People in Sask among most likely to buy a home

According to a study by the Royal Bank of Canada, people in Saskatchewan are among the most likely in Canada to buy a home.

The Royal Bank survey found that 9 percent of people living in Saskatchewan & Manitoba say they are "very likely" to buy a home in the next two years. Only Metropolitan Toronto, with a rate of 10 percent, had a higher rating.

The Royal Bank says even with big price increases in the past year, home prices in Saskatchewan and Manitoba are still comparably cheaper than in many parts of the country.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba were also the two provinces where poll participants were most likely to expect home prices to increase in 2008, at 65 per cent. Just 39 per cent of Alberta residents expect home prices to appreciate this year, the most bearish market in the poll.

The Royal Bank says 85 per cent of Canadians still believe purchasing a home is a good investment. That was down from 90 per cent in 2007, but higher than the 76 per cent 10 years ago.

You can read more on the Royal Bank survey in this Toronto Globe & Mail report.