Birmingham Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(Birmingham, Alabama - AL, USA)

Birmingham is a thriving industrialized city in the Southern US, and it is also gaining a reputation as a good place to buy property. Upscale shopping, a lively night scene and a compelling history at the heart of the Civil Rights struggle make this a dynamic place to call home.

The median price for a freestanding home in Birmingham is still reasonable in comparison with other Southern cities, meaning there are plenty of competitively priced properties on the market. Recently, the overall housing market in Birmingham has seen growth upwards of 17 percent, bolstered by revitalization projects in the city center.


Popular areas to search for property in Birmingham include Forrest Park - which is near Highland Park Golf Course, Hoover - the most successful 'bedroom community', and Homewood - which enjoys excellent views of the city from its perch on Red Mountain.

Renting Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments cater mainly to business and corporate travelers liaising with the industrial sector of Birmingham. These units range in size from small studios to expansive executive suites, and they include many more amenities and better facilities than most standard hotels. With this in mind, serviced apartments are competitively priced. They are, however, much more expensive than unfurnished apartments, sometimes to a factor of two. For visitors who plan on staying more than a few weeks, but less than six months, a serviced apartment is likely to be the most convenient and affordable option.

Buying Apartments and Houses

Well-priced family homes and rental units are available in most of the major suburbs of Birmingham. Be sure to spend time researching individual neighborhoods, as each has its own strengths.

Buyers can expect to pay a one percent loan origination fee, although the three to seven percent brokerage fee is typically paid by the seller. On the other hand, it is customary for closing costs to be paid by the buyer. The closing costs in Alabama are on par with the national average, and usually work out to under two percent of the purchase fee. This figure rises in the case of luxury property, and substantial fees may be further incurred through the services of a lawyer.

Real Estate Agents

As with finding a lawyer, finding a reliable real estate agent is also important. Again, a real estate agent who is familiar with the international dynamic of property buying is preferred. Bear in mind that many realtors in Birmingham deal exclusively with commercial properties, due to the city's reputation as an industrial giant. Private buyers will need to find an agent who specialises in the type of property they are searching for.

Check out the following Birmingham realtors and real estate agents:

Sandner Commercial Real Estate
Address: 420 20th Street North, Birmingham, Alabama AL, 35203, USA
Tel: +1 205 445 0955
Email: helpdesk@sandnercommercial.com
Website: www.sandnercommercial.com
Sandner Commercial specialises in value-added real estate services, with a focus on larger, commercial properties.

Boothby Realty Inc.
Address: 4 Office Park Circle #106, Birmingham, Alabama AL, 35223, USA
Tel: +1 205 879 9500
Email: info@boothbyrealty.com
Website: www.boothbyrealty.com
Boothby manages a wide range of properties and lists residential homes, condominiums and some commercial properties.

Ross Bridge
Address: 2101 Grand Avenue, Birmingham, Alabama AL, 35226, USA
Tel: +1 205 443 4663
Email: info@rossbridge.com
Website: www.rossbridge.com
Ross Bridge is a planned community of opulent, single-family homes including condominiums and lofts.