Realtors in Saskatchewan are continuing to sell properties at a high rate, with July sales surpassing 2019's July total. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

Strong summer sales

Saskatchewan realtors enjoy successful July

Aug 7, 2020 | 8:01 AM

One of the few industries in the province to recover from the initial shutdown of the COVID-19 pandemic is real estate and that momentum has continued throughout the summer.

The Saskatchewan Realtors Association released its numbers for July, showing an increase of 56 per cent from 2019 and as well as a nine per cent increase year-to-date. While some prices were down, the median sale price was up almost three per cent.

“It’s very encouraging to see the increase in numbers and a very strong showing for July,” CEO Jason Yochim said.

Based on how other markets during pandemics, Yochim said they expected a recovery following the initial sharp decline in early spring. However, the speed at which it came was unexpected.

“I think because of the measures we took to give the home owners or buyers comfort when people are in their home or walking through properties, the activities stayed better during the pandemic then we thought they would,” Yochim said.

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

Dec 10, 2025

Seniors Scene

Christmas is Coming

Dec 09, 2025

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

Contributing to the sales numbers is product listings declining, building up demand after the shutdown. Since then properties were snapped up quickly, creating a deficiency in inventory.

In the coming weeks and months, Yochim expects more people to put their homes on the market initially, to try and fill the shortage of active listings, which should keep prices stable.

“I’m not sure if the demand has been as strong as the spring and summer here, but there should still be some demand,” he said.

Later into the year, Yochim is anticipating a slowdown by winter, where mortgage deferrals and government money potentially running out could result in issues for homeowners.

While sales were up across the province, areas such as Swift Current, Meadow Lake, Prince Albert and the Battlefords were particularly successful. North Battleford saw a 68.8 per cent increase, while the larger region was 37.1 per cent above the five-year average. Homes in North Battleford stayed on the market an average of 114 days in July, up 75.4 per cent from 65 days last year, and sales volume was up more than 65 per cent.

“People still wanted to do a little business. We made ourselves available and all the realtors did really well,” Battlefords and Meadow Lake Re/Max owner Wally Lorenz said.

Battlefords realtors were finding that almost anything priced under $400,000 was selling. Now, properties beyond $400,000 are selling as well, which bodes well for other properties moving forward.

“If we’re having buyers at that level, they’ve got houses to sell at the next step down and so on,” Lorenz said adding he sees the trend continue this fall.

“Right now, I think we’re going to continue to have some momentum going right into October to November, maybe even December as well,” he said.

However, he added everyone is monitoring news regarding the pandemic closely and there is worry a second lockdown could change the market considerably, based on the ripple of impact on other businesses.

“That all has an effect and is the one thing to watch for going into the New Year,” he said.

—

josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports