Buy a Gas Station in Aurora, CO

The Aurora Market for Gas Station Acquisitions

Aurora is Colorado's third-largest city, with 390,000 residents and a median household income of $84,320. The city sits at the intersection of several major corridors including I-70, I-225, and E-470, which generates consistent daily traffic counts that directly support fuel volume.

The Denver metro area has seen steady population growth over the past decade, and Aurora has absorbed a large share of that growth through residential expansion in the southeast. More rooftops mean more commuters, which means more fuel demand.

As of Q1 2026, there are approximately 51 gas station listings active nationally at similar deal metrics, with Aurora-area stations trading in line with national medians.

How Much Does a Gas Station Cost in Aurora?

The price range is wide. The national dataset shows listings from $139,000 to over $216,000,000. The high end reflects large multi-site portfolios or branded dealer operations. Most single-location Aurora stations suitable for an SBA acquisition will fall between $500,000 and $3,000,000.

At $750,000, this is a deal that fits comfortably within SBA 7(a) parameters.

Deal Economics: What the Numbers Look Like

Here is a representative deal scenario based on market data as of Q1 2026. This is a hypothetical illustration using realistic figures, not a specific closed transaction.

At 2.2x DSCR, this deal clears our 2x target with room to absorb a slow quarter or unexpected capex. The buyer's out-of-pocket cash is $37,500 (5% of $750,000), with the remaining $37,500 structured as a seller note on full standby at 0% interest, acting as equity toward the SBA requirement.

These are rough estimates based on market data. Actual terms depend on individual qualification and lender.

What Should You Look For When Buying a Gas Station in Aurora?

Gas stations have more moving parts than most businesses in the SBA acquisition universe. Here is where to focus your diligence.

Fuel volume, not just fuel revenue. Fuel margins are thin, often $0.05 to $0.15 per gallon. What matters is gallons per month. A station doing 80,000 gallons per month has meaningfully different economics than one doing 35,000. Ask for monthly delivery receipts, not just POS reports.

Convenience store margin. The c-store is where most of the real cash flow lives. In-store gross margins typically run 25% to 35%. If a seller is presenting a cash flow figure that leans heavily on fuel, probe the c-store numbers separately.

Environmental liability. Underground storage tanks (USTs) are a known risk. Colorado has a Petroleum Storage Tank Fund that provides some remediation coverage, but you need to know the age and condition of the tanks before you close. Phase I and Phase II environmental reports are non-negotiable.

Brand affiliation and supply agreements. Many stations operate under a brand supply agreement (BP, Shell, Sinclair, etc.) with specific fuel purchasing requirements. These agreements transfer with the business, but the terms matter. Know the fuel cost structure and any volume commitments before you sign a LOI.

Real estate vs. leasehold. Some gas stations come with the real property included. Others are ground leases. Both can work under SBA financing, but the structure differs and so does the risk profile. A leasehold operation needs at least 10 years of remaining lease term to qualify for a 10-year SBA loan.

SBA Financing for Aurora Gas Stations

SBA 7(a) lenders will finance gas station acquisitions, but underwriting is more scrutinized than for, say, a service business. The environmental exposure and fuel supply complexity make some lenders cautious.

The standard structure still applies: 80% SBA loan, 15% seller note on full standby at 0% interest, 5% buyer cash injection. At $750,000, that is $600,000 from the SBA, $112,500 in seller financing, and $37,500 cash from the buyer.

Current SBA rates are approximately 10% to 11% based on WSJ Prime plus the applicable spread. On a 10-year term at 10.5%, monthly debt service on a $600,000 loan is roughly $8,100, or about $97,000 per year. With $198,000 in annual cash flow, that leaves meaningful coverage even after accounting for owner compensation adjustments.

Colorado does not impose a state-level SBA constraint, and Aurora's established commercial lending market means multiple SBA preferred lenders operate in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to buy a gas station in Aurora, Colorado?

As of Q1 2026, gas stations in Aurora trade in line with national medians around $750,000 for a single-location acquisition. Well-located stations on high-traffic corridors like I-225 or Colfax Avenue can push higher. Smaller or lower-volume sites may price in the $300,000 to $500,000 range.

What is the typical cash flow for a gas station acquisition in Aurora?

National median cash flow for gas station acquisitions is approximately $198,000 per year as of Q1 2026. Aurora stations benefit from high daily traffic volumes and a strong local median income of $84,320, which supports above-average c-store ticket sizes relative to lower-income markets.

Can I use SBA financing to buy a gas station in Colorado?

Yes. SBA 7(a) loans are commonly used for gas station acquisitions in Colorado. The key requirements are a 10% equity injection (structured as 5% buyer cash plus 5% seller note on full standby), clean environmental reports, and sufficient cash flow to support a 1.5x DSCR floor. Most viable Aurora acquisitions will clear 2x.

What environmental risks should I know about before buying a gas station?

Underground storage tanks are the primary environmental risk. Colorado's Petroleum Storage Tank Fund provides remediation assistance, but coverage is not unlimited. A Phase I environmental site assessment is required for SBA financing, and a Phase II may be triggered if any recognized environmental conditions are identified. Never skip this step.

How long does it take to close a gas station acquisition with SBA financing?

SBA-financed acquisitions typically close in 60 to 90 days from a signed letter of intent. Gas stations can run longer due to environmental review timelines and brand affiliation transfer approvals. Budget for 90 to 120 days if the deal involves a supply agreement transfer or if a Phase II environmental study is required.

Interested in Buying a Gas Station in Aurora?

Regalis Capital's deal team reviews 120 to 150 acquisition opportunities per week, including gas stations in the Denver metro area. If you are evaluating a specific station or want to understand what a deal like this looks like with your financial profile, start with a deal assessment.

We handle sourcing, underwriting, lender relationships, and negotiation. You focus on the business.

Start your gas station deal assessment