In Q2 2024, Saskatchewan’s real estate market demonstrated strong activity with increases in sales and price growth, as highlighted in a recent Edge Realty Analytics report. A slight rise in new listings was counteracted by a substantial decline in active listings. Construction activity remains strong, reflecting confidence in future demand, while population growth continues to support housing demand.
Sales
Sales increased significantly by 7.7% quarter-over-quarter and by 12.5% year-over-year, indicating strong market activity and sustained demand.
Listings
New listings rose by 0.7% quarter-over-quarter but declined by 4.4% year-over-year, countering the slight increase in new property entries for the most recent quarter.
Active listings dropped by 8.4% quarter-over-quarter and by 19.6% year-over-year. This significant decline highlights a tightening market with fewer properties available for sale, increasing competition for buyers.
Prices
Prices increased by 1.1% quarter-over-quarter and by 4.5% year-over-year, reflecting ongoing upward pressure on property values. The steady price growth is likely driven by the strong demand and limited supply in the market.
Construction
The number of properties under construction rose by 0.8% quarter-over-quarter and by 12.1% year-over-year.
Months of Inventory
The months of inventory, or how long it would take to sell existing homes on the market given the current pace of sales, decreased from 4.4 in Q1 2024 to 3.7 in Q2 2024, reflecting a tighter market with fewer homes available relative to the demand.
Sales-to-New Listings Ratio
The ratio increased from 66.8% in Q1 2024 to 72.2% in Q2 2024.
Economic Indicators
Population Growth
Population growth was steady, with a 0.5% increase quarter-over-quarter and a 2.5% rise year-over-year, supporting ongoing demand for housing.
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate slightly increased from 5.4% in Q1 2024 to 5.5% in Q2 2024, indicating a marginal rise in joblessness. However, this remains lower than Canada’s unemployment rate overall in June, which was 6.4%.
Mortgage Arrears
Mortgage arrears decreased from 0.60% in Q1 2024 to 0.56% in Q2 2024, suggesting slightly improved financial stability among homeowners.
Rentals
As of July 2024, according to Rentals.ca, Regina experienced significant rental price increases for both one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment rose sharply by 4.9% month-over-month to $1320 and increased significantly by 20.5% year-over-year. For two-bedroom apartments, the rent increased by 1.4% month-over-month to $1537 and rose substantially by 14.6% year-over-year.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Saskatoon decreased by 1.5% month-over-month to $1239 but still increased by 11.6% year-over-year. For two-bedroom apartments, the rent decreased by 0.4% month-over-month to $1454 but rose by a notable 16.8% year-over-year.