Plot Twist! Best Land for Sale in Alexandria, VA Right Now

Finding Prime Land in Alexandria VA: 2024 Market Overview

Land for sale Alexandria VA is currently in high demand, with limited inventory and strong competition from developers and individual buyers alike. If you're looking to purchase land in this historic Virginia city, here's what you need to know:

Alexandria offers a unique mix of urban, suburban, and historically significant land opportunities. Located just outside Washington DC, the city combines colonial charm with modern development potential. Land parcels range from tiny Old Town infill lots to multi-acre development sites in the West End and Mount Vernon areas.

The market is characterized by:

• Limited inventory - only 13 land parcels currently available
• Quick sales - median time on market is just 22 days
• Premium pricing - median listing price of $618K
• Varied uses - residential, commercial, and mixed-use zoning options

As an established city with centuries of development history, finding available land in Alexandria requires local market knowledge and quick decision-making. The parcels that do become available tend to move quickly, especially those with desirable zoning or development potential.

Whether you're seeking a residential building lot, commercial development site, or investment opportunity, working with a specialized commercial real estate broker familiar with Alexandria's unique market conditions is essential for success.

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Prime Old Town Infill Lot – 523 Queen St

Tucked away on one of Alexandria's most enchanting historic streets sits a tiny treasure with enormous potential. This 356-square-foot micro-parcel at 523 Queen Street might be small in size, but don't let that fool you – in Old Town Alexandria, location trumps square footage every time.

Property Details:

• Location: 523 Queen St, Alexandria, VA
• Lot Size: 356 square feet
• 2025 Land Assessment: $419,265
• Total 2025 Assessment: $698,227
• Walk Score: 95 (Walker's Paradise)

I walked this property last week, and let me tell you – the charm is palpable. Surrounded by centuries-old brick buildings with stories etched into every weathered facade, this parcel sits in the beating heart of Alexandria's historic district. The city's 2025 assessment values just the land at $419,265, a testament to the premium commanded by anything in this coveted neighborhood.

What makes this Queen Street gem truly special is its dual-opportunity nature. Being within the historic district overlay means you'll need to play by certain architectural rules, but that's actually a blessing in disguise. Your future boutique retail space, intimate office, or one-of-a-kind tiny residence will blend seamlessly with Old Town's irreplaceable character while standing out for its uniqueness.

"These micro-parcels in Old Town are like finding unicorns," shares local commercial real estate veteran Mike Porterfield. "When they appear, they vanish just as quickly – usually snapped up by savvy investors who understand their long-term value."

With an exceptional walkability score of 95, foot traffic isn't just possible – it's guaranteed. Imagine the possibilities for a small specialty shop, professional office, or creative studio space. The mixed-use overlay provides flexibility while the historic district guidelines ensure whatever you build will maintain the area's cherished aesthetic.

For investors looking to plant their flag in one of Northern Virginia's most prestigious districts, this land for sale Alexandria VA represents a rare entry point into an otherwise inaccessible market. The property's compact footprint means lower initial investment, while its prime location ensures enduring value.

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Mount Vernon Estate Parcel – 9403 Brookmay Ct

Imagine building your dream home surrounded by history, nature, and luxury. That's exactly what's possible at this exceptional Mount Vernon estate parcel – a rare gem in Alexandria's prestigious landscape.

Property Details:

• Location: 9403 Brookmay Ct, Alexandria, VA
• Lot Size: 1.92 acres
• Asking Price: $2,999,995
• Zoning: R-2 (Residential, Single-Family)
• Notable Feature: Proximity to Potomac River and Mount Vernon Estate

This breathtaking 1.92-acre canvas awaits your vision in one of Alexandria's most coveted neighborhoods. Walk the grounds and you'll immediately feel the unique character – majestic mature oaks create a natural canopy overhead, while gentle rolling topography offers interesting elevation changes perfect for a distinctive architectural statement.

"I've shown dozens of luxury parcels across Northern Virginia, but this Mount Vernon property truly stands apart," shares our senior land specialist at Brexton Commercial. "The combination of size, location, and natural beauty is increasingly hard to find within Alexandria's boundaries."

What makes this land for sale Alexandria VA truly special is its prestigious address. Nestled in the same area as George Washington's historic estate, this parcel carries a sense of gravitas and permanence. The R-2 zoning designation provides flexibility for creating a substantial custom residence with generous setbacks, ensuring your privacy in this exclusive enclave.

At just under $3 million, the property represents solid value compared to neighboring parcels, which have recently commanded between $2.5-3.5 million. The price reflects not just the generous acreage but also the intangible benefits of this location – proximity to waterfront trails along the Potomac River, the cultural significance of the area, and the established character of surrounding estate homes.

For the discerning buyer seeking to build a legacy property, this Mount Vernon parcel offers the ideal foundation. Whether you envision a classically-inspired mansion that echoes the area's historic roots or a contemporary masterpiece that frames the natural beauty, this rare offering provides the perfect starting point for creating your family's estate.

West End Development Opportunity – 4110 Morin St

Tucked away in Alexandria's rapidly evolving West End sits a gem of an opportunity that savvy developers have been eyeing. This 1.11-acre parcel on Morin Street offers that increasingly rare combination of size, location, and potential that makes commercial real estate professionals sit up and take notice.

Property Details:

• Location: 4110 Morin St, Alexandria, VA
• Lot Size: 1.11 acres
• Listing Price: $1,425,000
• Current Improvements: Existing 2,176 sq ft home (3 bed, 2 bath)
• Development Potential: Infill subdivision or custom luxury home

What makes this property special isn't the modest mid-century home currently sitting on it (though it does provide immediate rental income while you plan your next move). The real story here is the land itself and what it could become in Alexandria's hot West End market.

At $1,425,000, you're looking at about $1.28 million per acre – quite competitive for this area where developable parcels are becoming increasingly scarce. The proximity to I-395 means your future residents or tenants will enjoy easy access to major employment centers while still living in a peaceful residential setting.

"I've watched developers transform similar West End parcels into highly profitable ventures over the past few years," shares one of our development specialists at Brexton Commercial. "What's particularly attractive about this site is that all the utilities are already in place – a significant cost advantage compared to working with raw land."

Looking at comparable infill projects in nearby neighborhoods, the numbers tell an encouraging story. Similar parcels have successfully supported 3-4 luxury homes, with finished properties commanding prices in the $1.2-1.5 million range. Those are the kind of returns that make developers smile.

The timing couldn't be better to explore this opportunity. Alexandria currently offers several redevelopment incentives that might apply to this property, potentially including density bonuses or streamlined permitting for projects incorporating sustainability features or affordable housing components.

For investors looking to establish a foothold in Alexandria's thriving West End, this land for sale Alexandria VA represents one of those increasingly rare opportunities to acquire a substantial parcel with immediate income potential and significant upside for development.

Kingstowne Mixed-Use Corner – Route 611 & Beulah St

If you've been hunting for prime land for sale Alexandria VA, this Kingstowne gem might just be your perfect match. Nestled at the busy intersection of Route 611 and Beulah Street, this 2.54-acre corner parcel stands out as one of Alexandria's most promising commercial development opportunities.

Property Details:

• Location: Route 611 & Beulah St, Alexandria, VA
• Lot Size: 2.54 acres
• Asking Price: $5,200,000
• Zoning: C-8 (Commercial)
• Development Potential: Retail, office, or mixed-use

The beauty of this property lies in its versatility and visibility. With C-8 commercial zoning, you've got options galore – from neighborhood retail shops to professional office spaces or even an innovative mixed-use development combining both.

At $5.2 million (roughly $2.05 million per acre), the price reflects what you're really getting: a premium corner location with exceptional exposure in a thriving area. Both Route 611 and Beulah Street boast impressive traffic counts, putting your future business directly in the sightline of thousands of potential customers daily.

"I've watched the Kingstowne area transform over the past decade," says Brexton Commercial's lead advisor. "Commercial parcels with this kind of corner visibility are becoming unicorns in Alexandria's established neighborhoods. Meanwhile, the population here continues to grow, creating a perfect storm of demand for new retail and service businesses."

Transportation access adds another layer of appeal. The property sits adjacent to multiple Metrobus routes, making it accessible to workers and shoppers alike – a crucial consideration for modern commercial developments. Its position within a designated growth corridor might also qualify you for development incentives, potentially sweetening the deal.

For the numbers-minded investor, the site could comfortably accommodate 25,000-30,000 square feet of retail or office space, depending on your parking and setback configurations. Current market conditions in the area strongly support new construction, with retail spaces commanding $30-35 per square foot and office spaces fetching $28-32 – healthy figures that make the investment math work.

This Kingstowne corner represents more than just land – it's an opportunity to establish a commercial footprint in one of Alexandria's most dynamic neighborhoods.

Commercial Property for Sale Alexandria VA

How to Buy Land for Sale Alexandria VA: Next Steps & Resources

So you're interested in purchasing land for sale Alexandria VA? Smart move! This historic Virginia city offers incredible opportunities, but navigating the purchase process requires some insider knowledge. Let's walk through everything you need to know to move forward with confidence.

Types of Land Available in Alexandria

Alexandria's land market is surprisingly diverse for an established urban area. You'll find everything from tiny infill lots to expansive commercial parcels.

Residential lots range from cozy 0.24-acre parcels perfect for a single home up to luxurious 2+ acre estate properties. These typically run between $400,000 for smaller lots in developing areas to upwards of $3 million for premium locations with water views or historic significance.

Commercial opportunities are concentrated along major corridors with various C-zoning designations (C-1 through C-8), with prices typically starting around $2 million and reaching as high as $60 million for prime locations with significant development potential.

Mixed-use sites have become increasingly popular as Alexandria accepts walkable, integrated neighborhoods. These often feature flexible zoning overlays that allow creative development approaches combining residential and commercial elements.

Raw undeveloped land is admittedly rare in Alexandria proper, but occasionally becomes available on the city's periphery, offering potential for larger-scale development.

Popular Areas for Land Acquisition

Each Alexandria neighborhood has its own distinct character and advantages for land buyers.

Old Town represents Alexandria's crown jewel, with cobblestone streets and historic charm that commands premium prices—typically $1-2 million per quarter acre. While the historic district imposes strict preservation requirements, the prestige and walkability make it worth the investment for many buyers.

As one recent buyer told us, "We paid more than we initially budgeted for our Old Town lot, but the ability to walk to restaurants, shops, and the waterfront has completely transformed our lifestyle."

Del Ray offers a trendy, slightly more affordable alternative with a wonderful mix of residential and commercial opportunities. Infill lots typically range from $500,000-$900,000, and the neighborhood's vibrant main street creates excellent potential for small commercial developments.

West End provides a more suburban feel with larger lot sizes and greater development flexibility. Land typically sells for $1-2 million per acre, making it attractive for residential subdivisions or larger custom homes.

Kingstowne/Franconia represents Alexandria's growth frontier, with significant commercial and mixed-use potential along major corridors. Commercial land typically fetches $1.5-2.5 million per acre, with strong demand from retail and service businesses supporting the area's expanding population.

Due Diligence Essentials

Before you fall in love with a property, make sure you understand what you're really buying. Thorough due diligence is absolutely essential when purchasing land in Alexandria.

Start with utility verification to confirm the availability and capacity of water, sewer, electric, and gas services. Nothing derails a development project faster than finding insufficient utility access.

Soil and environmental testing should be your next priority. Alexandria's long industrial history means some parcels have contamination issues that could require costly remediation. Additionally, check for wetlands or resource protection areas that might limit buildable area.

Always obtain a current survey and boundary verification to avoid unpleasant surprises about the exact dimensions and limitations of your property. This is particularly important in older areas of Alexandria where property lines sometimes differ from historical assumptions.

Title research is crucial for identifying any easements, covenants, or restrictions that might impact your development plans. In Alexandria's historic areas, unexpected easements or right-of-ways are more common than you might think.

Finally, never assume zoning is straightforward. Zoning confirmation should include not just verifying the current designation but exploring the potential for variances or special use permits if needed for your intended use.

One Alexandria developer shared this cautionary tale: "We thought we'd found the perfect commercial parcel until soil testing revealed significant contamination from a former gas station. The remediation costs would have made the project unviable. That $15,000 in due diligence saved us from a multi-million dollar mistake."

For detailed property information, Alexandria's excellent Parcel Viewer tool provides valuable insights into property boundaries, zoning, and assessment history. Explore in Parcel Viewer

For more insights on the commercial market, check out our guide to Commercial Real Estate Alexandria VA.

Financing land for sale Alexandria VA

Financing land purchases differs significantly from traditional home mortgages, with stricter requirements and typically higher costs.

Bank land loans represent the most straightforward option, though they typically offer only 50-70% loan-to-value ratios and carry interest rates 1-2% higher than home loans. For commercial buyers, SBA 504 loans can provide up to 85% LTV for land with clear development plans.

Seller financing has become increasingly common in Alexandria's competitive land market. These arrangements typically require 20-40% down but offer flexibility on terms and potentially faster closings without bank approval delays.

For buyers with immediate development plans, construction-to-permanent loans combine land purchase and building costs in a single financing package, often with more favorable terms than stand-alone land loans.

Be prepared for substantial down payments—typically 30-50% for raw land and 20-30% for entitled land with development approvals in place. Interest rates generally run 1-2% higher than residential mortgages, and loan terms are often shorter (10-15 years) than traditional 30-year mortgages.

Alexandria's property taxes are assessed annually (notices mailed in February), with a current real estate tax rate of $1.11 per $100 of assessed value, plus additional fees for stormwater and other services. While undeveloped land is typically assessed at lower values than improved properties, these carrying costs should factor into your financial planning.

Need personalized guidance on financing options? Our team at Brexton Commercial maintains relationships with lenders specializing in land transactions and can help structure financing packages custom to your specific development timeline and financial objectives.

If you're still exploring agent options, Compare agents & pick the right one through Realtor.com's agent comparison tool.

Zoning rules for land for sale Alexandria VA

Alexandria's zoning regulations can make or break your land investment, so understanding them thoroughly is essential before purchasing.

Common residential zones include R-2 (single-family with minimum 7,500 sq ft lots), R-5 (single-family with minimum 5,000 sq ft lots), R-8 (single-family with minimum 8,000 sq ft lots), and RA (multifamily with varying density requirements).

On the commercial side, designations include CDD (Coordinated Development District), CD (Commercial Downtown), CL (Commercial Low), CC (Commercial Community), and CSL (Commercial Service Low), each with different permitted uses and development standards.

Alexandria also employs numerous overlay districts that add another layer of requirements or opportunities. The Historic District Overlay requires architectural review for exterior changes, while the Mount Vernon Avenue Overlay imposes special design guidelines. Properties within the Waterfront Overlay face additional environmental and public access requirements.

Key development regulations vary by zone but typically include setbacks (generally 15-30 feet front, 8-15 feet side, 25-40 feet rear), FAR limits (ranging from 0.35 in residential to 2.5+ in commercial districts), height limitations (typically 35-45 feet in residential areas, up to 77 feet in certain commercial zones), and increasingly stringent stormwater management requirements.

"Alexandria's zoning code has evolved significantly in recent years," explains our zoning specialist at Brexton Commercial. "The city has moved toward form-based codes in certain districts, focusing more on how buildings relate to the street and public space rather than rigid use categories."

For complex projects, we strongly recommend scheduling a pre-application meeting with Alexandria's Department of Planning and Zoning before making significant investments.

Step-by-Step buying process

Purchasing land for sale Alexandria VA follows a structured process that typically spans 3-6 months for straightforward parcels, and potentially 6-12+ months for more complex sites.

The journey begins with site search and identification, where you'll define your criteria (location, size, zoning, budget), research both on-market and off-market opportunities, and conduct preliminary feasibility analysis to narrow your options.

Next, engage professional representation by selecting a commercial real estate broker with specific land expertise. This is also the time to assemble your broader team, including an attorney, civil engineer, and environmental consultant, and develop your acquisition strategy.

With your team in place, you'll move to LOI and contract negotiation, submitting a Letter of Intent outlining key terms, negotiating a purchase agreement with appropriate contingencies, and securing an earnest money deposit (typically 1-3% of purchase price).

The due diligence period (typically 60-120 days) is where the real work happens. This comprehensive investigation includes title examination, environmental assessments (Phase I and Phase II if needed), geotechnical testing, topographic survey, zoning verification, and development feasibility analysis.

More detailed surveys and studies may follow, including boundary survey with topography, wetland delineation if applicable, traffic impact analysis for commercial sites, and utility capacity verification to ensure your development plans are feasible.

As due diligence concludes successfully, you'll move to financing approval, finalizing lending commitments, completing the appraisal process, and satisfying any conditions your lender requires.

Closing and recordation represent the culmination of your purchase process, with final site inspection, document execution, funds transfer, and deed recordation officially transferring ownership.

Post-closing, you'll begin the development steps, including site plan submission and approval, building permit application, construction bidding and contracting, and finally, development execution.

A recent success story from our portfolio illustrates this process in action: "We helped a client acquire a challenging 3-acre commercial parcel that had been on the market for over a year. By structuring a 90-day due diligence period and working closely with environmental consultants, we identified and quantified remediation requirements that allowed the buyer to negotiate a $450,000 price reduction. The site is now being developed as a mixed-use project that will bring significant value to both the investor and the community."

Conclusion

The land for sale Alexandria VA market offers a treasure trove of possibilities for those willing to steer its unique landscape. From charming Old Town infill parcels to sprawling West End development sites, Alexandria's diverse land options cater to a wide range of budgets and visions.

Alexandria's limited land inventory creates a fascinating market dynamic. While finding your perfect parcel might require some patience and insider knowledge, securing well-positioned land often leads to substantial appreciation and development potential that makes the hunt worthwhile.

At Brexton Commercial, we don't just help clients buy land – we guide them through a journey of findy, evaluation, and acquisition across Alexandria's varied neighborhoods. Our boutique approach means you're never just another transaction; your specific goals receive our undivided attention, whether you're eyeing a modest residential lot or envisioning a major commercial development.

As your Mid-Atlantic partner with deep Alexandria roots, we bring more to the table than just transaction expertise:

We uncover hidden off-market gems that never hit the public listings. Our detailed feasibility analyses help you understand not just what a property is, but what it could become. When negotiations get tough, our expert contract structuring ensures your interests remain protected. Throughout the due diligence process, we coordinate and oversee every detail so nothing falls through the cracks. And our development consulting extends well beyond closing day, helping you steer Alexandria's complex entitlement landscape.

With quality parcels typically selling within just 22 days of listing, the land for sale Alexandria VA market waits for no one. This competitive environment makes professional representation more valuable than ever – the most promising opportunities often require decisive action based on solid market intelligence and experience.

Whether your vision involves building your dream custom home, developing a thriving commercial venture, or adding strategic land holdings to your investment portfolio, Brexton Commercial offers the personalized expertise and warm, attentive service needed to transform your Alexandria land ownership goals into reality.

The perfect parcel is waiting for you in Alexandria – let's find it together.

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