Summary answer: New development is more likely to help Fairfax home values than hurt them over time, especially near the redevelopment along Fairfax Boulevard (Route 50). Projects like Scout on the Circle, the Northfax area and new townhouse communities such as Overlook and Sutton Heights bring shops, walkable blocks and higher-priced comparables. In the short term, construction traffic and density next door can weigh on the homes closest to a project.
I'm Johnny Quilenderino with JQ Real Estate. Here's what's being built in Fairfax and how it can affect nearby homes.
A correction
An earlier version of this page described the City of Fairfax as built out with little new construction. In fact, the city has added hundreds of apartments and new townhouses along Fairfax Boulevard since 2020, with more proposed.
What's been built
- Scout on the Circle: a Giant grocery store and about 400 apartments at Fairfax Circle, open since around 2020.
- Overlook at Fairfax Boulevard: Pulte's 60 townhouses, now resales only.
- Sutton Heights: EYA's 50 townhouses on Pickett Road, next to the Army Navy Country Club golf course.
What's proposed
- Northfax West Phase IV: two apartment buildings with ground-floor retail at 3570 Chain Bridge Road, previewed by city council in September 2026.
- Circle Gateway: up to 261 apartments proposed in the Fairfax Circle Shopping Center.
- A Fairfax Circle small area plan, following a 2024 Urban Land Institute review.
Read Northfax, Fairfax Circle and what's changing for details.
How development affects values
| Effect | Who it affects |
|---|---|
| New shops and walkable streets | Neighborhoods within a short walk or bike ride |
| Higher-priced new homes as comps | Similar older homes nearby |
| Construction noise and traffic | Homes right next to the site, for a year or two |
| More apartments and density | Can affect parking and traffic on nearby streets |
Neighborhoods closest to the changes
- Mosby Woods, north of Fairfax Boulevard. See the guide.
- Fairchester and Westmore, near Fairfax Circle and Route 50. See the guide.
- Homes near Old Town, where Old Town Square has added a gathering place. See Old Town Fairfax and Old Town homes.
For buyers
Buying near planned improvements can pay off, but check what's actually approved and when. A home next to a future construction site may be cheaper now, and that discount may be worth it if you'll stay several years. See areas improving in value and noise and traffic trade-offs.
For sellers
If you're near a finished project, mention the shops, grocery store and walkability in your listing. If construction is underway, be upfront and price accordingly. See what's driving values and pricing to sell fast.
New homes to buy
New and nearly new townhouses are the main new-construction option in and near the city. Browse Fairfax new construction and Fairfax townhomes, and read the townhome guide.
Questions to ask about any project
Has it been approved, or only proposed? When will construction start and end? Where will trucks enter? Will it add a traffic light, trail or park? The answers tell you whether a nearby project is a plus or a short-term hassle for a specific home.
Questions Fairfax buyers also ask
Will apartments lower my home's value?
Usually not over time, especially when they bring retail. The effect is mostly short-term and very local.
How do I find out what's planned?
Check the city's development page and planning commission agendas, or ask me.
Are home prices rising?
See the price outlook.
Browse Fairfax listings: 22030 · single-family homes · townhomes
Know what's coming
I'll check planned projects near any home you're considering. Contact Johnny Quilenderino to get started.
For more Fairfax buyer and seller questions, visit our Fairfax real estate hub.