Over the past few years, renters have been used to one direction for housing costs—up. But in 2025, we’ve started to see something different: rent prices are softening in many markets and Grand County is no exception. At first glance, this might seem surprising given ongoing demand for housing, but there are clear reasons behind the shift. Let’s break it down. 1. New Construction = More Supply Developers are finally delivering new apartment complexes, townhomes, and single-family homes that were planned years ago. According to [insert local or national data], thousands of new units have entered the market, increasing competition among landlords. When supply goes up faster than demand, prices naturally cool. Visual idea: A bar chart showing rental unit supply growth year over year. 2. Short-Term Rentals Converting to Long-Term Rentals = More Supply The short-term rental (STR) market—Airbnb, VRBO, and similar platforms—saw massive growth during the 2010-2020s. But rising operating costs, tighter city regulations, and shifting traveler behavior are causing many owners to pivot. Properties that were once nightly rentals are being repositioned as long-term or seasonal rentals, adding to the housing pool for local residents. This creates additional downward pressure on rent. 3. The Homeowner Divide: Pre-2020 vs. Post-2020 Purchases This is the “hidden factor” that many overlook. Not all rental property owners are operating with the same costs. Pre-2020 Buyers : Purchased when home prices and interest rates were much lower. With smaller mortgages, lower property taxes, and less overhead, these landlords can profit while renting below current market averages. Post-2020 Buyers: Entered the market after prices surged and interest rates doubled. Their monthly costs are significantly higher, creating a much steeper “expense floor.” To break even, they need higher rents—but competing against pre-2020 owners makes this challenging. This dynamic means older homeowners can set the market at lower rental rates, while newer owners may struggle to compete. The Bottom Line for Renters and Owners For renters, this trend is good news: more choices, lower prices, and stronger negotiating power. For landlords, however, the picture is more nuanced. Owners who purchased before 2020 are in a strong position to stay profitable even as rents dip. Owners who bought more recently may need to think differently about their strategy—whether that’s adjusting rental pricing, exploring seasonal rentals, or even considering a sale. How Snow Capped Helps Homeowners Adapt At Snow Capped Properties, we see these dynamics play out every day. With over 25 years of property management experience and 100+ doors managed, we help homeowners: Price competitively using real market data and tenant demand analysis Choose the right rental model (seasonal, long-term, or hybrid) to maximize returns Minimize costs through efficient management and strong local vendor relationships Plan exit strategies if selling becomes the smarter financial move Whether you purchased your home prior to 2019 or after 2020, navigating today’s rental market requires strategy. Our role is to make sure you don’t just list your property, but position it for success. 👉 Curious what your property could rent for in today’s market? Contact Snow Capped Properties for a free rental analysis 970-725-6606