If you are paying $1,800 a month in rent living in Promontory or near the university, you are already paying a mortgage—just not your own. In 2026, the Greeley housing market has shifted. With specific pressures from the oil sector and UNC student housing driving rental demand, the "safe" option of renting might actually be the riskiest financial move you can make this year.
Rent vs. Buy in Weld County: The 2026 Math
The Northern Colorado Rental Squeeze
Renters in Weld County are facing a unique storm. Between University of Northern Colorado students returning to campus and a steady influx of oil and gas workers, competition for quality rentals is fierce. This demand pushes prices upward, meaning your $1,800 lease today could easily jump upon renewal. You are paying a premium for flexibility that effectively drains your long-term wealth potential.
The 3-2-1 Buydown Advantage
High interest rates often scare buyers, but the 3-2-1 buydown changes the equation completely. This strategy lowers your interest rate by 3% in the first year, significantly reducing monthly payments. Instead of stretching your budget immediately, you essentially ease into the mortgage. It often makes your initial year of ownership cheaper than that average Promontory rental payment you are making right now.
Equity: The Wealth Differentiator
The math is simple but brutal: rent is 100% interest. Every check you write to a landlord is capital you never see again. When you buy, even with a higher headline rate, a portion of every payment pays down your principal. You are building a savings account inside your home. In five years, the renter has receipts; the homeowner has a six-figure asset.
The 2026 Market Outlook
Waiting for prices to drop is a strategy that rarely pays off in Northern Colorado. As inventory stabilizes and the local economy grows, home values in Greeley and Evans continue to tick upward. Locking in a price now, especially with assistance programs, protects you from future inflation. The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago; the second best time is today.
We understand that the leap from renting to owning feels huge, but the numbers in Weld County tell a clear story. By using tools like the 3-2-1 buydown and leveraging local grants, you can turn your monthly housing expense into an investment. Colorado Home Grant is here to help you navigate these numbers. Contact us today to run a personalized rent-vs-buy comparison for your situation.