Top Zoning Codes Driving Commercial Real Estate Sales in Loudoun, Fairfax, and Prince William Counties
Northern Virginia remains one of the most active commercial real estate markets in the region, with strong transaction activity across multiple property types and zoning categories. Loudoun, Fairfax, and Prince William Counties each have unique market trends that influence investment and development decisions.
By analyzing sales transactions since January 1, 2023, the team at Serafin Real Estate identified the most frequently sold property types and zoning classifications in each county. These insights provide valuable guidance for investors, developers, and business owners looking to make informed real estate decisions in the area.
- Top Zoning Codes Driving Commercial Real Estate Sales in Loudoun, Fairfax, and Prince William Counties
Loudoun County: A Market Driven by Land and Retail Sales
Loudoun County, known for its rapid growth and expanding commercial corridors, continues to see a high volume of sales transactions. The data reveals that land and retail properties dominate the market, reflecting ongoing development and strong consumer demand.
Top Zoning Codes by Sales Transactions
The most frequently traded zoning classifications in Loudoun County include:
| Zoning Code | # of Sale Transactions | Percentage of Transactions |
|---|---|---|
| PDIP | 48 | 16.78% |
| AR-1 | 19 | 6.64% |
| PDSC | 16 | 5.59% |
| PDGI | 13 | 4.55% |
| AR1 | 11 | 3.85% |
| PDH4 | 9 | 3.15% |
| PV:C4 | 7 | 2.45% |
| COMM-TOWN | 7 | 2.45% |
| PD-GI 1993R | 6 | 2.10% |
| PD-GI | 6 | 2.10% |
These zoning codes indicate strong activity in areas designated for industrial and mixed-use developments.
Top Property Types by Sales Transactions
The most frequently sold property types in Loudoun County include:
- Land – 106 transactions
- Retail – 52 transactions
- Office – 34 transactions
- Flex – 27 transactions
- Industrial – 23 transactions
With land transactions leading the market, it’s clear that new developments are a key driver of activity. Retail properties also remain strong, showcasing the county’s expanding business environment. Meanwhile, flex and industrial properties continue to attract interest as businesses seek versatile and logistics-friendly spaces.
Fairfax County: Office and Retail Properties Lead Transactions
Fairfax County, as the economic hub of Northern Virginia, maintains a diverse commercial real estate market with high transaction volumes. Office and retail properties dominate sales, reflecting the county’s established business districts and consumer-driven commercial spaces.
Top Zoning Codes by Sales Transactions
The most frequently sold zoning codes in Fairfax County include:
| Zoning Code | # of Sale Transactions | Percentage of Transactions |
|---|---|---|
| I-5 | 44 | 10.71% |
| PDC | 29 | 7.06% |
| I-4 | 19 | 4.62% |
| C-8 | 17 | 4.14% |
| C-2 | 15 | 3.65% |
| PTC | 13 | 3.16% |
| 460 | 11 | 2.68% |
| C-6 | 10 | 2.43% |
| 550 | 10 | 2.43% |
These zoning classifications align with the county’s dense urban centers and established commercial corridors.
Top Property Types by Sales Transactions
The most frequently sold property types in Fairfax County include:
- Office – 145 transactions
- Retail – 77 transactions
- Multi-Family – 32 transactions
- Flex – 27 transactions
- Industrial – 25 transactions
Office sales lead the market, showing that despite changes in work environments, businesses and investors continue to see value in these properties. Retail properties remain a strong asset class, while multi-family transactions indicate steady demand for residential rental properties. Flex and industrial properties round out the top five, reflecting ongoing demand for logistics and adaptable business spaces.
Prince William County: Strong Land and Industrial Sales
Prince William County is experiencing significant commercial growth, with land and industrial sales leading transaction activity. The county’s expanding infrastructure and accessibility make it a prime location for development and logistics-related investments.
Top Zoning Codes by Sales Transactions
The most frequently sold zoning codes in Prince William County include:
| Zoning Codes | # of Sale Transactions | Percentage of Transactions |
|---|---|---|
| B1 | 94 | 23.15% |
| RPC | 26 | 6.40% |
| M-2 | 23 | 5.67% |
| I-1 | 22 | 5.42% |
| M1 | 18 | 4.43% |
| M-1 | 17 | 4.19% |
| MIXED | 16 | 3.94% |
| A-1 | 15 | 3.69% |
| PBD | 12 | 2.96% |
These zoning classifications indicate strong investor interest in both commercial and industrial developments.
Top Property Types by Sales Transactions
The most frequently sold property types in Prince William County include:
- Land – 114 transactions
- Industrial – 69 transactions
- Retail – 46 transactions
- Office – 37 transactions
- Retail (Neighborhood Center) – 29 transactions
Land transactions are leading the market, highlighting ongoing development in the county. Industrial properties are also in high demand, driven by the need for warehousing and logistics space. Retail and office transactions remain strong, with neighborhood centers playing a crucial role in local commerce.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Market Trends Across the Three Counties:
- Loudoun County – Strong land and retail sales indicate continued development and commercial expansion.
- Fairfax County – Office and retail properties dominate transactions, reflecting its role as a business and commercial hub.
- Prince William County – High land and industrial sales point to major development projects and logistics growth.
Conclusion: What This Means for Investors and Developers
The commercial real estate market in Northern Virginia remains dynamic, with each county showing distinct trends that align with its economic growth and business climate. Investors looking for development opportunities should consider Loudoun and Prince William Counties, where land sales are dominant. Those interested in stabilized assets may find strong opportunities in Fairfax County’s office and retail sectors.
Whether you’re an investor, developer, or business owner, understanding these market trends is essential for making strategic real estate decisions. If you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in commercial properties in Northern Virginia, staying ahead of these trends will be key to long-term success.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on data sourced from CoStar (www.costar.com) and internal proprietary research conducted by Serafin Real Estate. While we strive to ensure accuracy and reliability, real estate trends and market conditions are subject to change. This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. For specific insights or tailored commercial real estate guidance, please consult with a professional advisor or contact Serafin Real Estate directly.
