According to the Saskatchewan government, in 2025 construction started on 6,150 new homes in the province, which is the highest level since 2014. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

Saskatchewan housing starts hit highest level in more than a decade

By Mia Holowaychuk Aug 20, 2026 | 5:26 PM

Saskatchewan Finance Minister Jim Reiter says construction of new homes and rental units is up in the province as affordability remains “top of mind.”

According to the province, construction started on 6,150 new homes in Saskatchewan in 2025, the highest level since 2014.

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On Thursday, Reiter said Saskatchewan’s housing starts grew by 42 per cent from 2024, the highest growth rate among provinces.

Saskatchewan housing starts over the last decade from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. (Government of Saskatchewan/ Submitted)

“We know that the best solution to rising housing costs and rental costs is increased supply, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing happen right now,” Reiter said.

Reiter pointed to the province’s efforts to improve housing affordability and supply, which include more than $60 million to support housing in the current budget. He also highlighted the enhanced first-time homebuyers tax credit of up to $1,575 and the PST rebate on new home construction.

“Inflationary pressures are impacting everyone in the country, but we are the most affordable province in the country,” Reiter said.

Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association CEO Nicole Burgess said there was some delay in getting new residential builds to reflect the population growth the province has seen over the last three years.

“We talk a lot about the resale market, and that is at dangerously low levels of supply,” she said.

“The good news for Saskatchewan is that what’s under construction is within a very healthy range, which means there’s a lot that is coming available to market.”

Reiter said strong demand and limited rental supply pushed two-bedroom vacancy rates down to around 2 per cent in 2023 and 2024.

Asking Rent Prices for Two-bedroom Apartments by Major Cities in Q1 2026 from Statistics Canada. (Government of Saskatchewan/Submitted)

“Growth in new supply has eased this pressure, with average two-bedroom rent growth slowing to 4.9 per cent in the year 2024,” Reiter said.

Rental Housing Saskatchewan CEO Landon Field said this change gives renters more options in the province.

“A competitive rental market means that as a renter, you can visit two or three places, sleep on it, make an offer, and choose the next day,” he said.

“When the vacancy rate is super low, you might feel trapped,” he said. “There’s only one place available, and it’s that or nothing.”

Field said the province is moving toward a healthier market that sees competition and incentives while continuing to have some of the lowest rental rates in the country.