2026 Denver Real Estate Forecast: 2025 in Review + What’s Ahead for 2026
Denver skyline silhouetted against a mountain sunset background.
If you felt like the Denver real estate market in 2025 had the energy of a toddler after a cake-pop…you’re not wrong. This year kept us on our toes in every possible way—rates shifting, inventory doing its best peekaboo routine, and buyers and sellers trying to make smart moves in a market that just refused to sit still.
But now that we’ve made it to the end of the year, let’s take a breath, pour something warm into a mug (or something bubbly into a glass—no judgment), and look back on what truly happened in Denver real estate this year…and where we’re headed next.
2025: The Year of “It Depends”
If there was one phrase that defined the market this year, it was “Well…it depends.”
Interest Rates Continued Their Rollercoaster.
Early in the year, rates flirted with the mid-6s, then bounced around just enough to keep everyone refreshing mortgage calculators like it was a competitive sport. The good news? Stability finally showed up to the party in late summer, helping buyers feel more confident again.
Inventory Actually Improved… Kind Of.
Denver saw a noticeable uptick in listings compared to the tight-as-a-drum days of 2021–2023. But even with more homes hitting the market, demand stayed strong—especially for anything updated, well-located, or Instagram-ready.
Prices? Still Rising (Just More Politely This Time).
Home prices didn’t skyrocket this year, but they did continue inching upward. Think of 2025 price growth like your friend who says they’re “not hungry” and then still eats half your fries. It wasn’t dramatic…but it definitely happened.
Buyers Got More Selective.
Gone are the days of blind waivers and offering your firstborn child to get an accepted contract. 2025 buyers wanted value, quality, and homes that didn’t come with major projects. Sellers who priced correctly and presented well? They were the true winners this year.
Looking Ahead: What We Expect in 2026
So what does the crystal ball say? (And by crystal ball, we mean data, trends, and the collective gut instinct of real estate professionals who basically live in the MLS.)
Interest Rates Could Trend Down—Slowly
Economists are predicting a gentle downward drift in 2026. Don’t hold your breath for 3% again (unless you enjoy disappointment), but we may see rates move into a more comfortable territory for buyers.
More Inventory = More Balance
As builders pick up pace and move-up sellers return, inventory should continue improving next year. Translation: This could be the most balanced Denver market we’ve seen in years. Balanced markets mean fairer negotiations, fewer bidding wars, and less crying into your pillow at night.
Steady, Sustainable Price Growth
Expect prices to continue rising—but calmly. No chaos, no spikes, no melodrama. Just Denver doing its Denver thing.
Opportunities for Both Buyers and Sellers
Buyers: More choices, better terms, and a chance to buy before rates drop further (and competition heats back up).
Sellers: Strong demand, especially for homes that are well-maintained and well-marketed. Even in a balanced market, beautiful homes win.
So…What Does This Mean for You?
Whether you’re dreaming of a new neighborhood, planning to downsize, upsizing for sanity, or just trying to understand what the heck is happening out there—2026 might be your year.
And luckily, you don’t have to navigate any of it alone.
Ready to Make Your Move in 2026? Dwell Denver Is Here to Help.
If you want clarity, strategy, and a team that will actually tell you the truth (nicely, we promise), reach out anytime. Let’s talk about your goals for the new year and build a plan that gets you home.
Contact Dwell Denver Real Estate to get started. Book a Discovery Meeting with us today.
