Is the Market changing? Here’s your Market Direction, Fall 2026
Alrighty, here we go…
Things are cooler, as shown by our most recent stats. But also there are many subtle yet very meaningful cues that are hard to measure in real time, and are going to be increasingly more responsible for moving the needle in the Saskatoon market.
Saskatoon still remains one of the tightest housing markets in the country. Still, our August numbers showed an increase in new listings, a lower benchmark price, and an increased amount of days that houses are spending on the market. A dip in market activity is not uncommon at this time of year; however, as experienced, engaged agents will tell you, this fall does not have the same strong, buzzing autumn energy we have seen in recent years. The next 3-6 months are going to have a different flavour than the extreme Seller’s Market context we’ve become very accustomed to.
As an agent who lives and breathes this market, here’s what I’m experiencing. My Buyer clientele is less frantic and more calculated. My Sellers are not selling their homes as quickly or for as much money as they expected. Agents who know the market intimately are catching the behind-the-scene price drops across the board on our MLS system, and feeling a lack of buyer urgency on the listings.. All of the Presentation of Offers that were so hot are suddenly not garnering as many, or sometimes any, offers at all.
Skilled agents know how to read the subtext in this market behaviour, and actively pivot quickly to address these challenges. Buying and selling in any market is always possible - it is about finding and leveraging the opportunities that exist, and setting realistic expectations. This is how our clients continue to win, and this is what will separate the strong agents from the rest.
So what you need to know about the market right now is this.
Sellers, it is an imperative time to have the right agent. Not all agents are created equal. I talk about this a lot in terms of ethics, professional competency, connections, and skills. And right now, in addition to those traits, you need someone who is in the market full-time, has been in the market for a long time, and who is well-connected to the other active agents in the city. You also need someone who can accurately interpret and apply the stats to your situation, is strong with pricing, and is educated and savvy with marketing. It is about to become more important than ever that your listing both looks impeccable AND gains strong reach. Lastly, you need someone who will level with you, have the hard conversations with you, and who will go to bat hard for you in negotiations to best protect your interests.
Buyers, this is the start of your window to enjoy a cooler pace and calmer approach. That does not mean it’s Low-Ball territory at all, but it does give you a chance to have a little bit of wiggle room and a little less competition in certain price brackets. As always, a skilled agent will show you the ropes and help you find success smoothly and quickly.
If you’re curious about how this market applies to your personal situation, or have any thoughts about where we’re at and where we’re headed, reach out. I love chatting about the market and I always love to hear from you.
Until next time,
Jenny