Denver STR market context
Denver supports a moderate STR market — workable for well-located properties, but without the demand premium of top vacation markets.
Denver is an appreciation play, not a cash-flow market. Buyers should expect break-even or negative year-one cash flow with conventional financing.
Underwriting cautions
- Verify STR permit availability at the parcel level before closing.
- Apply a 75% haircut to top-quartile AirDNA comps when projecting revenue.
- Budget 35–45% expense ratio (cleaning, supplies, management, channel fees, utilities).
- Model a long-term-rental fallback scenario in case STR rules tighten.