Birmingham
Investment Analysis

Birmingham, AL
Investor Report

Comprehensive real estate investment analysis with cap rates, rental yields, and risk assessment.

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42
Investment Score
Strong Buy
Cap Rate (Est.)
4.8%
Gross Yield
8.1%
P/R Ratio
8.8x
YoY Growth
-3.1%
Median Home Price
$165,000
Average Rent (1BR)
$1,109/mo
Median Income
$44,951
Population
196,518

Investment Breakdown

74
Value Score
19
Growth Score
0
Safety Score
57
Afford Score

Birmingham has a price-to-rent ratio of 8.8x, which indicates buying is significantly better than renting.

The estimated cap rate of 4.8% is around the national average.

Year-over-year price growth of -3.1% suggests a cooling market.

Rental Cash Flow Analysis

Monthly Income

Gross Rent $1,109
Annual Gross $13,308

Est. Monthly Expenses

Property Tax (~1.5%) -$206
Insurance (~0.5%) -$69
Maintenance (~1%) -$138
Est. Net Cash Flow $697/mo

Price Forecast 2026โ€“2028

๐Ÿ”ฎ Birmingham Price Forecast 2026โ€“2028

Based on 5-year Zillow ZHVI trend analysis ยท Statistical projection
โžก๏ธ Stable
PROJECTEDNOW$133K2027$137Kโ–ฒ 2.4%2028$135Kโ–ฒ 1.5%20232024Now
$156K$127K
Current
$165K
2026
Projected
$137K
โ†‘ 2.4% by 2027
Projected
$135K
โ†‘ 1.5% by 2028
5yr CAGR:+1.8%
Confidence:Low
Rยฒ:0.06
โ–ผ

For those evaluating a Birmingham housing market forecast through 2028, the current data paints a picture of stability and value rather than explosive growth. The median home price sits at $133,464, a figure that remains deeply affordable compared to national benchmarks. While the recent YoY price change of -2.7% might raise eyebrows, it actually signals a welcome cooling from pandemic-era highs, allowing fundamentals to reassert themselves. This moderation, combined with a price-to-rent ratio of just 9.4x (well below the national average of 18x), underscores why the buy/rent verdict remains a strong BUY for investors and owner-occupants alike. The market temperature of 61/100 suggests balanced conditions, avoiding the frenetic bidding wars seen in hotter markets.

When asking will Birmingham home prices drop significantly, the underlying economic supports suggest limited downside risk. The cityโ€™s 5-year price change of 12.6% and a CAGR of 2.4% indicate steady, sustainable appreciation rather than a volatile bubble poised to burst. Key local factors bolster this outlook: Birmingham continues to benefit from its role as a regional medical and financial hub, with ongoing investments in downtown revitalization and the adjacent innovation district. Affordability remains a key draw, attracting both young professionals and remote workers priced out of larger metros. The 48 days on market provides buyers with reasonable time to make decisions, while the A risk grade reflects a fundamentally sound market. For Birmingham real estate Birmingham 2027 and beyond, expect continued steady demand supported by economic anchors like UAB and a favorable cost of living.

Projected Cap Rate (2027)
6.0%
5yr CAGR
+1.8%

Job Market

Unemployment 3.1%
National avg: 3.7%
Job Growth (YoY) +1.8%

Healthcare

72
Score
Good

Risk Factors

High Crime Area
Declining Prices

Market Activity

Source: Redfin ยท 2026-01-31
Sale-to-List 94.0%
Months Supply 7.3
Price Drops 22%
Gone in 2 Wks 18%

Market Position

Affordability Below Avg
Safety Higher Risk

ROI Projector Estimate your total return

Adjust the sliders to model different investment scenarios for Birmingham.

Total ROI
-22%
on $33,000 invested
Annual ROI
-4.8%
compounded
Total Return
-$7,248
appreciation + cashflow
Mo. Cash Flow
-$219
year 1 estimate
Equity Growth Over 5 Years
Y134kY236kY337kY439kY541k
Appreciation
$0
Cash Flow
-$7,248
Final Equity
$40,735

* Estimates based on 0.0% annual appreciation, 3% rent growth, 5% vacancy. Does not include closing costs, tax benefits, or capital gains tax. For illustrative purposes only.

Rental Investment Calculator Estimate your monthly cashflow

Rental Income Estimator

Pre-filled for Birmingham

Property

Purchase Price$165,000
Monthly Rent$1,109
Down Payment20%

Financing

Interest Rate6.5%

Expenses

Property Tax1.2%
Insurance (Annual)$1,500
Maintenance Reserve1%
Vacancy Rate5%
Property Management0%
HOA (Monthly)$0
-$208
Monthly Cash Flow
-$2,499/ year
-7.6%
Cash-on-Cash
4.6%
Cap Rate

Monthly Breakdown

+ Rental Income$1,109
โˆ’ Mortgage (P&I)$834
โˆ’ Property Tax$165
โˆ’ Insurance$125
โˆ’ Maintenance$138
โˆ’ Vacancy Loss$55
= Net Cash Flow-$208

Investment Summary

Down Payment
$33,000
Loan Amount
$132,000
Total Monthly Expenses
$1,317
Gross Yield
8.1%

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investment decisions should be made after consulting with qualified professionals. Data sources include Zillow, Census Bureau, and BLS. Cap rates and yields are estimates based on available data.

Last updated: March 2026