What Buyers Love About Condo Living
Less maintenance
Snow removal, lawn care and exterior upkeep are usually handled by the condo corporation, so your weekends are yours.
A lower price point
Condos are often one of the more affordable ways to own in Saskatoon, Warman and Martensville, which makes them popular with first-time buyers.
Lock and leave
Travel, snowbird or work away without worrying about the yard. Many owners love the peace of mind.
Amenities and location
Depending on the building, you may get underground parking, a fitness room, guest suites or a walkable spot near shops, the river or the university.
Apartment Condos vs. Townhouse Condos
Apartment-style condos are units inside a shared building, from low-rise walk-ups to high-rises downtown. You'll usually have an elevator (in larger buildings), shared hallways, a balcony and either surface, heated underground or parkade parking. Condo fees often include heat and water.
Townhouse condos feel more like a house: your own front door, often two or three levels, a basement in many complexes, and an attached or detached garage or assigned stall. You share walls with neighbours, but not hallways. Fees often cover exterior maintenance, but you may pay more of your own utilities.
Not sure which suits you? Try our Find Your Home Match Quiz.
Condos in Saskatoon
Saskatoon has the widest choice of condos in the region. Downtown and around River Landing you'll find high-rise and mid-rise buildings with river views and walkability to restaurants and events. Older low-rise buildings and character conversions show up in neighbourhoods like Nutana and near Broadway, while newer apartment and townhouse complexes are common in suburban areas such as Stonebridge, Evergreen, Willowgrove, Rosewood and Brighton. Near the University of Saskatchewan, condos in Varsity View and University Heights are popular with students' parents and investors.
Condos in Warman
Warman sits about 20 minutes north of Saskatoon on Highway 11. Its condo market is smaller and mostly newer, with townhouse complexes and low-rise apartment buildings close to schools, parks and the Legends Centre. Some developments are adult-oriented, so check age restrictions in the bylaws. Inventory is limited, so good units can move quickly. See all Warman homes for sale.
Condos in Martensville
Martensville is just north of Saskatoon on Highway 12, close enough for an easy commute to the city's north end. You'll find townhouse condos and smaller apartment buildings, many built in the last couple of decades, often at prices that compare well with similar condos in the city. Listings are limited at any given time, so it helps to watch closely. See all Martensville homes for sale.
Explore Condo Neighbourhoods
Want to see everything for sale in an area, including condos? Browse by neighbourhood or city:
Downtown Saskatoon Nutana Stonebridge Evergreen Willowgrove Rosewood Brighton Hampton Village Kensington Arbor Creek Lawson Heights Wildwood Briarwood University Heights Saskatoon Warman Martensville
Condo Buying Steps: How to Buy a Condo
Get pre-approved
Know your budget before you shop. Ask your lender to include the condo fee in your numbers, since it affects how much you qualify for.
Choose your style and area
Apartment or townhouse? Downtown, suburban Saskatoon, Warman or Martensville? Think about parking, pets, stairs and commute.
Tour and compare
Look at the building and grounds, not just the unit. Ask what the fee covers and how well the property seems to be maintained.
Write an offer with conditions
Typical conditions include financing, inspection and a review of the condo documents. Give yourself enough time to read them properly.
Review the condo documents
Go through the bylaws, budget, financial statements, reserve fund study, minutes and the information certificate. Your lawyer can help.
Inspect the unit
A home inspector can check the unit and visible common areas. Ask about the roof, windows, parkade and mechanical systems.
Remove conditions and close
Once you're satisfied, remove conditions. Your lawyer handles the title transfer and adjusts condo fees and taxes to possession day.
Get your keys
Welcome home! Get your fobs, parking and storage details and the property manager's contact information.
Understanding Condo Fees, Reserve Funds & Special Assessments
What do condo fees cover?
Fees pay for the shared costs of running the property. Depending on the complex they can include building insurance, snow removal, landscaping, exterior repairs, common-area utilities, property management and a contribution to the reserve fund. Some buildings also include heat, water or even power in the fee. Always ask for the exact list.
Why fees vary so much
Age of the building, amenities (elevators, pools, underground parking), which utilities are included, how many units share the costs and how well the reserve fund is funded all affect the monthly fee. A low fee isn't always a bargain if the reserve fund is short.
What is a reserve fund?
A savings account the condo corporation builds for big future repairs and replacements, like roofs, windows, siding, boilers or parkade work. Saskatchewan condo corporations are required to maintain a reserve fund and have it reviewed through reserve fund studies. Compare the fund balance with what the study says is needed.
What is a special assessment?
A one-time charge to owners when the corporation needs money it doesn't have, often for a major repair. Ask whether any special assessments are planned or being discussed, and read recent minutes for clues.
Do condo fees go up?
They can, usually when the budget is reviewed each year. Look at the fee history and the current budget to see whether increases have been steady and reasonable.
Condo Documents to Review Before You Buy
Bylaws
The rules of the corporation: pets, rentals, renovations, parking, noise, smoking, barbecues and any age restrictions. Make sure they fit how you plan to live.
Budget and financial statements
Show where the money goes, whether the corporation is running a surplus or deficit, and whether owners are behind on fees.
Reserve fund study
Lists the major components of the property, their expected lifespan and the money needed to replace them. Compare it to the current reserve balance.
Board and owners' meeting minutes
Often the best window into a building. Look for repeated mentions of leaks, repairs, disputes, insurance claims or upcoming projects.
Information certificate
A document from the condo corporation confirming details such as the monthly fee, any arrears on the unit, the reserve fund and any special assessments or legal actions. Your lawyer will help you review it.
Insurance details
Know what the corporation's policy covers, the deductible owners may be charged after a claim, and what you need to insure yourself (contents, improvements and liability).
Condo Bylaws & Day-to-Day Living
Pets
Some buildings allow cats and dogs, some limit size or number, and some don't allow pets at all. Confirm in the bylaws, not just the listing.
Renting out your unit
If you're buying as an investment or might rent in the future, check whether the bylaws limit rentals or short-term rentals.
Parking and storage
Find out whether your stall is titled, assigned or common property, whether it's heated or plugged-in for winter, and whether there's a storage locker.
Renovations
Many corporations require approval for changes like flooring, plumbing or moving walls, and some have rules on hard flooring to limit noise.
Living with neighbours
Shared walls mean shared responsibility. Quiet hours, smoking rules, barbecue rules and common-area etiquette all matter for day-to-day happiness.
Getting involved
Owners elect a board to run the corporation. Attending the annual general meeting is the best way to stay informed and have a say.
Financing a Condo
Down payment and mortgage insurance
Condos are financed much like other homes. With less than 20% down you'll generally need mortgage default insurance. Talk to a mortgage professional about your options.
Condo fees affect qualifying
Lenders typically include part or all of the monthly condo fee when they calculate how much you can afford, so include it in your budget from day one.
Lender reviews
Some lenders look closely at the building, the reserve fund and the condo documents, especially for older buildings or units with a high share of renters. Get pre-approved for the specific type of condo you want.
Run your numbers with the calculator below or our full mortgage calculator. New to buying? Our Saskatoon Home Buyer's Guide covers the whole process.
