As published in DMAR Market Trends, February 2026

The market is seeing multiple offers on homes that are truly dialed in—well-staged, clean, in great condition, located in strong areas with desirable views and priced appropriately. It’s not the frenzy of the COVID years, but the best listings are receiving two to three offers and typically selling at asking price or $10,000 to $15,000 over.

A newer trend has emerged in the Denver market over the past few years, with more homes hitting the market on Wednesday or Thursday instead of Thursday or Friday ahead of the weekend. Especially during ski season—yes, even this year—buyers are leaning toward showings later in the week to preserve their weekends.

The City of Denver is a finalist to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, which would mark its first time hosting the event since 2008.

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs awarded more than $13 million to upgrade infrastructure in four Front Range communities.

Denver launched a public process on Feb. 26 to update its energy code for new and renovated small buildings, including single-family homes and duplexes. The proposed updates would extend efficiency and electrification-readiness standards that began in 2023 with energy compliance goals for large commercial and multi-family buildings.

Newly released plans offer a clearer look at an ambitious $300 million proposal to transform a full block of downtown Denver office space into a vibrant ‘vertical village,’ featuring apartments, restaurants and an art-activated public plaza.

Colorado lawmakers blocked a bill that would have allowed local communities to impose taxes on long-vacant homes to help fund affordable housing. Opponents argued it would unfairly burden property owners and be difficult to implement.

Colorado homeowners’ insurance premiums are rising steeply due to costly severe storms. In many areas, hail, not wildfire, is the leading driver of rate increases.

Denver’s Skyline Park is undergoing a $30 million overhaul, its second major redesign since opening in 1973, with completion expected in 2027. The project will remove barriers and add flexible green space to better activate the downtown gathering spot.

Denver City Council approved a $12.7 million pedestrian bridge to connect the National Western Center with nearby transit, improving access across rail lines ahead of the campus’s next major development phase.

Two Democrats joined Republicans on a legislative panel to reject a proposal that would have made several changes to eviction filings and proceedings, including requiring judges to suppress certain court records.

Older homeowners, particularly those 70 and older, tend to see lower returns when selling their homes compared to younger sellers. Their properties often reflect deferred maintenance and are more likely to be sold privately or to investors, limiting competition and potentially lowering sale prices.

Homeowners are increasingly replacing traditional grass lawns with more sustainable, low-maintenance alternatives such as native plants, stone and groundcovers. These options help conserve water, reduce upkeep and support biodiversity.

Single women now make up a significantly larger share of U.S. homebuyers than single men, continuing to outpace them in homeownership. This trend highlights both the ambition and financial commitment of single women, as well as potential opportunities to expand homeownership among single men.

Lithium batteries are becoming one of the fastest-growing home fire risks, according to Kord Fire Protection in Los Angeles.

MORTGAGE NEWS

Mortgage rates have dipped below 6% for the first time since 2022, with the 30-year fixed averaging approximately 5.98%. The move offers meaningful psychological and affordability relief, has already boosted refinancing activity, and could gradually encourage more buyers to re-enter the market if sustained.

Lower mortgage rates are a positive sign heading into the critical spring market, giving today’s buyers more purchasing power than they had a year ago. For example, a buyer putting 20% down on a $400,000 median-priced home would pay approximately $1,916 per month in principal and interest, compared to $2,105 last year, a savings of about $189 per month.