A note to our readers…
New Two-Phase Market Report Release Starting June 2025
To get you timely data and meaningful insights, BRR is introducing a new two-phase approach to our monthly Market Report releases:
- Phase 1: Snapshots & Graphs — Available earlier (typically between the 8th and 12th of each month), this first release includes high-level graphs and market snapshots. They’re ready for you to share in your newsletters, social media, or client conversations as soon as they drop.
- Phase 2: Market Stat Sheets — By the 16th of each month, we’ll follow up with the full Market Stat Sheets. This is where we dig deeper into the trends, provide key takeaways, and offer a broader interpretation of the data.
This two-phase release schedule is designed to get you what you need, when you need it: a quick look early on and a full picture shortly after.
Idaho lawmakers passed two new laws aimed at unlocking the construction of smaller and cheaper homes.
Gov. Brad Little signed two new laws, Senate Bill 1352 and Senate Bill 1354, aimed at increasing housing supply, at the close of the legislative session.
SB 1352 limits the ability of cities to block high-density “starter home” developments on tracts of at least 4 acres. The bill mandates that local governments allow smaller lot sizes (down to 1,400 square feet) and removes traditional zoning barriers like setback and width requirements. Under this law, cities must permit at least 12 units per acre unless infrastructure constraints exist.
SB 1354 prohibits local governments and homeowners associations from restricting the construction of accessory dwelling units. The law guarantees property owners the right to build at least one ADU per lot and prevents authorities from imposing maximum square footage limits on these structures.
Both bills are for cities with a population over 10,000.
The two bills have been the subject of strong debate this year, with SB 1352 passing Idaho’s House by a vote of 36 to 34. During a debate on the bill on March 26, legislators argued for the merits of deregulation.
Both Democrats and Republicans said the state isn’t building enough small homes.
“It’s trying to help that starter, young family get into a home,” said Republican Rep. Jordan Redman in debate. “At some point, many Americans grow their wealth by buying a home, and I think this will help that stair-step of buying a home.”
Detractors of the bill said it doesn’t do enough to address infrastructure demands that could be placed on cities. Some also favored some sort of ban on institutional investors holding new homes for rent.
“This is a step that is too far for me,” Republican Rep. Josh Wheeler said during the debate. “We are functionally planning and zoning from the Statehouse at this point.”
The Idaho Realtors supported the measure, calling it “a meaningful win for housing affordability and attainability.”
The ADU legislation passed more easily, by a vote of 25 to 10 in the Senate and 47 to 23 in the House.
Republican Rep. Erin Bingham said it bolsters local property rights and increases housing inventory. Existing HOA bans can remain in effect, and cities will be able to opt out.
“ADUs are means for property owners to fully embrace their economic opportunities within their property right and build financial resilience for their family,” Madeline Clark, senior policy analyst at Mountain States Policy Center, said during the hearing.
Another measure, House Bill 706, advanced to Little’s desk. That would allow the construction of apartment buildings with a single stairwell, allowing for more residential space in multifamily buildings.
Source: Realtor.com
The Bloomberg Philanthropies 2025 Mayors Challenge awarded $1 million to Boise for development of geothermal water for heating an affordable housing complex. Geothermal water is a naturally occurring resource in Boise currently heating Idaho’s State Capitol, Boise City Hall, Warm Springs Boulevard homes and more than 90 downtown buildings. The 300-unit apartment complex near Boise State University will be the recipient of the energy-saving resource estimated to reduce energy bills for future apartment residents by 80%. J. Fisher Companies won the bid to build the project in a private-public partnership with the City of Boise. Bloomberg Philanthropies will also provide financial support to the city to hire two staffers dedicated to the project. Other U.S. cities winning the million-dollar grant include South Bend, Indiana and Lafayette, Louisiana. Internationally, prize winners were Barcelona, Spain, Budapest, Hungary, Cape Town, South Africa and Fez, Morrocco.
Source: Idaho Statesman
The Treasure Valley Family YMCA received a $2 million donation from the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation to assist with the construction of the Kissler Family Early Education Center. Construction is estimated for completion in fall 2027 and is located near the site of the future CapEd Downtown Boise YMCA. The center will be the state’s first employer co-op child care center with a capacity for 124 children.
Source: Idaho Business Review
McDevitt Park has begun upgrades costing more than $1.2 million. The park will add a basketball court, a dog park, a pump track, bike trails, new skate park features, gardens with new trees and pollinator-friendly areas, plus a nature playground. The completion is estimated to be late summer 2026.
Source: KIVITV
Hewlett Packard announced plans to permanently exit its Boise operation. The announced timeframe is the end of 2027 and follows a global location strategy that was released in September 2025 identifying eight sites for investment and talent acquisition. Boise was not on the list. The company stated that more concrete plans will be released on May 1. HP moved some of its staff to Boise in 1973 and proceeded to start building its campus on Chinden. Soon after, it started manufacturing laser jet printers. The 200-acre campus was purchased by the State of Idaho in 2017, dedicating some space for lease by the residual HP staff.
Source: KTVB
Boise based Micron reported at an analyst meeting that their fabrication plant should come online in 2027 and allow them to meet demand for semiconductor chips. The company’s stock price has soared since September 2022 when it first announced its first wave of expansion at the Boise campus. Common stock share prices increased by 7.7 times, driven by a lack of supply as artificial intelligence demand continues to grow exponentially.
Source: BoiseDev
The city of Caldwell has installed downtown parking signs describing the free three and four-hour parking zones. This follows a period of 100 days when parking meters were installed downtown. The move drew such a backlash from both business owners and residents that the meters were removed. The city has set aside nine free public parking lots with no time restrictions.
Source: KTVB
The Emmett School District trustees opted to present a $2.3 million, two-year supplemental levy before the voters in May. The school district believes this provides the budget with flexibility to deal with funding cuts from the state without having to reduce staffing levels. The total $4.6 million will be used for personnel, nursing, custodial, technology equipment and maintenance projects.
Source: KIVITV
Fred Meyer broke ground on its first store in Caldwell. It plans to open in late 2026 or early 2027. The 155,000 square foot store is estimated to cost the company $64 million with a second location potentially in the works, according to the president of Fred Meyer. Caldwell has seen extensive population growth with the company planning to hire an estimated 250 workers. The company donated $5,000 to the Salvation Army’s food pantry. This is part of Fred Meyer’s initiative called Zero Hunger, Zero Waste aimed at improving food insecurity within its communities.
Source: Idaho Press
Other Real Estate News
- Real Estate News | 5-week rate climb ends – but sustained drop is “unlikely”
- Nar.realtor | NAR announces first phase of governance updates to streamline committees and strengthen member engagement
- Realtor.com | The 8 Metros Where Home Shoppers Dominate
- Bankrate | YIMBYism gains ground: How three states are addressing the housing shortage
Please note: Some news outlets may protect their content with paid subscriptions. While we try to refrain from sharing articles that may not be accessible to everyone, we may share them if important to the industry.
Additional information about trends within the Boise Region, by existing and new construction, are now available here: Ada County, Elmore County, Gem County, Four Rivers Region (coming soon), and Condos, Townhouses, and Mobile/Manufactured Homes Market Reports. Each includes an explanation of the metrics and notes on data sources and methodology.
Ada County
Canyon County
Elmore County
Gem County
Condos…
Download the latest (print quality) market snapshot graphics for Ada County, Ada County Existing/Resale, Ada County New Construction, Boise County, Elmore County, Gem County, Malheur County, Payette County, and Washington County.
Since Canyon County is not part of BRR’s jurisdiction, we don’t publicly report on Canyon County market trends. Members can access Canyon County snapshots and reports in the Market Report email, or login to our Market Statistics page. Our Owyhee County snapshot can also be accessed on our Market Statistics page.
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The data reported is based primarily on the public statistics provided by the Intermountain MLS (IMLS), a subsidiary of Boise Regional REALTORS® (BRR). These statistics are based upon information secured by the agent from the owner or their representative. The accuracy of this information, while deemed reliable, has not been verified and is not guaranteed. These statistics are not intended to represent the total number of properties sold in the counties or cities during the specified time period. The IMLS, Boise Regional REALTORS®, and Idaho Policy Institute provide these statistics for purposes of general market analysis but make no representations as to past or future performance. If you have questions about this report, please contact Boise Regional REALTORS® at 208-376-0363. For notes on data sources, methodology, and explanation of metrics, visit boirealtors.com/notes-on-data-sources-and-methodology.
If you are a consumer, please contact a REALTOR® to get the most current and accurate information specific to your situation.
Boise Regional REALTORS® (BRR), a 501(c)(6) trade association, represents real estate professionals throughout the Boise region. Established in 1920, BRR is the largest local REALTOR® association in the state of Idaho, helping members achieve real estate success through ethics, professionalism, and connections. BRR has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Intermountain MLS (IMLS) and the REALTORS® Community Foundation.
“REALTOR®” is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
