Published:
March 12, 2024
Last updated:
January 10, 2026
Denver’s Real Estate Market in 2026: Better for Buyers
In This Article

Recent reports have shown that the Denver real estate market in 2026 could be more friendly toward home buyers.

Home prices have flattened out after several years of steady gains. Houses are taking longer to sell with fewer offers. The Denver metro area was recently singled out as having the biggest increase in new real estate listings over the past year.

Through 2026, some Denver home buyers could enjoy a more casual house-hunting experience with more properties to choose from.

More Homes Coming Onto the Market in Denver

Earlier this month, researchers from Realtor.com published a housing market update that included trends for the nation’s 50 largest metro areas. Among other things, this report showed that many markets across the country are finally experiencing some much-needed inventory growth.

The Denver metro area topped the list, posting the biggest year-over-year increase in new real estate listings over the past year or so.

The Denver new home listings metric looks at how many homes have come onto the market recently and how that rate changes over time. The Denver metro area also had a measurable increase in total housing market inventory over the past year.

If this trend continues, home buyers who enter the Denver real estate market in 2026 could have an easier time finding a property. They might encounter less competition from other buyers as well, due to a better balance between supply and demand.

To be clear, the Denver real estate market still suffers from a relative supply shortage. The same is true for most major cities across the United States. However, the situation appears to be improving for home buyers in 2026.

A Slower Pace Within the Real Estate Market

As of 2026, the Denver real estate market has settled into a more balanced and slower-moving phase after the rapid growth of the late 2010s and early 2020s. The intense seller’s market that once defined Denver has eased, giving buyers more options and time to make decisions. Inventory levels are higher over the past few years, and homes are staying on the market longer, especially if they are overpriced or need updates.

Home prices have largely stabilized, with modest fluctuations rather than sharp increases or widespread declines. Single-family homes are holding their value better than condos and townhomes, which have experienced softer demand in some areas. Overall pricing remains high by historical standards, but affordability continues to be constrained by elevated mortgage rates, which has limited buyer activity.

Buyers in 2026 have greater negotiating power, often securing price reductions, seller concessions, or favorable contract terms. Sellers, on the other hand, must price realistically and present their homes well to compete. Many homeowners with low mortgage rates are choosing to stay put, which prevents inventory from surging too dramatically.

The rental market has also cooled slightly, with rent growth slowing and more availability than in previous years. Overall, Denver’s market in 2026 is best described as stable, cautious, and transitioning toward long-term sustainability rather than rapid appreciation.

Prices Have Been Flat Over the Past Year

According to the latest data from Zillow, the median home price within the Denver real estate market was around $525,742 in early 2026. That’s just slightly below where it was one year ago.

Denver’s Real Estate Market Looking Better in 2026

The Denver area hasn’t entirely shifted from a seller’s to a buyer’s market. There is still an ongoing shortage of homes for sale compared to the number of buyers seeking them. And such conditions tend to favor sellers when it comes to negotiating.

It’s more accurate to say that conditions in the Denver real estate market in 2026 have shifted in a buyer-friendly direction. With stable prices, lower mortgage rates, and more properties to choose from, Denver home buyers have a golden opportunity to succeed in 2026.

Need Financing in Denver?

If you’re looking at Denver, CO, in 2026, consider partnering with a team of mortgage specialists early on. Before you start house hunting, get pre-approved for a mortgage in Denver, CO so you’re ready to put in a solid offer when you find the perfect place to call home! Call Sammamish Mortgage today, or visit our website to get an instant rate quote.