The Northern Colorado real estate market is undergoing a significant transformation in 2025, moving away from the intense seller's market that characterized the past decade. Recent data indicates a cooling trend in several key cities, with price adjustments and increased inventory signaling a shift toward a more balanced, buyer-friendly environment, according to the Colorado Association of Realtors.
An analysis of Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley reveals a mixed but generally moderating landscape. While some areas see price decreases, others show modest growth, reflecting diverse local economic factors. This change offers new opportunities and considerations for both buyers and sellers navigating the region's property market.
Key Takeaways
- The overall Colorado real estate market is transitioning into a buyer's market in 2025 after years of high demand.
- Fort Collins and Greeley are seeing year-over-year price decreases, with median listing prices at $562.5k and $440k, respectively.
- Loveland's market is trending upward, with a 4.6% increase in prices year-over-year and a median listing price of $565k.
- Denver's market has also cooled, with a 4.3% year-over-year decline and nearly 5,000 homes listed for sale.
From Frenzy to Balance: Colorado's Evolving Market
For nearly a decade, Colorado's housing market was defined by fierce competition. Prospective homebuyers in 2016 and during the subsequent pandemic-era boom often faced immediate bidding wars, with properties selling for tens of thousands of dollars above their asking prices. Listings would frequently go under contract within hours, leaving many buyers frustrated.
This period of rapid appreciation and low inventory created a strong seller's advantage. However, market dynamics have shifted considerably by 2025. The Colorado Association of Realtors now reports that the state has entered a buyer's market, a significant change driven by factors such as higher interest rates, increased inventory, and moderated demand.
Historical Perspective
The intense market conditions from roughly 2015 to 2022 were fueled by strong population growth, a robust job market, and historically low borrowing costs. The recent cooling trend represents a market correction, moving towards a more sustainable pace of growth and providing buyers with more negotiating power.
A Tale of Three Cities: Northern Colorado Market Breakdown
The broader market shift is reflected in the local trends of Northern Colorado's major cities. Data from Realtor.com provides a detailed look at the current conditions in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley, each presenting a unique market profile.
Fort Collins: A Market Trending Downward
In Fort Collins, the housing market is showing clear signs of cooling. There are currently 1,141 homes available for sale, providing buyers with more options than in previous years. The market has experienced a 2.2% downward trend in prices year-over-year.
Fort Collins Market Snapshot
- Median Listing Price: $562,500
- Median Selling Price: $569,400
- Year-Over-Year Trend: -2.2%
The slight difference between the median listing and selling prices suggests that while the market has softened, well-priced homes are still closing near their asking value.
Loveland: An Exception to the Trend
Contrary to its neighbors, Loveland's real estate market is trending upward. With 780 homes currently for sale, the market has seen a 4.6% increase in prices compared to the previous year. This suggests sustained demand in the area, potentially driven by its location and amenities.
Loveland Market Snapshot
- Median Listing Price: $565,000
- Median Selling Price: $514,500
- Year-Over-Year Trend: +4.6%
Interestingly, the median selling price in Loveland is considerably lower than the median listing price, indicating that sellers may be pricing homes ambitiously and that buyers have room to negotiate.
Greeley: The Most Affordable Option
Greeley remains the most affordable of the three major Northern Colorado cities. The market has seen a modest 1.7% year-over-year decrease in prices. With only 613 homes for sale, inventory is tighter here compared to Fort Collins.
Greeley Market Snapshot
- Median Listing Price: $440,000
- Median Selling Price: $420,000
- Year-Over-Year Trend: -1.7%
The lower price point makes Greeley an attractive option for first-time homebuyers or those seeking more value. The proximity of selling prices to listing prices suggests a relatively stable market despite the slight downward trend.
Denver's Market as a Regional Benchmark
The cooling trend is even more pronounced in the state's capital. Denver's real estate market has taken a significant 4.3% hit year-over-year. The city currently has nearly 5,000 homes listed for sale, a substantial inventory that further supports the shift to a buyer's market.
The median listing price in Denver stands at $559,900, with a median selling price of $575,000. This data highlights that even in a cooling market, desirable properties in the metro area can still command prices above their initial listing.
Best Places to Invest: Top Colorado Cities for Homebuyers
Despite the market moderation, Colorado continues to have several attractive cities for homebuyers. A recent analysis by WalletHub ranked real estate markets across the country, with several Colorado cities featuring prominently. The rankings consider factors like affordability and market health.
Top 10 Colorado Cities to Buy a Home in 2025
- Longmont (Ranked #32 nationwide)
- Colorado Springs (Ranked #64 nationwide)
- Denver (Ranked #81 nationwide)
- Fort Collins (Ranked #82 nationwide)
- Arvada (Ranked #93 nationwide)
- Thornton (Ranked #115 nationwide)
- Aurora (Ranked #127 nationwide)
- Greeley (Ranked #174 nationwide)
- Lakewood (Ranked #180 nationwide)
- Westminster (Ranked #192 nationwide)
Longmont's top position in the state highlights its strong market fundamentals and appeal to buyers. The inclusion of Northern Colorado cities like Fort Collins and Greeley underscores their continued viability as places for real estate investment.
Broader Context: Public Safety in Colorado
When considering a move, homebuyers often look at factors beyond property values, including public safety. An analysis of crime statistics identifies several cities with higher rates of violent and property crime. It is important to note that crime rates can be influenced by many factors, including population density and commercial activity.
For example, cities like Sheridan and Pueblo rank high for violent crime rates, while Lone Tree and Greenwood Village have notable property crime rates. Denver recorded the highest number of murders at 90, followed by Aurora with 54. This data provides a wider context for those evaluating different communities across the state.
As the Colorado real estate market continues to evolve in 2025, prospective buyers have more leverage and choice than they have had in years. The regional differences, from the appreciating market in Loveland to the cooling trends in Fort Collins and Denver, require careful analysis for anyone looking to buy or sell property in the state.
