**Long Wait for Denver Homebuyer: Amanda’s Struggle with Selling Property Amidst Rising Costs**
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When Amanda Swetish purchased her one-bedroom home in Denver in 2020 for £319,000, she envisioned a stable future in the vibrant city. Fast forward to the summer of 2025, and Amanda found herself in an unexpected predicament: a year had passed since she listed the property for sale, and no buyers had emerged.

After relocating to Seattle and transitioning into a long-distance landlord role, Amanda’s life took on a new trajectory that led her to make the difficult decision to sell her home. The nearly 13-month saga of her property being on the market has been more challenging and drawn-out than she anticipated.
In an age where many believed property sales would move quickly, Amanda found herself grappling with a listing that lingered. “When it hit a year of it being on the market, I literally couldn’t believe it,” she shared with PEOPLE. Her initial excitement about homeownership had been overshadowed by unforeseen factors influencing her situation.
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amanda was sharing a space with three other roommates. An opportunity arose when interest rates were low, prompting her to buy the remodelled property with its distinctive tiled kitchen and inviting electric fireplace. At the time, settling into a home felt like the natural course of life.
However, life in Denver was not meant to last. By 2022, Amanda had begun remote work, allowing her to travel extensively while short-term renting her home to professionals, including travel nurses. As the months passed, Amanda felt increasingly detached from Denver as friends moved on and her professional obligations dwindled.
By 2023, Amanda decided to make Seattle her permanent residence. Following a recent job loss, the Denver home was perceived as a potential safety net, remaining a financial asset. Although renting proved beneficial, Amanda felt the urge to streamline her life. With aspirations of attending school, it became necessary to sell her Denver property to access funds for tuition.
She listed the home in summer 2025 at £350,000, yet the response was underwhelming. In an effort to understand public perception, Amanda took to TikTok to showcase her property and to explain her reasoning behind the pricing. “I described the property as a well-maintained one-bedroom row home that had undergone several renovations, including a new roof,” she explained.
Amanda quickly drew attention online, as viewers expressed scepticism regarding the property’s asking price. Many argued that £350,000 seemed steep for a one-bedroom abode. Amanda, however, is unfazed by these criticisms and acknowledges the nuances of the local real estate market. “I think people are commenting their opinions without knowing anything about the real estate market in Denver,” she said.
In determining her home’s price, Amanda consulted the sales of comparable properties. With two of her neighbours selling similar homes for around £380,000 prior to her listing, she feels her pricing is in line with the market. “I know the price of my home is reasonably priced for the area, so I find the comments amusing if anything,” she remarked.
Yet, time has not only worn on Amanda’s sale but has also changed her financial landscape regarding capital gains tax. Initially, she had hoped to evade these taxes by adhering to a three-year occupancy rule, but now she has surpassed that timeframe due to the lack of buyers.
As she wrestles with the mounting costs of property maintenance, including periods without tenants, the financial implications weigh heavily on her situation. Referring to her current rental arrangement, Amanda mentions, “I often find myself ‘in the red’ when it comes to my annual taxes.”
Despite the difficulties, Amanda remains hopeful for a sale. However, without a buyer in sight, she is preparing for a reality she had been keen to avoid. Should the market continue to stall, she is ready to rent her property once more. “I am lucky to have that option to at least recover most of my costs, even if I’m not making a profit,” Amanda concluded.
While Amanda’s journey reflects broader trends in the housing market, it also serves as a reminder that individual circumstances and local demand can significantly impact the experience of homeownership and selling.
