Virginia is a state with a diverse economy, ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to technology and defense. The state has a population of over 8 million people, with a median household income of $76,456. The unemployment rate in Virginia is currently at 4.7%, which is slightly lower than the national average of 5.2%. With a strong economy and growing population, Virginia is an attractive location for commercial real estate investors.

Economy in Review

The economy in Virginia is driven by a variety of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and defense. The state is home to several major military installations, including the Pentagon and Naval Station Norfolk, which provide a significant boost to the local economy. In addition, Virginia is home to several major technology companies, including Amazon Web Services and Microsoft. The state also has a strong agricultural sector, with top products including poultry, dairy, and tobacco.

Multifamily Market

The multifamily market in Virginia has been strong in recent years, with steady demand for rental units. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median rent in Virginia is $1,200 per month. Financing options for multifamily properties include traditional bank loans, FHA loans, and Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac loans.

Office Market

The office market in Virginia is also strong, with several major cities including Richmond and Virginia Beach experiencing steady growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the professional and business services sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the state. Financing options for office properties include traditional bank loans, SBA loans, and CMBS loans.

Industrial Market

The industrial market in Virginia is driven by several key industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and transportation. The state is home to several major ports, including the Port of Virginia, which is one of the busiest ports on the East Coast. Financing options for industrial properties include traditional bank loans, SBA loans, and CMBS loans.

Retail Market

The retail market in Virginia has been impacted by the rise of e-commerce, but there is still demand for well-located retail properties. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the retail trade sector is one of the largest employers in the state. Financing options for retail properties include traditional bank loans, SBA loans, and CMBS loans.

Self-Storage Market

The self-storage market in Virginia has been growing in recent years, with demand driven by a variety of factors including downsizing and relocation. According to the Self Storage Association, there are over 600 self-storage facilities in Virginia. Financing options for self-storage properties include traditional bank loans, SBA loans, and CMBS loans.

Hospitality Market

The hospitality market in Virginia is driven by several key factors, including tourism and business travel. The state is home to several major tourist destinations, including Virginia Beach and Williamsburg. Financing options for hospitality properties include traditional bank loans, SBA loans, and CMBS loans.

Commercial Real Estate Loans by Purpose

There are many types of loans available for commercial properties in Virginia, and the best fit for you depends on your investment strategy. Here are some broad categories of financing available.

Permanent Financing

Permanent financing is a type of loan that remains in place for an extended period of time. It's commonly used to finance the acquisition of commercial properties or to refinance existing debt. Types of permanent financing include bank loans, loans from government-sponsored entities like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, HUD loans, credit union loans, loans from life insurance companies, commercial mortgage backed securities (CMBS) loans, and other types of loans depending on the specifics of the commercial property.

Refinancing a Commercial Real Estate Property in Virginia

I wouldn't quite call this a separate type of loan, but I have to mention refinancing in here. These are typically permanent loans (but not always) used to pay down an existing, partially amortizing or interest-only loan.

Often you may be able to time a refinance to happen after an interest rate drop — an ideal solution — but if your loan is maturing during a period of higher rates, you shouldn't stress too much about this. We'll work with you to find the best loan terms for your commercial property by reaching out to potentially thousands of lenders. Just complete the form below, and we'll get to it.

Construction Financing

Construction financing, also known as interim financing, is used to finance the cost of construction for commercial properties. It is usually a short-term loan that covers the cost of land development and building construction. Once construction is completed, the borrower can typically convert this into a permanent loan or pay it off with a new loan.

Bridge Loans

Bridge loans are a type of short-term loan that can be used to cover costs in the interim period between the end of one loan and the beginning of another. They are typically used in commercial real estate to finance the transition between construction financing and permanent financing. Bridge loans generally have higher costs than most other financing options and are often interest-only and non-recourse.

Commercial Real Estate Loans by Type

Depending on the purpose of your loan, you will have several financing options available to meet your investment goals. Read below to learn more about specific loan types.

Bank Loans

Bank loans are a common financing option for commercial real estate in Virginia. They can offer competitive interest rates and flexible terms, but the specifics can vary greatly from bank to bank. While they may not always be the best fit for larger, more complex projects, they can be an excellent option for smaller, simpler properties.

Life Company Loans

Life company loans are typically used to finance high-quality assets in major markets. They generally have lower loan-to-value ratios than most other loan types but offer competitive interest rates and long terms. However, they may not be suitable for riskier projects or properties in less established markets.

Agency Loans

Agency loans, offered by government-sponsored entities like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, are typically used for properties that are mostly multifamily. They offer attractive loan terms, low, fixed interest rates, and are non-recourse. However, there are restrictions on the amount of income that can come from other commercial uses.

HUD Loans

HUD multifamily loans are government-backed loans that are primarily used for the construction, substantial rehabilitation, purchase, and refinancing of multifamily properties. These loans offer long-term, non-recourse financing with competitive interest rates but have extensive requirements for qualification.

CMBS Loans

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (CMBS) loans are a type of mortgage-backed security backed by commercial real estate loans. Lenders focus more on the strength of the property than the borrower's credit, making them a good option for properties with strong cash flow.

SBA Loans

Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, such as the SBA 7(a) and SBA 504, offer attractive financing options for small businesses. However, the maximum amount for an SBA 7(a) loan is $5 million, while SBA 504 loans can go up to $20 million. They cannot be used for multifamily properties and are only available for properties that the business owner occupies.

Mezzanine Loans

Mezzanine financing is a hybrid form of financing that combines elements of debt financing and equity investment. It is typically used in commercial real estate to fill a funding gap between the primary loan and the total cost of a project.

Commercial Property Insurance in Virginia

This part isn't about loans, but it's just as important to your investment's success. Let's talk (quickly) about insurance.

Insurance premiums have skyrocketed in the past few years, as I'm sure you know. While multifamily gets a lot of the attention, rates for insuring anything from office buildings to shopping centers have jumped significantly.

Janover Insurance Group is dedicated to finding the best insurance solutions for your commercial real estate assets in Virginia. Click to get a free insurance quote for your property — no obligation.

By City

• Virginia Beach
• Chesapeake
• Richmond
• Norfolk
• Newport News
• Alexandria
• Hampton