ABOVE-AVERAGE SALES CONTINUE TO DRIVE PRICE GROWTH IN AUGUST
Saskatchewan reported 1,507 sales in August, a seven per cent year-over-year decrease but over 12 per cent above long-term, 10-year averages. Despite a slight pullback in sales, August marked the fourteenth consecutive month of above-average sales, and year-to-date sales remain seven per cent higher than levels reported last year.
A modest gain in new listings relative to sales resulted in the sales-to-new-listings ratio trending down from levels reported over the last few months, preventing an even more significant monthly decline in inventory levels. However, inventory levels slid by 17 per cent year-over-year and remain 40 per cent below long-term averages.
“Unlike many other parts of the country, sales in our province continue to outperform historical averages for a fourteenth consecutive month,” noted Association CEO, Chris Guérette. “Saskatchewan’s relative affordability, when paired with employment gains and falling unemployment rates, continues to support strong housing demand in our province.”
Easing supply levels, especially in the lower price ranges, are again placing upward pressure on home prices. In August, Saskatchewan reported a residential benchmark price of $344,700, a six-percent year-over-year gain.
“Inventory levels remain over 40 per cent below average province-wide and in our two largest centres – and we’re seeing the impact that can have on prices,” said Guérette. “Nearly all regions of the province saw year-over-year price growth in August, as high as 11 per cent in Moose Jaw and 9 per cent in Saskatoon – that’s very significant.”
Regional Highlights
Regina-Moose Mountain was the only economic region to report a year-over-year sales increase in August, while many regions continue to report sales levels above long-term, 10-year trends.
All regions except the Northern region continue to report year-to-date sales well above the 10-year average – with the strongest sales levels occurring in the Regina-Moose Mountain, Saskatoon-Biggar, and Swift Current-Moose Jaw regions. Meanwhile, the Saskatoon-Biggar region continues to report the tightest market conditions in the province.
Price Trends
Home prices trended up across nearly all economic regions of the province in August, with the largest monthly gains occurring in the Swift Current- Moose Jaw (nine per cent year-over-year) and Saskatoon-Biggar (eight per cent) regions.
With prices nearly 11 per cent higher than last year, Moose Jaw reported the largest price gain in August, followed by Saskatoon at eight per cent. Meanwhile, Regina, Estevan, Weyburn, Swift Current, Melville, Yorkton, Humboldt, Meadow Lake, North Battleford, and Prince Albert all reported year-over-year price gains in August.
City of Regina
The City of Regina reported 387 sales in August, up eight per cent year-over-year and 29 per cent above long-term, 10-year trends.
With a year-to-date sales total of 2,765 units, 15 per cent higher than last year, the Queen City continues to report strong sales despite persistent inventory challenges. Monthly gains in new listings were not enough to offset strong sales levels, as inventory levels declined by 22 per cent year-over-year and remain over 40 per cent below long-term, 10-year trends.
The City of Regina reported a benchmark price of $319,700 in August, up from $318,400 in July and three percent above August 2023.
City of Saskatoon
The City of Saskatoon reported 457 sales in August, a 13 per cent year-over-year decrease. Despite the slight sales dip, August sales levels were 14 per cent above the 10-year average.
Limited supply options continue to prevent stronger sales figures in Saskatoon, as inventory levels remain over 48 per cent below long-term trends. While a monthly gain in new listings did support modest inventory relief, Saskatoon continues to report the tightest market conditions in the province.
Tight market conditions continue to place upward pressure on home prices as the City of Saskatoon reported a record benchmark price of $404,900 in August, a year-over-year increase of over eight per cent.