Own Instead of Rent While You're at the U of S

The University of Saskatchewan brings thousands of students, faculty and staff to Saskatoon's east side every year, and Royal University Hospital sits right on campus. That steady demand is why so many buyers look at owning close to the university instead of paying rent for four years or more.

We built this page for three kinds of buyers:

• Students who'd rather build equity than pay a landlord, sometimes with roommates helping cover the costs.
• Parents buying a condo or a home with a suite for a son or daughter heading to the U of S.
• University and hospital staff who want a short walk, bike or bus ride to work.

How the listings below work: we've set up two recommended searches, condos with 2 or more bedrooms under $300K and houses with suites under $450K, in the neighbourhoods closest to campus and along the main bus routes to it. Every card shows how far the home is from campus in a straight line. Different budget? Change the price, bedrooms, distance or neighbourhood and the results update instantly.

Homes with suites are found by looking for listings with two or more kitchens. A second kitchen doesn't mean the suite is legal or permitted, and many Saskatoon homes sell with non-conforming suites. That's common and okay, but always confirm a suite's status before you buy. Our Income Properties page explains the difference.

The Best Neighbourhoods Near the U of S

The campus sits on the east bank of the South Saskatchewan River, with College Drive along its north edge and the University and Broadway bridges leading downtown. Here's how the nearby areas break down.

Walk or bike to class

These neighbourhoods are right next to campus or just across the river. Expect older character homes, walk-up condos, duplexes and plenty of homes with suites.

• Varsity View: right beside campus and Royal University Hospital, a short walk to Broadway.
• Grosvenor Park and Greystone Heights: quiet streets just south and east of the university lands.
• West College Park and Sutherland: east of campus along College Drive and 8th Street, with a good supply of condos.
• Nutana, Buena Vista and Haultain: the Broadway District, river trails and cafés, a walk or quick ride to class.
• City Park and Downtown: across the river, with apartment condos and an easy bike over the University Bridge.

A short bus or bike ride

A little further out, prices often ease and you get more space, while still having a straightforward trip to campus.

• East College Park, Brevoort Park and Holliston: established east-side areas along 8th Street.
• Queen Elizabeth, Avalon, Adelaide/Churchill and Exhibition: south of Broadway, with bungalows, condos and homes with suites.
• Forest Grove, Erindale, Arbor Creek, Silverspring and University Heights: northeast neighbourhoods with direct routes to campus and lots of townhouse condos.
• Caswell Hill: a character neighbourhood just west of downtown.

Bigger condo supply, a longer ride

Stonebridge, Wildwood, Lakeview, Lakewood and Eastview have some of the largest selections of newer and affordable condos in the city. They're further from campus, so check the commute before you commit.

Not sure which fits? Try the Neighbourhood Match Quiz or compare neighbourhoods side by side.

Getting to Campus: Buses, Bikes and Winter

The bus

Saskatoon Transit's main stop on campus is the Place Riel terminal, in the middle of the university beside the Place Riel Student Centre, with more stops along College Drive. Routes from across the east side, downtown and the northeast run straight to campus, so living near a route that goes directly to Place Riel saves a lot of transfers.

Many U of S students get a transit pass through their student fees, which makes the bus the cheapest way to commute. Check with the U of S Students' Union for current eligibility.

Bus Rapid Transit is coming

Saskatoon is building a Bus Rapid Transit system (Link). One of its corridors is planned to serve the university, and work along College Drive is underway, so some routes are on temporary detours right now. The full system is planned to open around 2028. Homes near a future rapid-transit stop could become even more convenient, but timelines and routes can change.

Before you buy, check the commute from that exact address. Routes and schedules change, so plan the trip in Saskatoon Transit's official trip planner or the Transit app at the times you'd really travel. We're happy to help you compare commutes between homes.

Biking and walking

The Meewasin Trail along both banks of the river links Nutana, Downtown, City Park and the University Bridge to campus. From the walk-or-bike neighbourhoods above, many people ride from spring to fall and switch to the bus in winter.

Cars and parking

Some streets near campus have residential parking rules, and campus parking costs extra. If you'll have a car, check the parking situation at the address, whether the home has an off-street spot, and whether there's a plug-in for winter.

Buying for a Student: What Parents Should Know

Buying a condo or a home with a suite for a son or daughter at the U of S is one of the most common reasons we see parents shop near campus. Instead of paying rent for four years or more, the money goes toward a property you can sell, keep as a rental, or pass on to a younger sibling.

How it's often set up

• The student lives there and roommates help. A 2- or 3-bedroom condo lets your student rent the other rooms to friends to help cover costs. Agree in writing on rent, bills and house rules up front.
• A home with a suite. Your student lives in one unit and the other is rented, or your student lives in the suite and the main floor is rented.
• Who owns it. The title can be in the parents' names, the student's, or both. That choice affects your mortgage options, down payment, property taxes and taxes when you sell. A property that isn't the owner's own home is usually financed as a rental and often needs a larger down payment.

Talk to a mortgage professional, your lawyer and your accountant about the right setup before you write an offer. You can start with our mortgage calculator and get connected with a local mortgage specialist there.

Thinking past graduation

Homes close to the university tend to stay popular with the next wave of students, staff and hospital workers. That matters when you sell or rent the place out later. Even so, no property is guaranteed to rise in value, so buy something that works for your family on its own terms.

Renting out rooms or a suite

If anyone besides your family will live there, look at your insurance, condo bylaws, the City of Saskatoon's rules on suites and renting rooms, and Saskatchewan's residential tenancy rules. Some condo buildings limit rentals, so check the bylaws before you buy.

Near-Campus Buyer's Checklist

• Commute planned to campus at class times, by bus, bike and car
• Distance to a stop with a direct route to Place Riel
• Condo fees, what they include, and the reserve fund
• Condo bylaws on rentals, roommates and pets
• Suite status confirmed with the City, if renting part of the home
• Parking, plug-ins and street parking rules
• Laundry, storage and a quiet place to study
• Insurance quote that covers roommates or tenants
• Ownership and financing set up with your lawyer and lender

Bring our home viewing checklist to showings, and read up on condos in our condo buyer's guide. First time buying? Start with the Saskatoon Home Buyer's Guide.

Buying Near the U of S: FAQ

What are the best neighbourhoods to buy near the University of Saskatchewan?

Varsity View, Grosvenor Park, Greystone Heights, West College Park, Sutherland, Nutana, Buena Vista, Haultain and City Park are all within walking or biking distance. East College Park, Brevoort Park and the northeast neighbourhoods are a short bus ride away.

Can a student buy a home in Saskatoon?

Yes, but lenders look at income, credit and down payment, so many students buy with a parent as a co-owner or co-borrower. A mortgage professional can tell you what's possible for your situation.

Is it better to buy or rent while going to the U of S?

It depends on how long you'll stay, your down payment and the costs of owning. For a degree that takes four years or more, many families find owning makes sense, especially with roommates or a suite helping with costs. Compare the numbers with the calculator above.

Can my student rent rooms to roommates?

Often, yes. Check the condo's bylaws, your insurance, the City of Saskatoon's rules and Saskatchewan's residential tenancy rules before anyone moves in.

How far are these listings from campus?

Each card shows the straight-line distance from the centre of campus. The real walk, ride or bus trip is longer, so check the commute from the exact address.

Which bus goes to the U of S?

Several Saskatoon Transit routes serve the Place Riel terminal on campus and stops along College Drive. Routes are changing while Bus Rapid Transit is built, so use Saskatoon Transit's trip planner for the current route from any address.

Talk to Clayton and Jessica, Your Trusted Realtors

Tell us your budget, how you want to get to campus and who'll be living there, and we'll send you new listings near the U of S the day they hit the market. Call or text Jessica at 306.241.6029 or Clayton at 306.341.4401.