Why Northern Virginia’s Early Education Real Estate Market Is Surging in 2026
Northern Virginia’s early education real estate sector is entering one of its most transformative periods in decades. Demand for childcare and early learning facilities has been rising steadily since 2020, but Serafin Real Estate’s newly released 2026 market analysis shows just how dramatic the shift has become. Across Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, early education properties are outperforming nearly every other commercial asset class and the forces behind this surge are reshaping the region’s investment landscape. A Sharp Decline in Licensed Centers Is Driving Scarcity One of the most striking findings in the report is the 41% net reduction in licensed childcare centers in Loudoun County since 2020. The number of centers fell from 192 to just 113 by mid‑2025, creating a structural shortage that has pushed valuations to historic highs. This contraction isn’t just a local issue. It mirrors a national shortfall of roughly six million enrollment slots. As a result, existing facilities in ...