Lee County’s July 2026 Residential Report paints a picture of a market transition, one where rising inventory, shifting buyer behavior and notable differences between Auburn and Opelika are reshaping the real estate landscape. Compared to July 2025, the trends reveal cooling momentum and interesting areas of strength across specific segments.
Inventory increased year-over-year.
The July 2026 report for Lee County revealed significant changes in inventory. Inventory surged by 28.3%, with total homes listed rising from 650 in July 2025 to 834 in July 2026.
More specifically, Auburn experienced a 38.1% jump, going from 320 to 442 homes listed, and Opelika saw a 21.8% increase, with 285 homes listed this July versus 234 listed last July.
Sales dynamics shifted in our area.
But even with more options for buyers, properties sold decreased by 8.1%, dropping from 260 to 239. Properties sold in Auburn align with a 16.2% decline, from 136 properties sold to 114.
Opelika, on the other hand, had a slight increase, jumping from July 2025’s 86 properties sold to 94 for a 9.3% change. Interestingly, these figures suggest a shift toward a buyer’s market, driven by increased supply and decreased sales volume.
Average sold prices climbed in some areas.
Another key point from Lee County’s July 2026 Residential Report is that the average sold price still climbed by 3.3%, reaching $453,087 overall in Lee County. For Auburn, prices increased by 15.1%, rising from $471,966 in July 2025 to $543,162 in July 2026, reflecting strong demand for higher-end listings and new construction offerings.
Opelika did experience a marginal 6.9% dip from last year’s $395,607 to $368,406, suggesting a more balanced market with steady demand.
Days on the market rose in Auburn and Opelika.
The average days on market increased by 10.2%, or five days, reaching 54 days on average, indicating a slower pace in transactions despite an increase in choices. The same remained true for Opelika as well.
Homes spent an average of 62 days on the market in July 2026, a 21.6% increase from last July’s 51 days.
Land sales cooled significantly.
Overall, Lee County saw a decrease in total lots and sales, with only three out of 102 lots sold and a significant drop in average sale price from $261,000 to $96,667. To clarify, Auburn saw a 22.4% increase in lots available, reaching 60, yet none were sold last month.
Conversely, Opelika saw a sharp 44.0% decrease in available lots but managed to sell three, possibly suggesting a demand for scarce inventory.
Auburn’s condo market continued to boom!
The Auburn condo market experienced explosive growth. Listings nearly doubled, rising from 48 to 94, while sales skyrocketed by 128.6%, jumping from 14 to 32. The average sold price increased by 34.3% to $397,643, and the average days on market nearly doubled, reaching 57 days. This surge indicates heightened investor interest, possibly due to strong demand for student housing or downsizing trends, making condos a standout segment.
Summary
Taken together, Lee County’s July 2026 report shows a market adjusting to new dynamics—more inventory, selective buyer activity, and standout growth in condos. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, understanding these trends helps you make confident, informed decisions in a changing landscape.
For personalized insights and guidance, contact Ryan Roberts, your trusted REALTOR in the Auburn-Opelika area. Stay informed by reading our blogs for the latest real estate updates.
