Denver remains one of the nation’s largest new-home markets, though its growth trajectory has changed in recent years. Once among the top 10 new-home markets in the country, Denver has slipped to the No. 20 spot on Zonda’s Local Leaders list the past two years, posting a year-over-year decline in sales activity in 2025.
At Zonda’s Denver Dealmakers event, experts will share the trends that have shaped the market’s performance in 2026 as well as highlight opportunities for growth.
In the second quarter, new-home closings declined 17% year over year in Denver, reaching the lowest level recorded in the past five years. Additionally, annual observed starts fell 20% over the same period and the sales pace for Denver has generally trended lower over the past 12 months despite recent month-to-month improvement.
At the Denver Dealmakers event, Zonda advisory experts Evan Forrest, Ali Wolf, Nicollette Chapman, and Tim Sullivan will provide a national and regional perspective to attendees. Additionally, leaders from View Homes, Shea Homes, PulteGroup, Trumark Homes, and Oakwood Homes will share insights from on the ground in Denver.
Through July, annualized attached-home sales increased 1.3% year over year, outperforming detached sales, which were down 11% over the same period. At the same time, the market experienced a 19% increase in attached-home projects, suggesting builders are responding to affordability pressures and shifting buyer demand despite regulatory challenges getting attached projects greenlit in the market.
The pricing dynamics in Denver also reflect a market adjusting to softer conditions. The median new-home price declined nearly 10% year over year while inventories have expanded. Vacant develop lot supply increased 40% compared to a year ago, leaving the market slightly oversupplied.
Despite challenges, Denver is ending 2026 with tailwinds supporting the employment market. City leaders recently launched the Denver Jobs Agenda, a $100 million initiative aimed at creating 10,000 jobs over the next three years. The effort comes in response to slowing job growth conditions and corporate departures.
Mayor Mike Johnston recently announced Denver is looking to recruit several major employer targets following the corporate relocation of Palantir to Miami. The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce is working with 52 companies considering the region which would represent more than 12,000 potential jobs and $12 billion in capital investment.
The Denver Dealmakers event takes place Oct. 8 at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows. Register here.
