As the calendar races toward 2026, one thing is clear: Colorado’s luxury and mountain real estate market is heading into one of its most dynamic chapters yet. From renewed demand in foothill towns to massive growth in high-end mountain communities, buyers and sellers alike are preparing for a year that blends lifestyle, investment opportunity, and shifting market behavior.
At Moxie Property Group, we spend every week out in the mountains — talking with buyers, negotiating luxury listings, watching inventory trends, and studying how the market behaves across Evergreen, Conifer, Bailey, Morrison, Golden, Idaho Springs, and the major resort towns. Our boots-on-the-ground insight gives us a unique vantage point heading into the new year.
Here’s our official Moxie forecast for Colorado’s luxury and mountain real estate market in 2026.
1. Luxury Buyers Will Continue Flocking to the Foothills
The foothills — especially Evergreen, Conifer, Morrison, and Golden — will remain the core of Colorado’s luxury demand. Why? Because these areas offer:
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Quick Denver access
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Mountain living without resort-town pricing
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Acreage, privacy, and views
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Year-round recreation
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Strong long-term appreciation
We expect an influx of buyers from California, Texas, New York, and Florida, many of whom want a primary residence, not just a second home.
2. Turnkey Mountain Homes Will Outperform Every Other Category
2025 has already shown that luxury buyers want homes that are fully dialed in — and 2026 will amplify that trend.
The highest-performing homes will feature:
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Updated kitchens and baths
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Modern mountain finishes (light wood, stone, natural textures)
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New roofs, windows, and mechanicals
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Smart-home integrations
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Efficient heating and cooling systems designed for altitude
Buyers are willing to pay a premium for homes that need zero work.
3. Inventory Will Remain Tight — Especially in the Foothills
Low inventory defined the 2025 luxury market, and that squeeze won’t ease up in early 2026.
Here’s why:
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Many sellers refinanced into low interest rates
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Luxury owners prefer to hold long-term
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Demand continues to outpace new construction
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Buyers relocating from out of state are increasing
Expect competitive bidding on well-priced homes, particularly those between $1.3M and $2.8M.
4. Mountain Town Rentals Will Shift Toward High-End, Experience-Driven Stays
Short-term rental regulations continue to evolve, but demand remains sky-high for luxury, experiential stays in:
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Breckenridge
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Steamboat Springs
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Winter Park
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Buena Vista & Salida
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Telluride & Ouray
The homes that will shine in 2026 include:
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Hot tubs with views
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Fire pits and outdoor lighting
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Private trails
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Oversized great rooms and glass walls
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Luxury “cabin lodge” designs
Investors who focus on experience-first STRs will see the best returns.
5. Out-of-State Relocations Will Hit a New High
2026 will bring another wave of remote workers, dual-homeowners, and retirees choosing Colorado’s mountain lifestyle.
Key buyer motivations:
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Lower density living
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Outdoor recreation
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Privacy and acreage
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Views and peaceful surroundings
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Desire to escape heat-wave states
We expect especially high relocation activity in Q1 and Q2.
6. Winter Will Be One of the Strongest Buying Seasons
This goes against national trends — but not Colorado’s mountain markets.
Why winter 2026 will be hot:
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Motivated buyers seeking Q1 closings
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Lifestyle-driven purchases after holiday travel
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Less competition but more serious buyers
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Homes showcasing their winter performance
Expect December–February to produce strong, fast closings.
7. Appreciation Will Stay Strong in Core Mountain Markets
In 2026, we expect stable or rising values in:
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Evergreen
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Conifer
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Morrison
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Golden
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Bailey
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Idaho Springs
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Summit County
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Steamboat Springs
Luxury mountain real estate remains lifestyle-driven — and that makes it more resilient than urban markets.
8. Modern Homestead & Luxury Lodge Designs Will Dominate
Architecturally, the two strongest trends heading into 2026 are:
Modern Homestead
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Neutral palettes
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Natural wood
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Steel + timber accents
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Simple, functional layouts
Contemporary Luxury Lodge
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Massive windows
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Clean lines
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High ceilings
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Stone + glass combinations
Buyers want homes that feel rooted in nature but elevated in design.
9. Sellers With Updated Homes Will Have a Big Advantage
If you're thinking about listing in 2026, strategic prep will matter more than ever.
Homes that will sell the fastest will include:
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Fresh paint (light, warm neutrals)
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Updated fixtures
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Modernized living spaces
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Pre-list inspections
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Strong photography and digital presentation
Well-marketed mountain homes will draw multiple offers — even in low-inventory conditions.
Heading Into 2026: The Outlook Is Strong, Clear, and Competitive
The coming year will be defined by motivated buyers, limited supply, and high demand for turnkey, lifestyle-driven properties across Colorado’s foothills and mountain towns.
If you're planning to buy, sell, or invest in 2026, the best advantage you can have is a team that lives and breathes this market — and that’s what we do every day.
Let’s make your 2026 move a smart one.
CONTACT US:
🏡 Moxie Property Group
The Best Luxury and Mountain Real Estate Team in Colorado
📞 (303) 578-1220
💻 [email protected]
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