Denver Home Prices Continue Tear

Chart: Case Shiller February 2016

Denver home prices continue to grow at twice the national average. Metro-area home values were 9.7 percent higher in February, compared to a year ago, according to the S&P Case Shiller Home Price Index. Only Seattle and Portland had greater home appreciation.

A lack of available homes and a strong labor market are driving prices. Home builders have responded, starting more than 9,000 new homes last year. That’s the most since 2007, but still well below what the market needs. And there’s very little new inventory priced under $300,000.