addressing Housing Needs
As it continues to grow, it faces a new challenge of keeping up with demand. Population growth has fueled a surge in apartment construction, particularly in the downtown area, where new mixed-use developments are transforming the skyline.
Though some residents feel the pinch of rising costs, Roanoke still offers relatively low expenses compared to other Virginia cities. The Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) plays an important role here, maintaining over 1,000 public housing units and managing over 2,000 Section 8 vouchers.
Local nonprofits and community organizations are also stepping in to bridge the gap. People are working together to ensure housing remains accessible. Hopefully, the proactive approach leads to the city not losing its inclusivity and balance.
Leaning Toward a Seller’s Market
September 2025 brought another sign of momentum. That month, 850 homes sold in Roanoke, up from 623 during the same period last year. The increased transaction volume reflects buyer demand and soaring confidence in the area’s long-term value.
Many neighborhoods scored highly for amenities like food selections, pet-friendliness, kid-friendliness, and walkability, qualities that make a big difference for residents and investors. When a community offers such lifestyle advantages, it tends to sustain its appeal and desirability.
Final Words
What can we pick up from these Roanoke estate market stats? The city has come a long way since the downturn years. From rebounding construction permits and balanced sale-to-list ratios to rising transaction counts and expanding neighborhoods, the housing landscape is evolving.
For investors, the numbers point to a promising future. As a buyer, you may focus on the smaller market’s affordability and lifestyle. As a seller, you can maintain a competitive edge in your favor.
Overall, the above stats hint at a community that knows its potential and strives to maximize it. 2026 is a good year to make a move and be a part of that success if you need to sell my house fast Roanoke.