Alabama homes are staying on the market longer
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Homes in Alabama spent a median of 61 days on the market before going under contract in August, according to Redfin data.
The big picture: Homes are generally selling faster in the Midwest and Northeast and slower in the South — another sign that America is seemingly split between two housing markets.
Zoom in: In the second quarter of this year, the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors reports homes were on the market locally for an average of 48 days, up from 41 over the same period in 2024.
- That's about the same number of days on market for the second quarter as 2019's 45, but up from 32 in 2023 and lows of just eight in 2022 and 12 in 2023.
- Last month, the average was 54 days, per HAAR's September stats.
- The three-year average for second-quarter days on market in Madison County is 40, per HAAR's data.
Zoom out: Statewide, Alabama Realtors reported an average of 67 days on the market in August, up 11.7% year-over-year, with a forecasted increase to 70 in September.
What they're saying: "Believe it or not, the North Alabama market is still trying to cool down to pre-pandemic levels," HAAR President Tamara Fox tells Axios Huntsville. "For the area's market outlook, the increase in days on market is excellent news for buyers."
- "It signifies a clear shift in dynamics: less intense competition, more homes to choose from, and greater opportunity for negotiation," she said.
In Madison County, inventory rose around 22% in June 2025 compared to June 2024, per HAAR, and around 30% of second-quarter sales were from new construction.
- The median sales price was relatively flat at $339,000, while 17% fewer homes are selling above listed price and 44% more homes are selling below listed price.
Stunning stat: "The most notable increase occurred in the less than $150K range, where inventory grew by a significant 81% compared to the same period in 2024," per the report, to a total 69.
The bottom line: "The current outlook suggests a market where well-priced and well-maintained properties will still sell quickly, but the average buyer now has the crucial time needed to make thoughtful, informed decisions without the pressure of waiving contingencies," Fox said.