Boulder
Investment Analysis

Boulder, CO
Investor Report

Comprehensive real estate investment analysis with cap rates, rental yields, and risk assessment.

Share:
27
Investment Score
Rent
Cap Rate (Est.)
1.3%
Gross Yield
2.2%
P/R Ratio
34.5x
YoY Growth
-2.3%
Median Home Price
$992,500
Average Rent (1BR)
$1,823/mo
Median Income
$75,923
Population
105,893

Investment Breakdown

0
Value Score
27
Growth Score
51
Safety Score
50
Afford Score

Boulder has a price-to-rent ratio of 34.5x, which indicates renting is more favorable than buying.

The estimated cap rate of 1.3% is below average, typical of appreciation-focused markets.

Year-over-year price growth of -2.3% suggests a cooling market.

Rental Cash Flow Analysis

Monthly Income

Gross Rent $1,823
Annual Gross $21,876

Est. Monthly Expenses

Property Tax (~1.5%) -$1,241
Insurance (~0.5%) -$414
Maintenance (~1%) -$827
Est. Net Cash Flow -$658/mo

Price Forecast 2026โ€“2028

๐Ÿ”ฎ Boulder Price Forecast 2026โ€“2028

Based on 5-year Zillow ZHVI trend analysis ยท Statistical projection
๐Ÿ“ˆ Upward Trend
PROJECTEDNOW$927K2027$977Kโ–ฒ 5.4%2028$990Kโ–ฒ 6.8%20232024Now
$1M$868K
Current
$993K
2026
Projected
$977K
โ†‘ 5.4% by 2027
Projected
$990K
โ†‘ 6.8% by 2028
5yr CAGR:+3.5%
Confidence:Low
Rยฒ:0.15
โ–ผ

Our Boulder housing market forecast for 2026-2028 suggests a period of modest price stabilization and potential slight declines, driven by persistent affordability challenges. With a current median home price of $927,011 and a price-to-rent ratio of 38.2x, the cost of ownership significantly outpaces renting, creating a high barrier for new buyers. The recent YoY price change of -2.2% indicates that the market has begun to cool after years of rapid appreciation. While economic fundamentals in Boulder remain strong, supported by the University of Colorado and a resilient tech sector, the 5-year CAGR of 3.6% suggests a return to more sustainable, slower growth rather than the double-digit surges seen previously.

When asking will Boulder home prices drop, the data points toward stabilization over a dramatic crash, though the "RENT" verdict highlights the immediate financial advantage of leasing. The market's current temperature of 56/100 and a solid Risk Grade of B+ suggest a balanced environment, but one where sellers must price realistically, as homes are averaging 63 days on market. Limited inventory, driven by Boulder's strict growth boundaries and high construction costs, will continue to support prices, but the high interest rate environment will cap buyer demand. For the Boulder real estate Boulder 2027 outlook, we anticipate a flat to slightly down trajectory, with values remaining within the recent 5-year price range of $773,595 โ€“ $1,017,493. This environment favors patient buyers over speculative investors.

Projected Cap Rate (2027)
1.4%
5yr CAGR
+3.5%

Job Market

Unemployment 3.4%
National avg: 3.7%
Job Growth (YoY) +2.8%

Healthcare

82
Score
Excellent

Risk Factors

Overvalued Market
Declining Prices

Market Activity

Source: Redfin ยท 2026-01-31
Sale-to-List 96.2%
Months Supply 6.8
Price Drops 18%
Gone in 2 Wks 35%

Market Position

Affordability Below Avg
Safety Average

ROI Projector Estimate your total return

Adjust the sliders to model different investment scenarios for Boulder.

Total ROI
-174%
on $198,500 invested
Annual ROI
NaN%
compounded
Total Return
-$345,807
appreciation + cashflow
Mo. Cash Flow
-$5,926
year 1 estimate
Equity Growth Over 5 Years
Y1207kY2215kY3225kY4234kY5245k
Appreciation
$0
Cash Flow
-$345,807
Final Equity
$245,030

* Estimates based on 0.0% annual appreciation, 3% rent growth, 5% vacancy. Does not include closing costs, tax benefits, or capital gains tax. For illustrative purposes only.

Rental Investment Calculator Estimate your monthly cashflow

Rental Income Estimator

Pre-filled for Boulder

Property

Purchase Price$992,500
Monthly Rent$1,823
Down Payment20%

Financing

Interest Rate6.5%

Expenses

Property Tax1.2%
Insurance (Annual)$1,500
Maintenance Reserve1%
Vacancy Rate5%
Property Management0%
HOA (Monthly)$0
-$5,231
Monthly Cash Flow
-$62,776/ year
-31.6%
Cash-on-Cash
-0.3%
Cap Rate

Monthly Breakdown

+ Rental Income$1,823
โˆ’ Mortgage (P&I)$5,019
โˆ’ Property Tax$993
โˆ’ Insurance$125
โˆ’ Maintenance$827
โˆ’ Vacancy Loss$91
= Net Cash Flow-$5,231

Investment Summary

Down Payment
$198,500
Loan Amount
$794,000
Total Monthly Expenses
$7,054
Gross Yield
2.2%

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investment decisions should be made after consulting with qualified professionals. Data sources include Zillow, Census Bureau, and BLS. Cap rates and yields are estimates based on available data.

Last updated: March 2026