Hot homes: 5 knockouts ranging from $550K to $25M

The median price for a home in the United States is up nearly 20% year-over-year, driving many hopeful buyers to the sidelines and inflating rental prices.

Zoom in: The Denver housing market has so far maintained its momentum through the cold-weather months, with the average price for a detached home topping out at more than $700,000, per the January trends report from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors.

• Still, demand exceeds supply, following national trends that show for-sale inventory has reached new lows.

This week's hot homes range from $550,000 to more than $25 million — the most expensive listing currently on the market in the Front Range.

1401 Wewatta St., #805 — $550,000

Why we love it: This light, bright downtown Denver loft has a balcony overlooking the city.

Neighborhood: LoDo

Realtor: David Browning — Corcoran Perry & Co.

Specs: 1 bed, 2 baths, 1,121 square feet

Notable features: In-unit laundry, deeded parking spot and storage unit. New roof, 24-hour concierge, fitness room and business center.

1555 Clermont St. — $585,000

Why we love it: This home comes complete with custom mid-century built-ins and refinished hardwoods throughout.

Neighborhood: Park Hill

Realtor: Cindy Ludadio-Hill — Corcoran Perry & Co.

Specs: 3 beds, 2 baths, 2,200 square feet

Notable features: Big, open floor plan, lower level storage with large cedar closet and two bonus rooms. Energy-efficient windows. Detached two-car garage.

1950 N. Logan St., #1203 — $779,990

Why we love it: It's the penthouse — and it's two stories! Need we say more?

Neighborhood: Uptown

Realtor: Sheila Hatcher — milehimodern

Specs: 2 beds, 3 baths, 1,306 square feet

Notable features: Wraparound terrace with mountain and city views. Primary suite with jetted soaking tub. Juliet balcony off second bedroom.

2530 Lawrence St., #RA108 — $975,000

Why we love it: This spot has access to a rooftop deck with city views, and the promise of a full-service neighborhood nook with Bread + Butter Bodega coming soon, along with a pharmacy, gym and more amenities.

Neighborhood: Five Points

Realtor: Karen Nichols and Corrie Lee — milehimodern

Specs: 3 beds, 3 baths, 2,322 square feet

Notable features: Stainless steel appliances. Two en-suite bedrooms upstairs including deluxe primary suite with custom California closet and spa-like bathroom. Third-floor wet bar. Underground parking. TVs included.

• Association allows for short-term rentals with city permits.

And one ridiculous stunner to go...

1154 S. Grapevine Rd. $25,700,000

Why we love it: This one-of-a-kind, multi-use ranch property sits in the foothills and is just 19 minutes from downtown but feels like it's worlds away.

Neighborhood: Lookout Mountain

Realtors: Listing Agents: Shawn Kelley — Compass; Ronda Courtney — RE/MAX; Jeff Buerger — Hall & Hall

Specs: 9 beds, 10 baths, 16,829 square feet

Notable features: 17,000-square-foot main house with 7-car garage, dual offices, ski room, theater. Custom finishes and materials throughout. Pool and hot tub, private gazebo, large patios and decks.

• Additional 5,000-square-foot guest house and historic cabin and barn. Meadows cover entire acreage; creeks and ponds dot the parcels.

This story first appeared in the Axios Denver newsletter, designed to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news unfolding in their own backyard. Subscribe here.