Saskatchewan’s Housing Starts Soar 84%

In a year where Canada’s housing market has seen mixed signals, Saskatchewan is stealing the spotlight. According to the latest CMHC report, urban housing starts in the province have surged by a stunning 84% year-to-date — the strongest growth in the country.

This construction boom places Saskatchewan well ahead of other provinces, as a wave of new building permits, government funding, and builder confidence reshapes the landscape.

What’s Fueling the Surge?

CMHC credits several factors for Saskatchewan’s building momentum:

• Affordability advantage compared to provinces like B.C. and Ontario
• Increased demand from in-migration and interprovincial movers
• Provincial incentives for rental housing and development
• Builder optimism, especially in Regina and Saskatoon

Local builders also cite lower development costs and faster approval processes compared to larger metros, allowing projects to break ground quickly.

Regional Snapshot

• Saskatoon: Leading the growth with new townhome and low-rise projects
• Regina: Uptick in rental apartments and multi-unit housing
• Secondary towns: Small cities like Prince Albert and Moose Jaw seeing new subdivision activity

Compared to last year, housing starts in these cities have nearly doubled, reflecting a strong rebound in developer sentiment.

What This Means for You

If you’re considering a home in Saskatchewan — especially as a first-time buyer or remote worker — now may be the best time to explore the market.

With construction ramping up, inventory is likely to rise, offering more choices and possibly easing competition. Unlike Ontario or B.C., where affordability remains tight, Saskatchewan still offers detached homes in the $300K–$400K range in many urban centres.