By Elke Porter | WBN News Sea to Sky | April 21, 2025

Whistler’s luxury real estate market is booming, fuelled by affluent Americans snapping up chalets and condos. Roughly 7% of the resort’s 505 property sales in 2024—about 35 transactions—involved U.S. buyers, who own an estimated 8-10% of Whistler’s properties. Exempt from Canada’s foreign buyer ban, Whistler recorded $826 million in sales volume, the lowest since 2019.

American investment bolsters tourism and local businesses, but proposed 25% U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods could increase construction costs and dampen buyer enthusiasm. This threatens Whistler’s economy and Canada’s broader real estate market as trade tensions escalate.

U.S. millionaires and billionaires are a driving force in Whistler’s real estate. The luxury segment thrived in 2024, with over two dozen sales exceeding $5 million, including a record-setting condo purchase. Prices remained stable, but the market leaned buyer-friendly with properties taking longer to sell—single-family homes averaged nearly two months on the market. Inventory was tight, with fewer new listings than most years in the past decade.

Condos, popularized in Whistler since the 1970s with developments like Tamarisk, remain a hot commodity. With interest rates expected to drop in 2025, analysts predict a rebound in demand, lifting prices after a slight dip last year.

Tariffs and Economic Ripple Effects

Proposed U.S. tariffs could disrupt Whistler’s growth. Higher costs for imported materials may slow construction, tightening supply further. If Canada responds with counter-tariffs, inflation could rise, prompting the Bank of Canada to hike rates and cool the market. A new 8.25% property tax increase in 2025 may also discourage investors, particularly those eyeing short-term rentals, affecting profitability.

Who is Who

Let's begin with Kiss musician Gene Simmons and his wife Shannon Tweed Simmons, who own a custom "dream house" in B.C. In a Facebook post, Tweed Simmons posted progress pics of the home coming together, sharing that it's located in Whistler. Also, when he's not off attempting to solve the problems of the world, Bill Gates calls Whistler home for part of the year, according to The Globe and Mail. According to the outlet, the uber-rich tech giant purchased public shares in the Four Seasons Whistler hotel over a decade ago. Finally, the Globe and Mail also reports that singer Seal purchased a chalet in Whistler in 2005. In fact, according to the publication, the singer proposed to Heidi Klum while they were on a skiing date in the province.

Whistler’s real estate market, powered at least in part, by U.S. millionaires, stands at a crossroads in spring 2025. American buyers continue to drive demand for luxury properties, but looming U.S. tariffs and rising local taxes could curb investment, raise costs, and threaten tourism revenue. Buyers may find opportunities now before interest rates fall and competition heats up, while sellers could benefit from waiting for stronger offers.

Canada must carefully manage trade challenges to sustain Whistler’s global allure and economic vitality, ensuring the resort remains a premier destination for international investors and visitors alike.

#Whistler Real Estate #US Millionaires #Canada Property #Tariff Impact #Luxury Homes #Whistler Market #WBN News Sea to Sky #Elke Porter

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp:  +1 604 828 8788

Information sourced from whistlerskiinskiout.com, piquenewsmagazine.com, realestatemagazine.ca, mansionglobal.com, whistlerrealestate.ca, and whistlermuseum.org.

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