As the new year kicks into gear, Denver’s housing market is offering something buyers haven’t seen in years – more options. The latest report from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors (DMAR) shows that January saw an increase in inventory, giving house hunters a broader selection. While mortgage rates stayed consistent, the influx of new listings is setting the stage for a more balanced playing field between buyers and sellers.
“In some ways, that [market environment] brings stability – decisions become more complex when too many unknowns exist,” says Amanda Snitker, Chair of the DMAR Market Trends Committee. “We expect mortgage rates to remain steady, while price growth has stabilized. Inventory remains a key factor we are monitoring, as the balance between supply and demand is the most significant variable influencing the market right now.”
January saw an increase in available homes, with active inventory up nearly 58% year-over-year. Both attached and detached properties saw new listings more than double compared to December, providing buyers with a much-needed expansion of choices.
Alvo Svaldi, the residential real estate reporter for The Denver Post, notes, “Normally, active listings decline an average of 3.8% between December and January, but this year the number of listings rose 11.6% to 7,688 due to increased supply meeting reduced demand. While that total is still well below the historical average of 12,032 for January, buyers have a lot more options than they have had in a long time at the start of the year.”
Price trends have remained relatively stable, with the median sale price for detached homes up 2.08%, standing at $638,000 for January, and attached homes rising 0.76% to $398,000 compared to last year. While mortgage rates are still a factor, the increased inventory gives buyers an opportunity to be selective and strategic in their home search.
Homes are staying on the market longer. The median days in MLS was 45 days – marking the highest since 2015. This means buyers have more time to make informed decisions rather than rushing into bidding wars. Additionally, with sellers needing to price competitively, buyers have more room to negotiate favorable terms.
For those considering homeownership in 2025, this shift presents a golden opportunity. More listings, stabilizing prices, and a market that rewards patience all create an environment where buyers can take charge of their journey. If you’ve been on the sidelines, this might just be your moment to step in and make a move.