Housing prices and sales in Saskatoon rose in 2012. According to the Saskatoon Region Association of Realtors, the rising numbers reflect the strong Saskatchewan economy.

According to the professional group, the average price of Saskatoon houses rose seven per cent and there was a five per cent increase in the number of units sold.

The first half of 2012 saw more transactions than the ladder. The association said in a release that this is likely a reflection of the changes made in June to the rules over government-backed insured mortgages.

At the end of December, the average price of a home in the city hovered just under $32,000, while in rural areas it was roughly $325,000.