Denver Housing Inventory Hits 12-Year High, Giving Colorado Home Buyers More Options

Colorado families searching for homes in the Denver metro area are finding themselves with significantly more choices, as available listings reached their highest level since 2011. According to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors (DMAR), active listings surged to 13,599 in May - a dramatic 48% increase from last year's 9,159 homes.

For Front Range families who have struggled with limited housing options in recent years, this shift marks a significant turning point in Colorado's competitive real estate market. The current inventory levels are approaching the historic average of 14,510 listings recorded between 1985 and 2024.

What This Means for Colorado Buyers and Sellers

Despite the increased inventory, Colorado home values remain resilient. The median closing price in the Denver metro area held steady at $600,000 in May, matching prices from a year ago and showing only a slight decrease from April's $604,000.

"As more homes enter the market and fewer are closing, we're seeing a build-up of active listings rolling into the next month," explained Amanda Snitker, chair of the DMAR Market Trends Committee. "This is where strategy and staying power come into play. Sellers need to be mindful of how their home is positioned — while buyers may finally have more room to breathe."

Denver Leads National Shift to Buyer's Market

According to the REMAX National Housing Report, Denver now ranks third nationally among major metros where conditions favor buyers, trailing only San Diego and Raleigh, N.C. This represents a significant shift for Colorado home shoppers who have faced intense competition in recent years.

Impact on Different Price Points

Local market experts note varying trends across price segments:

• Luxury homes ($1 million+): Showing a 5% sales volume decline, indicating buyer caution
• Mid-range homes ($750,000-$999,999): Expected to see continued inventory growth
• Entry-level homes: More options becoming available for first-time buyers

Local real estate expert Andrew Abrams with Guide Real Estate suggests patience may benefit both buyers and sellers:

"Historically, inventory tends to peak around September. This means buyers who remain patient may soon benefit from more options, while sellers may find that patience is increasingly tested."

"Historically, inventory tends to peak around September. This means buyers who remain patient may soon benefit from more options, while sellers may find that patience is increasingly tested."

Advice for Colorado Home Sellers

For Colorado homeowners considering selling, market conditions now require more strategic planning. Properties must be both well-maintained and properly priced to attract buyers in this evolving market. As Abrams notes, sellers with properties that aren't "turnkey" face two choices: wait for the right buyer or reduce the price to stay competitive.

This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.