Land Per Acre in Virginia: Prices, Rules, and What You Need to Know

When you think about buying land per acre in Virginia, a unit of land measurement commonly used for rural, agricultural, or development purposes in the state. Also known as acreage in Virginia, it’s not just about size—it’s about location, zoning, water access, and future use. Unlike cities where property is sold by square footage, Virginia’s rural and suburban markets rely heavily on acreage to define value. Whether you’re looking to build a home, start a farm, or hold land as an investment, understanding what drives price per acre makes all the difference.

Virginia’s land prices vary wildly. Near Richmond or Northern Virginia, you might pay $15,000 to $50,000 per acre for developable land with utilities. In more remote areas like the Shenandoah Valley or Southwest Virginia, prices can drop to $3,000–$8,000 per acre—especially if the land lacks road access or running water. The key factors? zoning, local government rules that determine how land can be used—residential, commercial, agricultural, or conservation, property tax exemptions, reductions available to seniors, disabled owners, or those using land for farming, and whether the parcel has well water or septic approval. These aren’t small details—they directly affect your bottom line.

And if you’re planning to rent out land or a house on it, Virginia has clear rules. Landlords must return security deposits within 45 days, and tenants still have rights even if the property gets sold. Virginia rental laws, a set of regulations protecting both landlords and tenants in lease agreements are strict about disclosures, evictions, and repairs. If you’re holding land to build later, you’ll also want to know how commercial real estate Virginia, the market for office spaces, warehouses, retail buildings, and other income-generating properties is trending. Even if you’re buying raw land, nearby commercial growth can spike your parcel’s future value.

There’s no single answer to "how much is an acre in Virginia?" But if you know the rules, the trends, and the hidden costs—like survey fees, environmental checks, or road construction—you’ll avoid expensive surprises. The posts below give you real examples: what people paid, what they learned the hard way, and how Virginia’s tax and rental laws shape decisions. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a landlord, or just curious about land values, you’ll find practical, no-fluff advice here—straight from people who’ve been there.