SASKATCHEWAN REMAINS RESILIENT AS INVENTORY CHALLENGES CONTINUE

There were 1,213 sales recorded across the province in March, a 20 per cent year-over-year decline. Despite year-over-year sales declines, this level of sales is still stronger than pre-pandemic levels and nearly 10 per cent above long-term, 10-year trends.
New listings decreased by over 17 per cent on a year-over-year basis and remain significantly below the 10-year average. In the first quarter of 2023, properties priced below $400,000 contributed to the largest decline in new listings. A reduction in new listings relative to sales resulted in further year-over-year declines in inventory levels, which remain over 30 per cent below long-term averages.

“Higher lending rates continue to impact what buyers are able to purchase, which is creating tight conditions in the more affordable segment of our housing market,” said Association CEO Chris Guérette. “When paired with declining inventory levels, specifically in homes priced under $300,000, there simply isn’t enough choice for prospective buyers looking in that price range right now.”

The provincial benchmark price reached $321,400 in March, up from $318,500 in February and slightly below prices recorded last March.

“Our market is once again showing its resilience, as we continue to report sales above long-term averages,” said Guérette. “That said, we continue to keep a close eye on supply levels across the province. Saskatchewan is growing at its fastest pace in over 100 years and ensuring that supply matches this growth is crucial to maintaining our affordability advantage.

Regional Highlights

Many regions across the province experienced a decline in sales when compared to last year. The year-over-year declines range from a decline of five per cent in North Battleford, to 34 per cent in Swift Current. Prince Albert, however, reported an eight per cent gain in year-over-year sales.

While North Battleford and Prince Albert did see some quarterly gains in new listings, all regions are reporting new listings that are below long-term averages. The continued decline in new listings has prevented a shift in inventory levels, which remain well below the 10-year average in all regions across the province.

Price Trends

Benchmark prices varied across different regions of the province in March. Year-over-year price declines were reported in Martensville, Meadow Lake, Melfort, Melville, Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Regina, and Yorkton. Meanwhile, all remaining regions posted stable to modest gains.

 

City of Regina

Year-over-year sales activity in Regina slowed for the third consecutive month. Despite the decline, sales levels are well above the 10-year average. Inventory levels remain over 25 per cent below long-term averages, with most of the decline being driven by homes priced below $300,000.

The months of supply in Regina fell to 2.96 in March, down from 3.86 in February. If conditions remain this tight over the next several months, we could start to see an impact on home prices.

Regina reported a benchmark price of $307,100 in March, slightly below the $310,200 reported in February.

City of Saskatoon

The City of Saskatoon reported declining year-over-year sales for the third consecutive month. That said, sales levels remain consistent with long-term, 10-year averages. Inventory levels remain a significant concern, as the city reports supply levels nearly 37 per cent below long-term averages.

The months of supply in Saskatoon fell to 2.32 in March, down from 3.50 in February. Tight conditions in the Saskatoon market are placing upward pressure on home prices and we expect this trend to continue as inventory challenges persist.

Saskatoon reported a benchmark price of $376,300 in March, slightly above the $372,400 reported in February and over 2 per cent higher than March 2022.