April brought a few soft spots to Alabama’s housing market. Total home sales dipped slightly, median prices eased, and total sales volume came in just below March’s figure. But when you take a step back and look at the big picture — the year-over-year gains, seasonal context, and economic backdrop — a different story emerges: Alabama’s market is rebounding and gaining strength.

While monthly data offers helpful real-time insight, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Zooming out to view April’s data as part of a larger trend is key to understanding where the market is heading.

Here’s what you need to know about the role April’s numbers are playing in Alabama’s housing market at large.

It’s true that April saw a 6.8% dip in home sales, a 2.2% decrease in median price, and a 3.1% drop in total sales volume compared to March. These month-over-month declines are less alarming when viewed in the context of the broader market recovery that’s been unfolding since 2024.

Compared to April of last year — a time marked by high mortgage rates, limited inventory, and uncertainty heading into presidential election season — Alabama’s market has made meaningful progress:

• Home sales are up 10.8%
• Median sales price rose 13.3%
• Sales volume increased 30.5%
• Active listings jumped 27%

More homes are selling, prices are rising steadily, and buyers have greater inventory to choose from — all signs of a more active, balanced housing market than a year ago.

Real estate is cyclical. Monthly shifts often reflect the rhythm of the seasons rather than long-term market changes. April is typically a transitional month, bridging early-year activity with the upswing of summer demand.

Even with its modest month-over-month decline, April still outpaced both February ($1.44B) and January ($1.27B) in total sales volume. The median price of $224,967 also topped those earlier months, continuing an upward trend that historically accelerates through summer.

Looking beyond the housing market, economic indicators continue to support long-term stability.

• Alabama’s unemployment rate (3.3%) has remained below the national average (4.2%) for seven consecutive months.
• Statewide labor force participation is at its highest since 2019, suggesting more residents are working or looking for work — a sign of economic health.
• The construction sector led job growth in the state, adding 2,100 jobs, which bodes well for future housing supply.

It’s easy to over-interpret a single month’s performance. But the bigger picture signals Alabama’s real estate market is moving in the right direction. The combination of higher sales, rising prices, increased inventory, and solid economic indicators all point to a healthier, more confident marketplace.