In a world where we are conditioned to expect immediacy and convenience, real estate reminds us that some things still take time., according to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors Market Trend Committee.
The Denver Metro housing market right now is a masterclass in patience. Whether you're a buyer waiting for the right home to hit the market or a seller holding out for the best offer, today's conditions reward those who can pause, plan and stay engaged.
Patience is especially essential as inventory builds. This report tracks inventory in two ways: new listings refer to the number of homes that entered the market during the month, while active listings at month's end reflect the number of listings available on the last day of the month-those that roll over into the next cycle. In May, new listings increased by 3.26 percent for detached homes and 2.80 percent for attached homes compared to April. Year-to-date, 29,881 new properties have entered the market-up 17.55 percent from 2024 and 9.21 percent from 2021-highlighting a notable increase in seller activity.
As more homes come to market, active inventory continues to rise. With new listings outpacing closed sales, more properties remain active into the next month. At the end of May, there were 13,599 active listings-up 13.67 percent from the previous month and 48.48 percent year-over-year. This is the highest level of inventory the Denver Metro area has seen since 2011, underscoring the importance of strategy and staying power for both buyers and sellers.
Still, inventory alone does not tell the whole story. The balance between supply and demand remains the key driver of market direction. Pending sales- a leading indicator of buyer activity— dipped 8.56 percent from March to April, suggesting an early spring slowdown. However, May brought a renewed burst of buyer interest, with pending contracts rising 6.88 percent month-over-month.
Prices remained relatively stable, with the median sale price for detached homes up 0.76 percent and attached homes seeing a stronger 4.52 percent increase. Homes are still selling, and quickly in many cases; closed sales in May spent just 16 days in the MLS for detached properties and 28 days for attached. However, a look at currently active listings tells a different story: average days in the MLS now trend closer to 45. This divergence reflects a growing split in the inventory.Homes in a desirable location, updated and priced appropriately, continue to sell quickly. Meanwhile, properties that miss the mark in condition, location or pricing often linger, requiring price reductions to attract discerning buyers.
As much as the algorithms try, homes are not a commodity. Each home is influenced by location, condition, evolving societal expectations and personal priorities. As this market reminds us, real estate is nuanced, and that nuance is where a skilled Realtor® brings real value. Buying and selling a home is a deeply personal process, and no two clients share the same motivations. The key is aligning personal goals with current market realities-finding that balance between strategy and adaptability, patience and decisive action. In a shifting market like this, staying focused on your "why" while remaining flexible in your "how" is what leads to confident, successful outcomes
Learn more about the market from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors.
Thank you to our partners at the Denver Metro Association of Realtors for compiling this information.
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