Auburn Condo Guide For Parents
Why Parents Consider Buying Instead of Renting
Buying a condo for your Auburn student can provide consistency in housing throughout your student’s college years while offering long-term flexibility. Many Auburn University parents begin exploring condo ownership after realizing how quickly four years of rent adds up.
Common reasons families choose to buy include:
• Monthly payments often comparable to rent
• Housing consistency throughout enrollment
• No need to relocate each year due to lease changes
• Opportunity to build equity over time
• Flexibility to sell after graduation or retain for future use
Auburn’s housing market remains active year after year due to consistent university enrollment and strong demand for well-located properties.
Choosing the Right Location in Auburn.
Location plays a major role in both convenience and long-term value.
Parents often consider:
Walk to Campus Communities
Southern Edge
Edge West
Creekside
Magnolia Plaza
Short Drive to Campus (5-10 min)
Southern Edge
Edge West
Creekside
Magnolia Plaza
Access to Tiger Transit
Some communities provide convenient access to university transit routes, which can reduce the need for daily driving.
We help families evaluate distance to campus, traffic patterns, community layout, and long-term resale appeal.
Important City & COA Considerations
Auburn has specific zoning and community regulations that impact occupancy and leasing.
Before purchasing, it is important to understand:
• Limits on the number of unrelated occupants in certain areas
• COA policies regarding rentals
• Minimum lease terms (if applicable)
• Monthly COA dues and what they cover
• Parking arrangements
• Maintenance responsibilities
Each community is different. We review these details carefully with families before a purchase decision is made.
What Does it Cost to Own a Condo in Auburn
Pricing varies based on location, proximity to campus, size, and condition.
Typical price ranges:
• 1 Bedroom: $180,000 – $250,000
• 2 Bedroom: $220,000 – $320,000
• 3 Bedroom: $280,000 – $400,000
Monthly ownership costs may include:
• Mortgage payment
• COA dues
• Property taxes
• Insurance
In many cases, total monthly costs are comparable to rental rates in similar locations.
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Planning for After Graduation
When your student graduates, you have options:
• Sell the condo
• Retain for future Auburn students in your family
• Convert to a rental (subject to COA regulations)
We help families evaluate resale timing and market conditions when the time comes.
How Kent McCown Group Helps Auburn Parents
Buying in a college market is different from traditional residential purchases. We guide parents through each step with clarity and local expertise.
We provide:
• Community-specific insights
• Review of COA rules and zoning considerations
• Market value analysis
• Access to off-market opportunities when available
• Ongoing support throughout ownership
Our team serves families across Auburn and Opelika and understands the unique dynamics of student-focused properties.
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For many families, ownership provides housing consistency and the opportunity to build equity instead of paying rent for multiple years.
Occupancy depends on city zoning and COA regulations. We review these guidelines with you before making an offer.
Most parents begin exploring condo options 12 to 18 months before their student plans to move in. Starting early allows more time to understand the Auburn condo market, compare communities, and evaluate factors like location, HOA structure, and pricing.
Some families begin their search closer to 6 months before move-in, particularly if their student’s plans were finalized later or if they prefer to focus only on immediately available options.
The right timeline depends on your goals, financing, and preferred communities. Beginning earlier typically provides the widest selection and more flexibility, while shorter timelines can still offer strong opportunities depending on current inventory.
We work with families at every stage, whether you are planning well in advance or need to find the right property on a shorter timeline.
Most purchases are made in the parent’s name. We recommend speaking with your lender and financial advisor to determine what is best for your situation.
The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification.2022 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.
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