Birmingham Alabama September 2026 housing market report

What is happening in the Birmingham, Alabama housing market? The latest published September 2026 data points to a market with more available homes and longer selling times than a year ago, while the Birmingham metro median sale price remains slightly higher year over year. Sales activity eased from August, which is typical as the summer buying season winds down.

This update uses the latest monthly reports available as of November 2, 2026. The October 2026 monthly market reports had not yet been published by the sources reviewed for this update. Local Birmingham metro figures and statewide Alabama figures are shown separately because they cover different geographies and use different reporting methods.

Birmingham Metro Housing Market: September 2026

The Alabama Center for Real Estate (ACRE), using Greater Alabama MLS data, reported the following September results for the Birmingham metro area:

  • Closed home sales: 1,174, down 0.9% from September 2025 and approximately 0.5% from August 2026.
  • Active inventory: 4,586 homes, up 8.7% year over year and approximately 2.9% from August.
  • Median sales price: $318,000, up 1.0% year over year and approximately 3.6% below August's $329,950.
  • Days on market: 43 days, up 13.2% year over year and 6 days longer than August's 37 days.

The month-over-month percentages above are calculated from the published August and September figures and rounded to one decimal place. The year-over-year percentages are those reported with the ACRE metro comparison.

The September numbers show a modest seasonal slowdown in closed sales and median price compared with August. At the same time, inventory increased and homes took longer to sell. The annual comparison is more measured: sales were just under the prior year's level, inventory was higher, the median sale price was slightly higher, and marketing time was longer.

ACRE's published Birmingham metro comparison available for this update does not include a matching September months-of-supply or total sales-dollar-volume figure. I am not estimating those measures from inventory or median price because the underlying definitions and calculations matter.

Broader Central Alabama Snapshot

The Birmingham Association of REALTORS (BAR) and Greater Alabama MLS also publish a broader Central Alabama snapshot covering Jefferson, Shelby, Talladega, Coosa, St. Clair, Blount, Bibb, Chilton, Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne and Randolph counties. For September 2026, BAR reported:

  • Closed sales: 1,306
  • Total inventory: 6,347
  • Residential median sold price: $309,900
  • Days on market: 20

This is a wider 12-county reporting area, so its figures should not be treated as interchangeable with ACRE's Birmingham metro series above. The BAR snapshot currently displays the September totals but does not provide a comparable month-over-month or year-over-year change on that page.

Alabama Statewide Housing Market: September 2026

The Alabama Association of REALTORS (AAR) September 2026 Economic and Real Estate Report provides a separate statewide view. Alabama's activity slowed from August, but most major measures remained above September 2025:

  • Closed home sales: 6,292, down 5.8% from August and up 3.9% from September 2025.
  • Median sales price: $275,333, down 0.9% month over month and up 17.0% year over year.
  • Total sales volume: $2.07 billion, down 5.5% from August and up 21.8% year over year.
  • Active listings: 22,525, up 0.7% from August and 8.5% from September 2025.
  • Months of supply: 4.8 months, compared with 4.6 months in August and 4.7 months in September 2025.
  • Average days on market: 71 days, 3 days longer than August and 3 days longer than September 2025.

Statewide, the September median sales price was lower than August but remained substantially higher than a year earlier. Inventory and months of supply also increased, while average marketing time lengthened. The statewide figures provide useful context, but they should not be used to price a home in Hoover, Vestavia Hills or another specific Birmingham-area neighborhood.

What the September Market Means for Birmingham-Area Buyers

More inventory and longer marketing times can give buyers more opportunities to compare homes, review price histories and negotiate terms. Buyers may have more room to discuss repairs, closing costs or other terms when a property has been on the market longer or has already had a price adjustment.

That does not mean every seller will negotiate or that every home is overpriced. Well-presented homes in desirable locations and price ranges can still attract strong interest. Before making an offer, review recent comparable sales, the property's condition, competing active listings, days on market and any price changes. A lender can also help you evaluate the full monthly payment, including taxes, insurance and any association fees.

Start with the Birmingham home buying guide and browse current Birmingham-area homes for sale.

What the September Market Means for Sellers

The Birmingham metro median sale price was still 1.0% higher than September 2025, but that does not mean every home gained value by the same amount. The increase in active inventory and longer marketing time mean buyers have more properties to compare. Sellers need a pricing and presentation strategy that reflects the homes competing for the same buyer today.

Before setting an asking price, compare recent closed sales with current competition, including homes that have reduced their prices or remained on the market. Condition, updates, floor plan, lot, location within the neighborhood and timing can all influence the result. Strong preparation and accurate initial pricing can help a home stand out without relying on a broad metro median.

Review the Birmingham home selling guide or request a home valuation to begin a property-specific pricing discussion.

Why Neighborhood-Level Data Matters

Birmingham is not one uniform housing market. Conditions can vary by city, neighborhood, price range, home age and property type. A metro-wide median is a useful reference point, but it cannot tell you what a particular home in Ross Bridge, Greystone or Bluff Park should sell for.

Explore local listings and community information for:

Use the Birmingham Areas and Neighborhoods guide to compare communities, or visit the Birmingham housing market report hub for broader market information.

Get a Market Report for Your Neighborhood

If you want to know what is happening in your subdivision, ZIP code or price range, a focused report is more useful than a statewide or metro-wide average. Create a custom home market report to review active, pending and recently sold properties in the area you choose.

Whether you are planning to buy, sell or simply understand your home's current position, I can help you interpret the numbers in the context of your property and neighborhood.

Contact Jason Dailey to discuss your real estate plans in the Birmingham area.

Sources and Reporting Notes

Reporting period: September 2026 closed-sale and inventory data. Data reviewed November 2, 2026. Month-over-month Birmingham metro percentages are calculated from the published August and September ACRE figures and rounded. Statewide month-over-month and year-over-year comparisons are reported by AAR. The Central Alabama BAR snapshot has a different county footprint and is shown separately. Market statistics are broad indicators, not an appraisal or a prediction of an individual home's value.