Denver Multifamily Report – September 2023
Occupancy was flat over 12 months, despite dropping almost everywhere in the country.
Denver rent evolution, click to enlarge
Denver’s fundamentals remained stable as the second half of the year began, despite mounting economic headwinds. Rates rose 0.6 percent on a trailing three-month basis through July, to $1,942, doubling the 0.3 percent U.S. figure, while the national average reached $1,729. On a year-over-year basis, Denver’s rent growth trailed the nation by 50 basis points. Occupancy in stabilized properties remained flat, thanks to an uptick in the Lifestyle segment.
Denver sales volume and number of properties sold, click to enlarge
Denver’s unemployment rate was at a tight 2.8 percent in May, on par with the state and ahead of the 3.7 percent U.S. figure, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the labor market posted one of the weakest performances in the nation, up just 1.3 percent, or 3,500 jobs, in the 12 months ending in May. Meanwhile, the U.S. job market marked a 2.8 percent expansion. Half of Denver’s sectors contracted during the period, with financial activities, trade, transportation and utilities, and information losing a combined 21,300 positions. Government and leisure and hospitality led gains, with 21,200 jobs.
Denver. Photo by Sean Xu/iStockphoto.com
Developers brought 4,260 units online in 2023 through July and had 39,745 units underway. The volume of new projects decreased from 2022 but remained above 2021’s figures. Meanwhile, investment activity totaled $1.1 billion, but due to ongoing interest rate increases, the price per unit held on well compared to other similar metros, declining 5.5 percent year-over-year, to $312,470.
