STRONG SALES, SUPPLY CHALLENGES PUSH INVENTORY TO LOWEST LEVELS SEEN SINCE APRIL 2008
May 7, 2024
For immediate release:
Saskatchewan reported 1,642 sales in April, up 32 percent year-over-year and compared to long-term, 10-year averages. April marked the fourth consecutive month of above-average sales to open 2024, resulting in year-to-date sales nearly 17 percent above last year. Sales levels improved across all larger regions of the province, with the most significant gains being reported in the Regina-Moose Mountain and Swift Current-Moose Jaw regions.
Despite a slight uptick in new listings, which supported a modest monthly gain in inventory across the province, inventory levels are down 16 per cent year-over-year and 40 per cent below long-term, 10-year trends. As seen in prior months, the sharpest decline in inventory is reported in products priced below $300,000, with some supply relief in homes priced above $500,000.
“Economic growth, employment gains, and record population numbers continue to support strong housing demand in Saskatchewan, resulting in a tenth consecutive month of above-average sales in April,” said Association CEO, Chris Guérette. “These factors are, without question, boosting housing demand – as evidenced through rising sales in the resale market and falling vacancy rates in the rental market.”
Saskatchewan reported a residential benchmark price of $339,800 in April, up from $334,500 in March and nearly five per cent higher than April 2023. Prices rose across all property types in April, ranging from a five per cent gain in detached and semi-detached property types to a 13 per cent gain in apartment-style properties.
“With just over three months of supply provincially, our market continues to experience significant supply challenges. However, the conditions are far tighter in Saskatoon and Regina, with both markets reporting under two months of supply in April,” said Guérette. “We’re approaching uncharted territory in our two largest markets right now – it’s an incredibly challenging time for prospective buyers out there. If supply challenges persist, as expected, we will likely see further price gains in these markets.”
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Regional Highlights
Sales activity improved across the province’s larger regions in April, with the most significant gain (60 per cent year-over-year and 23 per cent above the 10-year average) occurring in the Swift Current-Moose Jaw region.
Meanwhile, the two largest regions of the province (Regina Moose-Mountain and Saskatoon-Biggar) saw further inventory declines due to strong monthly sales. The Regina-Moose Mountain (2.61) and Saskatoon-Bigger (2.15) regions continue to report the tightest market conditions in the province.
Price Trends
Home prices trended up across nearly all regions of the province in April, with the largest monthly gain occurring in the Swift Current-Moose Jaw region, followed by the Saskatoon-Biggar region.
With prices over 11 percent higher than in April 2023, the city of Moose Jaw experienced reported the highest year-over-year price growth. Meanwhile, Saskatoon, Regina, Estevan, Weyburn, Melville, Humboldt, Meadow Lake, and North Battleford reported year-over-year price gains in April.
City of Regina
The City of Regina reported 424 sales in April, a year-over-year gain of over 50 per cent and 52 per cent above long-term trends.
Despite an increase in new listings, surging sales prevented any significant inventory relief. Regina reported a 30 per cent year-over-year decline, with inventory levels over 46 per cent below long-term, 10-year trends.
The City of Regina reported a benchmark price of $319,800 in April, up from $313,100 in March and nearly three per cent higher than April 2023.
City of Saskatoon
The City of Saskatoon reported 522 sales in April, a year-over-year gain of nearly 29 per cent and 34 per cent above long-term, 10-year averages.
Inventory levels decreased by 21 per cent year-over-year and continue to sit nearly 50 per cent below long-term, 10-year trends. As a result, market conditions remain extremely tight in the City of Saskatoon, placing upward pressure on prices and likely preventing even stronger April sales numbers.
The City of Saskatoon reported a benchmark price of $398,600 in April, up from $394,300 in March and nearly seven per cent above April 2023.