April housing demand in the Saskatoon region was the strongest in three years, says the Saskatoon Region Association of Realtors, but activity was less robust in the Battlefords region.
In this area, sales rose 17 per cent in April to 35, up from 30 last April, but dollar volume dropped 35 per cent to $5 million from $8 million. Listings, however, fell seven per cent to 138.
Every market, including the strengthening Saskatoon market, comes with its own challenges for buyers and sellers, notes Jason Yochim, CEO of SRAR.
The region surrounding Saskatoon, including towns and cities such as Warman, Martensville and Dalmeny, saw a whopping 25 per cent increase in dollar volume to $31 million on 105 sales, up 36 per cent from 77 last year. The average price was down eight per cent to $295,780.
Prince Albert and region also recorded improved home sales, which rose 25 per cent to 60 units, up from 48 last year. Dollar volume jumped 26 per cent to $12.2 million from $9.7 million last April. Listings were up a marginal two per cent, to 168 from 165. In the city itself, sales were up 41 per cent to 38.
“That’s encouraging for P.A., because the market was quite depressed for a number of months,” Yochim said.
