New homes in Washington DC.

Local agent spot

This featured-agent spot is open for a licensed local real estate professional in District of Columbia.

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Rough estimate only (28% of income toward housing, ~6.5% illustrative rate, 30-year term) — not a loan offer or pre-qualification. Connect with a lender for real numbers →

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Federal Employment: The Ultimate Stability Anchor

The federal government is by far the largest employer in the DC metro area. Federal employment is the most recession-resistant major employment sector in the country — providing a structural demand floor that explains DC's consistent real estate performance through every economic cycle. This stability is the core investment thesis for DC real estate.

Metro Access Drives Value

Properties within walking distance (typically 0.5 miles) of Metro stations consistently command premiums over comparable properties further away. This premium has been validated through every market cycle and is a structural feature of DC real estate. When evaluating any DC property, Metro access is the single most important locational factor after neighborhood character.

DC Transfer and Recordation Taxes

DC charges 1.1% recordation tax and 1.1% transfer tax on home sales — combined 2.2% split equally between buyer and seller. On a $620,000 purchase each party pays approximately $6,820. First-time DC homebuyers may qualify for exemptions. Always calculate these costs precisely before finalizing your budget.

Row Houses: DC's Iconic Housing Type

DC's iconic row houses — brick Victorian and Federal-era townhouses built primarily between 1880-1940 — define the character of Capitol Hill, Shaw, LeDroit Park, and dozens of other neighborhoods. These properties require awareness of historic preservation requirements, shared party walls, and the specific maintenance needs of older construction.

Apply for DC Homestead Deduction After Closing

DC's Homestead Deduction reduces the assessed value of a primary residence by $84,000, saving owner-occupants $500-$1,000+ annually in property taxes. Apply with DC's Office of Tax and Revenue after closing. It is not applied automatically.

Anacostia and East of the River: DC's Opportunity Market

East of the Anacostia River — Anacostia, Congress Heights, Deanwood, and surrounding neighborhoods — DC's last significant affordability window. These neighborhoods offer historic single-family homes and row houses at prices 40-60% below comparable Northwest DC properties, with genuine revitalization underway driven by DC government investment and improving Metro access.

Cost of Living

Washington DC has a high cost of living driven primarily by housing prices. DC proper is significantly more expensive than many national cities though its income levels support the cost. The surrounding Maryland and Virginia suburbs offer somewhat more affordable options with DC employment access.