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DC Retail Investment Activity Increases, Virginia Suburbs Show Strength
Across the Washington, D.C., area, more retail space was leased than vacated in 2025, despite federal government layoffs and broader economic headwinds, according to a recent report by Marcus & Millichap.
The metro recorded a roughly 30 percent year-over-year increase in retail transaction activity, slightly outpacing the national rate. “Washington-area retail properties have remained resilient despite ongoing labor market pressures,” said Brian Hosey, senior managing director, market leader. “Improving office fundamentals and steady conditions in Northern Virginia are helping support retail demand.”
Northern Virginia’s retail submarkets held vacancy steady, while the District and Maryland suburbs recorded year-over-year increases in vacancy. Retail transaction activity tripled in the Dulles Corridor and nearly doubled in the Alexandria/Interstate 395 area and Southeast Fairfax County. “Investor activity has strengthened across the metro, with Northern Virginia posting some of the largest gains in transaction volume,” added Hosey.
