Fall Kickoff Newsletter
It’s All About The Numbers
Greetings from beautiful, ever-changing Aspen. Fall has descended upon the valley, and the mountains are now wrapped in golden leaves. The McLaughlin Team has been working through multiple high-end transactions in a market that has proven to be a “split screen.” The Q3 stats are in and dissected below for you. While interest rates and uncertainty around tariffs have impacted transaction volume in both Aspen and Snowmass, the good news is that prices have increased on a per-square-foot basis in both markets.
From an investment standpoint, although real estate has faced a turbulent and challenging year, Aspen continues to outperform every other submarket in the United States. This strength stems from a combination of factors: relative scarcity of supply, personal safety, healthy lifestyles, world-class sports and recreation, and an unmatched variety of dining and cultural experiences. In short, Aspen always looks “cheap” in the rearview mirror. After reading this, please feel free to reach out with any questions or for insight into our unrivaled off-market listings and opportunities across Aspen and Snowmass.
Aspen & Snowmass Market Update — YOY Through August 2025
Both the Aspen and Snowmass markets show an interesting mix of resilience and recalibration. The numbers tell a story of two markets moving in slightly different directions, each with its own momentum.
Aspen Highlights
In Aspen, total dollar volume year-to-date is $1.72 billion - down about 10% from last year’s $1.92B but still higher than 2023 numbers. What’s notable is that while volume dipped, the average price per square foot rose 10% to $3,391. This average includes all Aspen neighborhoods as well as the downtown/core area. The net takeaway: fewer trades, reflecting more cautious buyers, but higher prices for Grade A inventory that remains desirable in any market. Single-family homes averaged $16.5M, a drop from last year’s record-setting $20.4M. On the flip side, condos and townhomes saw their average price rise 7% to $4.79M, underscoring the continued appeal of “lock-and-go” units.
Snowmass Village Highlights
Snowmass has been the real standout so far in 2025. Dollar volume surged to just under $1B, up an incredible 70% from last year. The average price per square foot jumped more than 30% to $2,348. We believe that the relative ease of obtaining permits for remodels and new construction has played a large role in driving both pricing and volume. Single-family homes are averaging just under $10M. Condos in Snowmass tell the bigger story: their average price climbed 64% to just over $4.1M - not far off Aspen condo numbers. Many buyers priced out of Aspen are turning to Snowmass as the more affordable alternative - though likely not for long.
Seasonal Perspective
Autumn is traditionally one of the best times to purchase in the Aspen market. With fewer people in town and less competition, serious buyers have a clearer runway to negotiate and secure the right property before the busier winter months. We also believe that the impending IPOs at multiple AI companies will soon create substantial new wealth, fueling further investment at very high levels in Aspen.
On the rental side, winter demand is already building. Our rental team is more than happy to assist if you’re planning a seasonal rental home base for the season.
We’re so excited to share that our dear friends Julie and Lindsay Spalding-Steven are opening Pivot Aspen, a boutique fitness studio bringing infrared sauna workouts to town by the end of the year.
Memberships are officially open, and now’s the time to join as a Founding Member. Lock in special early pricing and be part of shaping the community from the very beginning. Founding memberships are limited - secure yours today!
Beyond the numbers, fall is one of the most beautiful and lively times of the year in the valley. Locals and visitors alike look forward to the Elk Camp Fall Fest (September 27 and 28, 2025), the Golden Leaf Half Marathon (September 27, 2025), the ACES Harvest Party (October 4, 2025), and the legendary Caribou Halloween Party. All of it builds toward the excitement of Aspen Mountain Opening Day (November 27, 2025), when the lifts start running and winter officially begins.
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The McLaughlin Team | 205 S Mill St #110 | Aspen, CO 81611 US