A recent analysis shows that Birmingham ranks among the top U.S. cities where homeowners inherited their properties, a sign of deep family roots and slower housing turnover in the local market.
Birmingham tied for first
According to a study by Coventry Direct, which examined the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Housing Survey, Birmingham and Pittsburgh tied for the highest percentage of inherited homes among 34 major metro areas. The report found that just over 7% of homes in Birmingham were passed down through inheritance or gifted, roughly one in every 14 homes.
Well above national average
The share of inherited homes in Birmingham nearly doubles that of most major markets. New Orleans ranked third at 4.5%, while the national average was below 4%.
What it means for the market
Real estate analysts say a high rate of inherited homes can indicate a more stable housing base, where families tend to stay in the same neighborhoods for generations. It can also affect supply, since inherited homes are less likely to be listed for sale in a given year, potentially tightening availability in certain areas of the metro.
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