Stay, Sell, or Strategize? What Fairhope Rental Owners Need to Know Right Now.
If you’re a rental property owner in Fairhope—or anywhere along the Eastern Shore—you’ve probably noticed some changes lately. Maybe your property is sitting longer than it used to. Maybe tenant inquiries have slowed. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s time to sell while values are still strong.
We’re here to give you the real story behind Fairhope’s current rental market—and what smart property owners should be doing right now. Here’s what the data—and the trends—are telling us.
Fairhope Rental Market Snapshot (July 2025)
Fairhope Days on Market (DOM)
• Realtor.com reports rental listings in Fairhope now average 78 days on market.
• Baldwin Realtors MLS: 22 active listings, averaging 55 days on market.
By contrast, the national average DOM is between 36–52 days, meaning Fairhope is moving slower than most U.S. markets.
Fairhope Rental Prices
• Zillow: Avg rent $2,050
• Point2Homes: Avg rent $1,550 (homes & apartments)
• Apartments.com: Median rent $1,311 (apartments – down 5.9% YoY)
• MLS (Fairhope): Avg rent $2,226 (homes)
In short: Pricing is holding steady for homes, but smaller or older rentals are seeing downward pressure.
Fairhope Vacancy Rate
• Estimated at 11.6% (vs. national avg of 7.1%), signaling higher supply and tenant selectiveness.
Comparison: Nearby Markets
Let’s compare Fairhope with nearby rental markets:
These figures reflect currently active rental listings in the Baldwin Realtors MLS as of July 21, 2025.
They represent asking prices—not actual leased rates—and not all of these homes will rent at the prices listed. In fact, properties that are overpriced or not properly positioned for today’s market are sitting longer and may require price reductions or improvements to attract qualified tenants.
Property owners who price strategically, maintain well-presented listings, and work with an experienced management team (like Level Property Management Group) can still see strong returns and low vacancy loss.
Level Property Management Group’s current average is just 46 days on market, with an average rental price of $2,073. That’s 5 days faster and just a few cents per day lower than the Baldwin County average.
Important Market Note: The Daphne–Fairhope–Foley MSA saw the largest rent drop among small metros nationally: −3.4% YoY.
Should You Sell Your Rental Property Right Now?
It’s a question we’re hearing from a lot of owners right now—and the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Consider Selling If…
• Your property has sat vacant for longer than 60 days AND
• You’ve had to reduce rent multiple times just to get showings.
• You want to cash out now before further price softening AND
• You’re considering reallocating equity—for example, selling in Fairhope and buying in Spanish Fort where demand is higher.
Baldwin County home sales trends also matter here:
Home sales have softened countywide in the past few months, with longer days on market and more price reductions. We are tipping into more of a buyer’s market —so if you plan to sell, sooner may be better than later.
You May Want to Hold If…
• Your property is still generating positive (or even break-even) cash flow AND
• You have a long-term investment strategy in place.
• You want to build wealth over time.
• Your rental serves as a future income stream (e.g., retirement, college fund).
• Your mortgage has a low interest rate, making holding less expensive.
Not Sure What to Do? Here’s How to Decide:
Before you rush into a sale take a moment to think strategically.
- Analyze Your Financials. Know your net cash flow, upcoming expenses, and future appreciation potential.
- Evaluate the Market Conditions. Fairhope is slower right now, but what have the last two years looked like? What’s expected over the next five years? Nearby Spanish Fort is hot – why? Consulting an advisor and taking a deeper dive into the data could shape your decision.
- Consider Your Long-Term Goals. Are you building wealth for retirement, do you count on this income today, or are you looking to simplify?
- Consult a Financial Advisor. Especially helpful if you’re considering tax implications, a 1031 exchange, or restructuring your investments.
- Don’t Rush It. A hasty sale could leave money on the table. Take the time to weigh your options.
- Explore Creative Options. For example, a lease-to-own agreement could attract better tenants and give you flexibility if you’re not quite ready to sell.
- Optimize. Now is a great time to optimize your property through smart upgrades to make sure your investment can compete with new construction and updated properties going forward.
- Work With a Team That Has You Covered—No Matter What You Decide.
At Level Property Management Group, we don’t just manage homes—we partner with you to grow your investment. And because we work hand-in-hand with our sister company, Ashurst Niemeyer Real Estate, we can help you sell smart, buy smart, or simply maximize your rental ROI.
✅ Want to sell in Fairhope and buy a rental in Spanish Fort?
✅ Want to lease it one more year and test the market later?
✅ Want to offload your property and reinvest in something turnkey?
For Level PMG property owners, we make it easy. We know the market, we know you, your property, and your goals. Our sister company, Ashurst Niemeyer is a boutique real estate advisory firm with generations of knowledge in Baldwin County. When it comes time to list or buy, you’re not starting from scratch—you’re working with a team that already knows your property, your tenants, your market, and what makes your investments tick.
Final Takeaway
Fairhope’s rental market is cooling, but not crashing. Smart owners still have choices:
• Hold for long-term gains in a stable, landlord-friendly market.
• Adjust, improve, and lease more strategically.
• Sell now before conditions soften further.
Ready to Make a Confident Decision?
Let’s talk. Whether you’re selling, leasing, or somewhere in between, we’ll help you weigh the pros and cons—no pressure, just clarity.
Contact Level Property Management Group or Ashurst Niemeyer Real Estate today.
One conversation. One team. Everything you need—under one roof.
Want to see how your Fairhope rental property compares?
Schedule a free rental market analysis with our team at Level Property Management Group.
We’ll show you how to price competitively and lease confidently—while protecting your long-term ROI.
Call 251.517.5417 for immediate and confidential assistance.
