December & 2025 Market Updates and Recap

The 2025 market remained fairly flat year-over-year. The median sale price in the Denver Metro area increased by just 0.39% for detached homes, and attached home prices decreased by 2.85%. The combined median sale price of attached and detached homes in 2025 was just 0.85% higher than in 2022.

Many first-time buyers are taking a longer approach: starting to plan now to purchase this summer. It’s never too early to begin preparing. Buyers are enthusiastically touring homes to find the right one. The abundance of available inventory is prolonging their decision-making process. Analysis paralysis, anyone?

Average active listings for December are 11,839 (1985– 2024). The record high December was 2007 with 24,603 listings, while the record low was set in 2021, with just 1,477 listings. Historically, active listings decline an average of 18.44% from November to December. This year’s decrease of 27.59% is steeper than the long-term seasonal norm, but is consistent with the 10-year average decline of 26.04%

The shift in inventory and the increased length of time homes were taking to sell in 2025 caused many homeowners take a break from selling, removing their homes from the market with plans to return in early 2026. This, combined with the typical increase in inventory at the end of the first quarter each year, means we could be entering a buyers’ market and a slight cool down in home prices.

Buyers will need to focus on creative financing solutions. They should explore rate buydown options, consider a wider range of neighborhoods and property types, and work with lenders who can structure loans that maximize purchasing power.

Sellers, meanwhile, must focus on competitive pricing from day one. Investing in presentation and pre - listing preparations is essential. Sellers must also remain open to negotiating terms that address affordability concerns.

The opportunities in 2026 won't come from dramatic market swings. Instead, they will come from thoughtful, well-informed strategies designed for today's realities.