🏡 March 2026 Market Update 📊

Prices: The median sales price in March 2026 came in at $640,000, up from $625,000 in February. This continued increase follows our typical spring pattern, where prices rise from January or February through April or May. We’re seeing steady upward movement, signaling that buyer demand is strengthening as more people enter the market.

This kind of consistent growth suggests the market is gaining momentum at a healthy pace, rather than overheating. As more buyers compete for available inventory, especially for well-priced and move-in ready homes, upward pressure on prices is likely to continue in the coming months.

Days on Market: Median Days on Market dropped sharply again to just 12 days, down from 27 days in February. That’s a major shift and a clear sign that the spring market is in full swing. Homes are moving quickly, and the window for buyers to make decisions is shrinking.

This kind of acceleration in market speed typically indicates stronger competition and increased buyer urgency. Well-prepared homes are attracting immediate attention, and buyers who hesitate may find themselves missing out as properties go under contract faster than they have in months.

What this means for the market is simple. Momentum has returned. Well-prepared, well-priced homes are going under contract quickly, often within two weeks. Sellers who take the time to properly prepare their homes and align with current pricing trends are in a strong position to attract multiple offers and maximize their outcomes. Buyers, on the other hand, need to be decisive and strategic, as the window to act is narrowing.

Looking ahead to April and May, we can expect more inventory to enter the market alongside continued buyer demand. This combination typically fuels both competition and price growth during the peak spring months. While the market is not as aggressive as the pandemic-era frenzy, it is clearly active, competitive, and moving with purpose.

Year Over Year Comparison

Compared to March of last year, prices remain stable to slightly higher, reinforcing that single-family homes continue to hold value well. While the market is more balanced than the frenzy of past years, demand is still strong enough to support price growth, especially for homes that are updated and well-priced.

This stability tells us the market has transitioned into a healthier, more sustainable pace where appreciation is driven by real demand instead of urgency and scarcity. Buyers are still willing to pay for quality, but they’re more selective, which creates a clear divide between homes that sell quickly and those that sit. Properties that are dialed in on condition, pricing, and presentation are continuing to perform well, while anything overpriced or needing work is feeling the slowdown more noticeably.

Month Over Month Comparison

The first quarter of 2026 shows a clear shift in both pricing and market speed across the Denver metro single-family market. Median sales prices climbed steadily from $612,750 in January to $625,000 in February, reaching $640,000 in March, reflecting the typical seasonal ramp-up as we move into the spring market.

At the same time, the pace of the market accelerated dramatically, with median days on market dropping from 49 days in January to just 12 days by March. This sharp decline signals a strong return of buyer activity and increased competition. What started as a slower, more patient winter market quickly transitioned into a fast-moving spring environment. Homes that are well-priced and well-prepared are now going under contract significantly faster. Overall, this data highlights how quickly momentum can build in Denver once the spring season kicks in.

When Should I Buy??

The best answer, especially if you don't already own real estate, is that you should buy what you can afford as soon as you are preapproved for a mortgage. This first step into real estate is often NOT to buy your dream home. Rather, you are entering the market so you can leverage it to buy your dream home in another few years.

Your starter home acts as a savings account towards your dream home in 2 ways: the equity you build by paying down the loan balance and the the equity you build through the home's appreciation in value. Your equity and regular savings will get you into your dream home much faster than savings alone.

In the graph below, you can see how people in the US who don't own real estate don't have any net worth to speak of, while those who own a home typically have about $200-400k in net worth.