Market Report October 2022

Posted: Sunday November 6, 2022

INVENTORY LEVELS 25 PER CENT BELOW 10-YEAR AVERAGE

There were 1,144 units sold across the province in October, a year-over-year decline of 12.3 per cent. While sales continue to ease relative to 2021, a record year, October sales data reflects a year-over-year increase of 1.7 per cent when compared with 10-year averages.

The pullback in sales was met with a reduction in new listings, resulting in lower-than-average inventories for this time of year. The monthly decline in sales was enough to cause further gains in the months of supply. With nearly six months of supply in the province, the market continues to return to more balanced conditions, but it is important to note that inventory levels are still over 25 per cent below the 10-year average.

“While our market continues to fare better than many others across the country, we are feeling the impact of interest rate hikes and ongoing inflationary pressures,” said Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association CEO Chris Guérette. “As higher lending rates contribute to the pullback in sales, we are also experiencing a lack of supply in homes priced below $500,000, consumer options are limited right now, and this is likely why sales are down.”

The pullback in new listings continues to be largely driven by homes prices below $500,000, which is also contributing to the decline in sales. Despite monthly adjustments, the benchmark price was $324,900, slightly lower than the month prior and three per cent higher than last October.

“While year-to-date sales have eased when compared to a record 2021, sales levels remain well above long-term trends, speaking to the positive long-term fundamentals in the province,” said Guérette. “Saskatchewan continues to benefit from strong agricultural and commodity markets. This growth should support stable demand in housing ownership as our economy continues to improve.”

City of Regina

The City of Regina reported 256 sales in October, 26 per cent higher than 10-year trends. While sales have cooled on a year-over-year basis, year-to-date sales increased by one per cent.

Given the recent level of sales compared to new listings, Regina is experiencing tighter conditions when compared to last year. As seen across the province, inventory levels remain lower than average, specifically in homes priced under $500,000.

Despite monthly adjustments, the benchmark price remains slightly higher than last year at $317,800.

Regional Highlights

The cities of Regina and Saskatoon accounted for nearly 70 per cent of all October sales in the province. While both cities have seen a shift towards a more balanced market, the decline in sales has been higher in Saskatoon at 12 per cent, versus Regina’s decline of less than two per cent. While inventory remains a concern in many regions across the province, the pullback in affordable new listings was more significant in Saskatoon.

As most regions have experienced a pullback in sales when compared to 2021, a record year, new listings are also down across all regions. When considering the sales-to-new-listings ratio, the highest ratios were experienced in Regina, Saskatoon, and Moose Jaw, at 60 per cent or higher. Meanwhile, the best supplied markets are Southeast Saskatchewan and North Battleford.

Price Trends

As the shift to more balanced conditions continues, many areas of the province experienced a decline in prices. However, despite price adjustments, prices remain well above levels seen last year in all areas except Melfort, North Battleford, and Yorkton.