Virginia Property Taxes: What You Really Pay and How It Affects Your Home

When you own property in Virginia property taxes, the annual fees paid to local governments based on your home’s assessed value. Also known as real estate taxes, they’re not optional, not negotiable, and often surprise new owners. Unlike states with flat rates, Virginia lets each county and city set its own tax rate—so your bill in Fairfax can be double what it is in rural Buchanan. There’s no state property tax, but local governments rely on these fees to fund schools, roads, and emergency services.

What you pay depends on three things: your home’s assessed value, the local tax rate, and whether you qualify for exemptions. In 2024, the average effective rate in Virginia was just under 0.9%, but in Arlington, it hit 1.1%, while in Pittsylvania County, it was 0.7%. That means a $400,000 home could cost $3,600 a year in one place and $4,400 in another. Landlords face the same rates, but they can’t pass the full cost to renters unless the lease allows it—and even then, Virginia law requires 30 days’ notice before any rent increase tied to tax hikes. If you’re a non-resident landlord owning property here, you still owe these taxes, and failure to pay can freeze your ability to sell or refinance.

Many people don’t realize they can challenge their assessment. If your home was valued at $500,000 last year but similar homes sold for $420,000, you can file an appeal with your county’s commissioner of revenue. You’ll need recent sales data, photos of damage or needed repairs, and a clear argument. Over 40% of appeals in Loudoun County in 2023 resulted in lowered assessments. That’s not luck—it’s process. And if you’re buying land in Virginia, remember: rural lots often have lower taxes, but they still carry fees for septic permits, well inspections, and road access rights.

Virginia property taxes aren’t just a number on a bill—they’re tied to your equity, your cash flow, and your long-term plan. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a landlord, or someone considering a move, understanding how these taxes work can save you thousands. Below, you’ll find real guides on what landlords can and can’t do, how rent increases connect to tax changes, and how to protect your finances when local rules shift under your feet.