There is no fixed percentage or dollar minimum for a deposit under Saskatchewan real estate practice, unlike the down payment, which follows fixed minimums of 5 percent up to $500,000 and 10 percent above that under CMHC lending guidelines, so 10 percent is simply whatever a specific buyer and their agent decided made the offer credible to this particular seller.
A stronger deposit can help an offer stand out when several buyers are competing for the same Saskatoon listing, since it signals financial readiness to the seller, but it does not replace a solid financing pre-approval or a clean set of conditions, both of which a seller's agent is usually watching just as closely.
Joel Dyck advises buyers on a deposit amount that fits the specific home and the level of competition for it. Get your hand-reviewed valuation from Joel Dyck.