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Denver Real Estate Market Report: Q3 2025
Navigating the Denver Market: A Buyer's Opportunity
The Big Picture: A Market in Rebalance
The third quarter of 2025 has confirmed a significant shift in the **Denver, CO** real estate market. Gone is the frenetic, "win-at-all-costs" environment of the past few years. We are now in a **more balanced market**, one that offers the first real window of opportunity for buyers in a long time. The story of Q3 is one of **rising inventory, moderating price growth, and a return to normal timelines**. For you as a buyer, this translates to more choice, more time, and—most importantly—more negotiating power.
Key Market Indicators (Q3 2025 vs. Q3 2024)
+25%
Active Inventory (YOY)
More homes on the market means more options for you.
28
Median Days on Market
Up from 14 days last year. You have time to think.
$620,000
Median Price (Detached)
A modest +3.0% rise YOY, showing stabilization.
98.5%
Close-to-List Price Ratio
Down from 101% last year. Negotiation is back.
Buyer's Insight: What This Means for You
This data paints a clear picture: the leverage is shifting for **Denver property** types. An increase in active listings to 5,800 homes (from 4,640 last year) is the most significant change for the Q3 2025 timeframe. Sellers can no longer expect multiple offers in 24 hours. Homes are sitting for an average of 28 days, forcing sellers to price their homes competitively from day one. While the median price for a detached home in Denver is still $620,000, the appreciation has cooled significantly. For attached homes (condos/townhomes), the median price sits at $415,000, a 4.5% YOY increase. This rebalancing act, supported by data from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors (DMAR), means your strategy can shift from "speed" to "smart."
Decoding the Data: Why It's a Better Time to Buy
The charts below illustrate the three core pillars of this new buyer-friendly market: more choice, more time, and more power. We've moved from a sharp seller's peak to a more sustainable plateau, and the data shows why your opportunities are expanding in the **Colorado region**.
Chart 1: Inventory Change (Your Options)
A 25% increase in active listings year-over-year means you're no longer competing for just one or two homes.
Chart 2: Market Speed (Your Time)
Homes are staying on the market twice as long as last year, giving you crucial time to conduct due diligence.
Chart 3: Negotiation Leverage (Your Power)
Last year, homes sold for 1% *over* asking. This year, they're selling for 1.5% *below* asking (98.5% ratio). This is your negotiation room.
Finding Your Fit: Denver Neighborhood Dynamics
The "Denver market" is really a collection of unique micro-markets. How this rebalancing affects you depends heavily on where you're looking. Some neighborhoods are seeing more inventory than others, creating specific pockets of opportunity for **Denver property types** within the city.
Highland (LoHi)
Median Price: $850,000
Buyer's Vibe: Still highly competitive, but the frenzy has cooled. More price reductions are appearing on attached properties (townhomes, duplexes) that were aggressively priced. Single-family homes are still moving fast if updated and priced right.
Central Park (f.k.a. Stapleton)
Median Price: $680,000
Buyer's Vibe: This area has seen a healthy bump in inventory. It's an excellent market for move-up buyers, with more choices in the 4-5 bedroom category than last year. Sellers are more willing to negotiate on inspection items.
Capitol Hill / Cheesman Park
Median Price: $350,000
Buyer's Vibe: This is a strong opportunity zone for first-time buyers. The condo market has the highest inventory levels relative to demand, giving buyers significant leverage. Many units have been on the market 30+ days.
Your Buyer's Playbook: How to Win in This Market
This is a "smart" buyer's market. Speed is no longer the only strategy. Here are your 5 actionable steps for success in Q4 2025 and early 2026.
- 1.
Get Fully "TBD" Underwritten
A simple pre-approval isn't enough. Get your credit, income, and assets fully underwritten by a lender (a "TBD" approval). This lets you write offers that are as strong as cash, giving you an edge in negotiations and allowing you to close faster.
- 2.
Don't Be Afraid to Negotiate
The data shows a 1.5% gap between list and sale prices. This is your opening. Use recent comparable sales (comps) to justify an offer below asking, especially for homes on the market for 21+ days. Review the market data from NAR to support your position.
- 3.
Leverage the Inspection
With DOM at 28 days, sellers are more fearful of their home going "Back on Market." This is your power. Conduct a thorough inspection and don't hesitate to ask for significant repairs or credits for major items. This is a key negotiation point.
- 4.
Look at "Stale" Listings
Set up a search for homes that have been on the market for 30+ days. These sellers are often the most motivated and most likely to accept a lower offer or provide concessions, like a rate buydown. This is especially true for **attached property types**.
- 5.
Think Long-Term
This isn't a market for quick flips. This is a market for finding the *right* home. Focus on a property that meets your 5-7 year plan. As the BCNREB (for market trend context) notes, housing is a long-term wealth-building tool.
Common Buyer Questions (FAQ)
Is now a good time to buy a house in Denver? ▾
Q3 2025 represents a significant window of opportunity for buyers in Denver. With inventory up 25% and homes staying on the market longer (28 days), the market has shifted away from the intense seller's frenzy. This gives you more choices, more time to decide, and more negotiating power.
Should I wait for prices or interest rates to drop further? ▾
Timing the market perfectly is impossible. While prices have moderated, they are still appreciating (up 3% YOY). A 25% increase in inventory is a concrete advantage for buyers right now. Waiting could mean facing more competition later or higher prices. We recommend focusing on the current opportunity: more choice and more negotiation leverage.
How much can I negotiate off the asking price? ▾
On average, homes are selling for 98.5% of their list price, down from 101% last year. This means sellers are, on average, accepting offers 1.5% below asking. However, this varies greatly by property. Some overpriced homes may see larger reductions, while perfectly priced homes in prime locations may still get full price. Your leverage is in data-backed offers.
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