Despite the economic slow down Whistler is still seeing real estate sales in line with the historic levels of the last 5 years.  If we look at the first 3 quarters of 2008 compared to the last nine years we get the following breakdown:

Whistler Chalets

Looking at 2008 so far we rank just slightly below the average of the last five years, with 2007 being the second highest year since 99.  2008 was in line with 2006 and 2005 sales volume.  As we look ahead to the end off 2008, right now current sales volume of chalets is behind all of the last five years as we continue to feel the impact of the financial crisis.

Whistler Condos


The steepest decline in sales volume has occurred in the Whistler Condo market.  2008 was the lowest volume in the last 10 years.  Part of this can be attributed to no new product coming on the market which was the case in 2002 the highest year.  The other reason for the low volume is the slow down in sales of Phase 2 condos.  So far in the last quarter of 2008 we’re seeing the lowest sales volume of condos in the last 5 years.

Whistler Townhomes


The one area of the market that has seen higher sales volume is Whistler Townhomes.  2008 ranks as the second highest in volume in the last five years next to 2007.  Two reasons can be attributed to strong sales volume of townhomes.  Most of the townhomes in Whistler Village and the Blackcomb Benchlands are Phase 1 properties, meaning nightly rental permitted, unlimited owner use and long term rental permitted as well.  This flexibility is meets the needs better of most Buyers. This combined with the high demand for long term residential accommodation has driven this area of the market.  This stronger sales volume of townhomes in 2008 has continued through the fourth quarter.  Thus far it ranks ahead of 2003, 2004 and 2005 sales volume.

Whistler Vacant Land


Vacant land is slightly above the sales volume we saw in 2005 and 2006 but will below 2007.  Vacant land is influenced by availability of desirable lots for Buyers.  With 2007 being a near record year it was natural that 2008 be down.

Whistler Duplex


We don’t see high sales volume in any given year of duplexes in Whistler. That being said 2008 was second only to 2007 in volume for the last five years.  This is mainly driven by high demand for long term residential accommodation and lack of available rental properties.

Whistler Shared Owner


2008 was third strongest in volume of shared owner properties in the last five years, trailing only 2006 and 2007.  Buyer’s are viewing shared owner properties as attractive option to more expensive full ownership.  They also see good bang for your buck in current pricing.

Feel free to call or email Dave with your real estate questions or property inquiries.  Dave also offers a free no obligation evaluations of your Whistler or Pemberton property.