Alabama’s housing market continued at a slow and steady pace during November, and while there were a few setbacks throughout the state, there was great year-over-year improvement for several markets.

Existing home sales nationwide were nearly 4 percent higher than a year ago during November. For more on these statistics, click here.

The Alabama Center for Real Estate identified the five most improved housing markets in Alabama during November, based on year-over-year data.

1. Lee County: This area saw a 29 percent increase in closed sales over the same period the previous year during November. There were 89 sales, compared to 69 in 2014. This was up 40 units (81 percent) from the 2008 trough of 49 units.
2. Morgan County: The second most improved market year-over-year during November, had 20.3 percent more sales than 2014. There were 83 units sold, compared to 69 in 2014 and 64, the all-time low for the month, during 2012. Year-to-date sales were up 23.4 percent in November, compared to the same period the prior year.
3. Calhoun County: Sales hit 100 in October and nearly repeated in November with 97 units. This was a 19.8 percent increase over the 81 units sold during November 2014, which was more consistent with the five-year average of 80 units for the month.
4. Dothan: There were 65 units sold during November 2014, and that number increased by 18.5 percent during November 2015 (77 units). This was 14 percent higher than the five-year average of 68 units, and 54 percent higher than the all-time low of 50 units during November 2008.
5. Huntsville: The area saw an 18.5 percent increase in sales year-over-year in November. There were 390 units sold, compared to 329 the previous year. This was 40.3 percent higher than the 2008 trough of 278 units sold.

Other notable improvements were in Baldwin County and at Lake Martin. Baldwin County condo sales rose 32.6 percent over last year, establishing a new peak of 126 sold during November. Lake Martin waterfront properties saw an increase of 18.8 percent, again establishing a peak for the waterfront units of 19 during November.

For ACRE’s full monthly Statewide Residential Report, click here. For the full PDF Alabama Residential Report, click here.

Bryan Davis is the research/media coordinator for the Alabama Center for Real Estate housed within the Culverhouse College of Commerce at the University of Alabama. He can be reached at 205-348-5416 or at bkdavis@culverhouse.ua.edu.