Happy New Year!
With December’s sales tallied in La Plata County, we have end-of-year numbers, and with them, the best data to review the real estate market. Throughout the year, there was no good time to take a snapshot. The market was dynamic and non-linear, but it turned out, looking back, very stable-and much like 2024.
2025 started with a bang because it was a dry winter and without the accompanying mud season in the spring. La Plata County overall saw listings come on the market in January through June at higher levels than any year since 2020. Some of the listings were “borrowed” from later in the year as people got their homes on the market earlier.
The months in which Buyers were more active were scattered throughout the year, and single-family home sales, compared with those of condo/townhomes, did not track in the same months.
The total number of single-family home sales in 2025 was 12 in number above that in 2024, and 2 behind 2023. Condos and townhomes took a small hit in comparison with 2024, with 21 fewer sales, but the 2025 number was 10 above the number sold in 2023. The county, therefore, experienced an extremely stable Buyer pool.
The change that occurred was in the number of listings coming on the market, which left the county with 21.8% more single-family homes available, as well as +38.3% more condos and townhomes available. Thus, it took a longer time to sell a home. Buyers could be pickier as well as indecisive.
Having extra inventory drove more competition. Sellers able to procure a Buyer had their homes priced competitively and were show-ready. Rural areas tended to slow more than Durango’s urban center, which is common in a changing market, but could be pronounced due to rising insurance costs.
Historically speaking, the county is not by any means in an abnormal market. On the contrary, our peak inventory in 2025 was well below that which we had pre-COVID in the county, but Sellers have forgotten the feel of the extended time on market or the extra competition.
Regional differences in the year exist. Durango In Town is generally the strongest market in the county. Sales of homes are up in number +9.4%, and the median has fallen -8.4%. While condo and townhome sales are down in number -11.9%, the median has climbed +7%; this shows the median is sometimes a case of what inventory is selling rather than home value in a region climbing or falling.
Rural Durango was notably quieter than in 2024. Average days on market for single-family homes was 13.7% longer in 2025, but changed during the year. Homes that closed in December 2025, for example, were on the market 64 days longer than those that sold in December 2024. The Percent of List Price Received in this region is down to 96.9% of the asking price. The median is up +10.9% to $937,500, but there were +51% (+18 homes) $2M+ sales this year than last, which affected the median. This high-end luxury market attracted more buyers in 2025.
The resort was especially hit hard. We experienced a full year without significant snowfall. Last season was dry, and at best, snow is delayed in the current season. This market has new residential projects available, enticing some Buyers, and showing developers are invested in our market. Still, there is an 11.5 month supply of single-family homes for sale and a 10.4 month supply of condos and townhomes. It’s hard to see if prices are falling. The median has come down, but it may be simpler and smaller condos that sold. Just like with the rest of the county, a well-priced and sought-after new listing will still sell relatively quickly, even with this large a supply of homes to choose from, and even if the home seems to be priced higher than the market would bear.
Bayfield In-Town showed stability in 2025, with new inventory to choose from, including affordable homes. Bayfield rural also showed stability in 2025. If the reasons for Durango Rural’s quietness were an insurance issue, you’d see it equally affecting this market. Instead, Bayfield Rural’s sales were much more robust in comparison to 2024. The most probable reason is that the higher prices in Rural Durango have pushed Buyers to choose Bayfield (especially considering Buyers now are paying larger insurance costs). The median priced single-family home in Durango Rural is currently $937,500, and $542,000 in Bayfield.
In-Town Ignacio is doing well, with a new affordable subdivision, Rock Creek, attracting Buyers from across the county. Rural Ignacio is extremely slow, with Days on Market 77% longer than 2024, with a 259-day average for the year.
Just north of La Plata County is San Juan County, in which the condo/townhome market is part of Purgatory Resort’s market, but is located in and published as part of San Juan County. Some of its single-family market is located south in Purgatory’s market, but mostly far north in Silverton. The single-family market is suffering with a 13-month supply of inventory, but the condo and townhome market has climbed in number. The price point of sales was significantly lower in 2025, resulting in a median price drop of -40.7%-this is in line with the more affordable choices Buyers made in the La Plata County resort market.
Looking forward to 2026, without an unexpected market interruption, our year should play out much like 2025; the buyer pool will be steady, and inventory will continue to climb slightly. Median prices overall should be stable or climb to match inflation. Sellers will continue to have to “up their game” to attract Buyers and beat the competition. Well-priced listings, no matter the area, will procure Buyers. The timeline might be more than what Sellers hope for, but it should be a stable market.
Headwinds could occur based on our summer fire season. Without moisture in the forecast, we could see more Sellers entering the market, insurance becoming more expensive or harder to get, and Buyers hesitating to choose a mountain town. Also concerning are the incoming Fed Chair and rate decisions made in 2026. Lower rates will always spur more motivation in the market. Despite whatever the year brings, Durango has more to offer than any Colorado town and will continue to attract those looking to take advantage of our beautiful surroundings, our strong economy, and friendly and welcoming community. This is why our market is more resilient than the changes that occur across the state.