The number of Multiple Listing Service (MLS) properties fell slightly in the first half of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.

The number of properties listed for sale at the end of June stood at 6,026, down from 6,081 at the end of June 2011, said a Saskatoon Region Association of Realtors (SRAR) news release.

At the same time the number of sales for the first six months of 2012 was 2,984, an increase of 14 per cent over the same period in 2011.

“The Saskatoon sales activity continues to outpace the rate of new listings which results in slight upward pressure on prices.� said SRAR executive director Jason Yochim. “In 2011 the year over year increase averaged five per cent each month while this year it is closer to eight per cent.�

The total year to date MLS dollar volume was just short of $1 billion, up 20 per cent compare to last year with the possibility of reaching a record $2 billion by the end of the year.

New listings outside of Saskatoon was 1,451, down five per cent from the 1,530 recorded in 2011. The number of properties changing hands by mid-year in areas surrounding Saskatoon totalled 570 compared to 523 for the same period in 2011, an increase of nine per cent.