Page 16 - REN July-Aug 2021

If ziplining or bombing down the
mountain on a pair of skis is too
fast for you, Whistler is host to a
number of events, such as
Cornucopia Whistler and the
Whistler Pride & Ski Festival, and
offers relaxation in spades—
featuring several health and
wellness facilities as well as arts
and culture activities at the local
museums and studios.
Take advantage of unforgettable fishing, camping, and hiking experiences at every turn, or hit the links at one of the
four championship golf courses from four of the world’s best course designers. Go snowmobiling during the winter
or mudding on a quad in the summer; view the bears (from a safe distance) in the fall or witness the epic salmon run
in the spring; whatever the adventure, you’re sure to find it in Whistler.
To help plan your trip, visit the itineraries page of the Whistler’s website for a convenient list of things to do based on
the time of year.
Housing market stats and where to live
Based on stats from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), the unusual seasonal activity caused by the global
pandemic in 2020 has carried over into the first quarter of 2021. This includes a shift in housing needs, with an
increase in demand for detached family homes offering more space and privacy; while low interest rates, an active
buyer’s market, and available inventory of homes for sale will continue to play a significant role in determining prices
moving forward.
According to the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV):
• in December 2020, the Multiple Listing Service® in Metro Vancouver recorded 2,409 newly listed detached,
attached and apartment properties for sale—a 51.7% increase over December 2019;
• there were 3,093 residential home sales in December 2020—jumping 53.4% from December 2019;
• the benchmark price for a detached home was more than $1.5 million in December 2020—the benchmark price
for a townhome was $813,900 with an apartments at $676,500;
• residential home sales in 2020 totalled 30,944—growing 22.1% over sales in 2019 despite the pandemic; and
• sales in December 2020 were 57.7% above the 10-year sales average for the month—the highest total on record.

Although Whistler lives within the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), a large majority of homes in
Whistler are vacation or investment properties, which have seen their own set of trends.

Based on the 2016 Census Profile from Statistics Canada, Whistler’s population is 8,713, but as a resort municipality,
the population typically expands as tourism peaks. This is reflected on REALTOR.ca with current listings having
reached triple digits; it can be surmised that with lack of travel in 2020, many are former vacation homes, timeshares,
or investment properties.
And since options range from the economic-friendly fixer-upper to the multi-million dollar estate, entering the
market as a home buyer or seller can be overwhelming—rather than jumping in head first, ease into the process by
consulting a REALTOR® for expert advice.
With the average age of residents being 35, Whistler’s youthful vibe is an extension of its population. It’s a great place
for young families, offering everything from good schools and career opportunities to the unparalleled recreation
just minutes away. There’s a mix of outdoor thrills to sooth your adventurous soul and indoor amenities to nurture
your health and wellness.

So, whether you’re planning your next vacation—when travelling resumes—or looking for a new home or investment
property, your next adventure awaits in Whistler: Canada’s champion of year-round alpine terrain. g

16 | REAL ESTATE NOW | denise@BCislandhomes.ca