Denver’s Hot Housing Market Fuels Builder Momentum
When David Jackson, principal of Jackson Design + Build, began constructing a high-end duplex in Washington Park, he knew Denver’s housing market was strong. But even he was surprised by how quickly the two units sold.
Each “paired home,” priced just under $900,000, went under contract in less than two weeks after listing — a remarkable pace even for Denver’s brisk Washington Park neighborhood.
“We expected to sell within 30 to 60 days based on market conditions,” said Jackson. “But demand was so high that both homes sold almost immediately.”
The 2,877-square-foot units at 611 S. Clarkson St. and 615 S. Clarkson St., each with 1,000-square-foot unfinished basements, attracted hundreds of visitors at their Valentine’s weekend open house. Buyers included one couple downsizing from Cherry Hills Village and another relocating from Miami.
“We had buyers lined up to purchase,” said Jackson. “We simply accepted the first full-price offers. We didn’t want to be greedy.”
A Tight Market and Rising Prices
Jackson’s experience reflects what housing experts describe as an extraordinarily competitive Denver market, with demand far outpacing supply.
According to Realtor Anthony Rael of RE/MAX Alliance, only 4,566 homes were listed last week across the six-county metro area — with just 469 under $300,000. More than half of available homes were priced above $500,000, while over 27% were priced above $750,000.
“It’s a bloodbath at the lower end,” said Rael, who chairs the Denver Metro Association of Realtors Market Trends Committee. “First-time buyers often offer $50,000 above asking and still lose out — especially when competing against all-cash offers.”
Even homes selling above appraisal values will soon become the new comps for future buyers, Rael added, further pushing prices upward.
Jackson’s Insight: Reform Needed for Balanced Growth
While Jackson focuses on luxury homes, he sees the lack of affordable options as a growing concern.
“There’s nothing available at the lower end — and that’s not healthy,” said Jackson. “Many people end up renting because they simply can’t find an affordable home to buy.”
Jackson believes construction defect reform is key to addressing the shortage. Current laws make it easy for homeowners associations to sue developers over alleged defects, which discourages builders from taking on condo projects that could serve entry-level buyers.
“I’d love to build affordable, for-sale condos, but I can’t risk losing everything in a lawsuit,” he said. “That’s why we focus on fee-simple townhomes instead — they carry much lower litigation risk.”
New Developments on the Horizon
Jackson’s upcoming projects include a five-unit townhome community in Sloan’s Lake, each with 1,600 square feet and rooftop decks, priced in the $400,000s. The project reflects Denver’s growing demand for infill developments and low-maintenance urban living.
Though many developers favor downtown and core neighborhoods, finding land remains one of the biggest obstacles.
“There’s almost no entitled land available,” Jackson explained. “Builders are competing fiercely for every parcel, which drives prices up — and that cost inevitably passes on to the buyer.”
Denver’s Market Outlook Remains Strong
Despite rising costs, Jackson sees little sign of cooling demand.
“As long as interest rates stay low and the economy remains strong, home prices will continue to climb,” he said.
With inflation fueling costs for land, materials, and labor — but resale values keeping pace — Denver’s market continues to deliver strong opportunities for builders and sellers alike.
About Jackson Design Build
Founded by David Jackson, Jackson Design + Build specializes in custom homes, townhomes, and major remodeling projects throughout the Denver Metro area. With a focus on craftsmanship, modern design, and customer service, the firm consistently delivers projects on time and on budget.
To learn more, visit www.JacksonDesignBuild.com.
