Episode Description
Denver multifamily 2026 cap rates just hit 6 to 6.5 percent. This is the first time since 2009. Furthermore, Denver’s highest-volume multifamily brokers believe this marks the bottom. Meanwhile, many investors wait for blood-in-the-water distressed sales. However, NorthPeak Commercial Advisors see something different in Denver multifamily 2026. Instead, they’re seeing fair pricing on quality assets. Additionally, buyer activity is returning after a two-year freeze.
Chris Lopez sits down with Kevin Calame and Matt Lewallen. They’re co-owners of NorthPeak Commercial Advisors. They’re also 30-year business partners. Previously, they survived Denver’s largest condo conversion operation collapsing in 2007. Now, their firm handles more multifamily transactions than any other Denver brokerage. As a result, this gives them unmatched visibility into what’s trading in Denver multifamily 2026.
Kevin and Matt don’t sugarcoat the challenges. For example, transaction volume is down 75 percent. Similarly, insurance jumped from $500 to $1500 per unit and North Aurora won’t sell at any price. Nevertheless, they lay out multiple data points. These suggest the Denver’s multifamily 2026 market has found its floor.
This episode delivers real-world insights you won’t find in generic reports. For instance, Kevin shares a recent Denver multifamily 2026 showing. It drew 12 buyers after months of zero activity. Meanwhile, Matt explains why admitted insurance carriers are positioning to return. He also covers the “extend and pretend” banking strategy. Consequently, this might prevent the distressed wave many expect.
They break down recent deals. Specifically, one is a 24-unit Arvada property. It’s structured as a master lease option. Another is a Thornton retail acquisition at a 7 cap. In fact, that deal has 30 percent below-market rents.
Kevin and Matt explain why this downturn feels harder than 2007. Essentially, it’s the perfect storm. First, rising rates went from 3% to 6.5%. Second, there’s oversupply with 18,000 deliverable units. Additionally, expenses are spiking. Also, insurance is chaotic. Finally, unfriendly legislation is hitting Denver multifamily simultaneously.
But unlike the Great Financial Crisis, properties aren’t flooding back to banks. Instead, Denver multifamily 2026 is stabilizing at healthier fundamentals. Cornerstone Property Management’s data shows renewal rates just increased 14 percent. This is after two years of decline. Moreover, NOI is steadying. Therefore, buyers who purchase Denver multifamily 2026 properties at today’s 6+ cap rates can expect realistic returns. Those are 7-8 percent annually. As a result, they’ll likely look back in 18 months satisfied with their timing.
In This Episode We Cover:- Why Denver multifamily 2026 cap rates returning to 6-6.5% signals a healthy market (not a crisis)
- How NorthPeak Commercial Advisors closes double the Denver multifamily transactions of any competitor
- The insurance crisis that pushed costs from $500 to $1500 per unit and why relief is coming
- Recent showing with 12 buyers proves Denver multifamily 2026 market is waking up
- Creative deal structures: master lease options, seller financing, and assumption deals
- Why North Aurora won’t sell at any price while core Denver stabilizes at 6 caps
- Cornerstone data shows 14% renewal rate increase—first positive rent signal in two years
- Proper expectations for Denver multifamily 2026 buyers: 7-8% returns are the new normal
Kevin and Matt built NorthPeak by surviving the 2007 crash, unwinding a $15 million condo conversion empire, and grinding through survival mode to become Denver’s top multifamily brokerage. Their 17 brokers make hundreds of calls daily, giving them real-time market data that generic reports miss. Whether you’re holding assets wondering if you should sell or sitting on capital waiting for the perfect entry, this episode provides the data-driven analysis Colorado investors need to make informed decisions in 2026.
Watch the YouTube Video https://youtu.be/KrXKPX5Nylc Timestamps00:00 – Welcome & Episode Introduction
01:55 Kevin & Matt’s 30-Year Partnership Origin
09:09 – Starting NorthPeak in 2020
13:23 – 2025 Market vs 2007 Comparison
15:43 – Market Bottom Indicators
19:02 – Perfect Storm (Rates, Oversupply, Insurance, Legislation)
23:18– Insurance Crisis ($500 to $1500 Per Unit)
27:26– Buyer and Seller Expectations Closing
28:47 – Creative Deal Structures That Work
32:27 – Recent Deals and Creative Structures
34:00 – Master Lease vs Seller Carry Explained
35:40 – Retail Deal in Thornton at 7 Cap
40:21– North Aurora Completely Frozen
44:53– Where to Find Value in 2026
48:56 – Working with NorthPeak CRE
Links in PodcastEmail Kevin Calame kevin@northpeakcre.com
Email Matt Lewallen matt@northpeakcre.com