Whistler Real Estate Cheat Sheet

June 28, 2018
Olympics in Whistler

Are you thinking of diving into Whistler’s real estate market? We’ve written up a snappy set of crib notes—don’t worry, there won’t be a test—to help you further your understanding when it comes to the ins and outs of buying a property in Whistler.

Location

Whistler is precisely 120 kilometres north, up the Sea to Sky highway (#99), of Vancouver, which ends up taking about two hours, depending on traffic—long weekends are usually busier.

Snowfall

Across over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, Whistler averages 1,164 centimeters, or 458 inches, of snow annually, making the conditions truly world-class. 

Easy or difficult

There is nothing challenging about purchasing property in Whistler, however, because the market differs from elsewhere in B.C., it’s smart to find a knowledgeable realtor to keep any difficulties at bay.

The neighbourhoods

Lot’s of people equate Whistler primarily with the chair lifts and a restaurant or two, but it’s a booming town full of charming communities. From Alpine Meadows or Emerald Estates in Whistler North to Cheakamus Crossing in Whistler South, and everything in between, there are a lot of options.

Rental restrictions and zoning

Simply put, there are some zoning rules for certain properties—mostly condos and hotels—in Whistler to ensure there are always enough places available for visiting guests. Commonly known as Phase 1 and Phase 2, the covenants restrict specific usage of a property so it’s best to chat to your Realtor to find out how this may affect you.

Summertime

It’s true; summertime usually sees more guests than the winter season. There are so many things to do in and around Whistler, like hiking, kayaking, boating, fishing, biking and much, much more.

Tourism Whistler Fees

Quarterly fees are paid to Tourism Whistler for continued, global promotion of the resort. Fees are based on the number of bed units in a property, but if the unit is for personal use only, lower fees may be available.

Realtors

As stated earlier, it’s helpful to have a realtor. While you may trust your hometown real estate agent, it’s advisable to speak with a realtor who specializes in Whistler’s market.

Weather

The weather here is very temperate and perfect for whatever endeavour you choose. In the winter, the coldest average temps range from -2ºC to -8ºC, while in the summer things heat up from 21ºC to 27ºC on average, with lots of sunshine.


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