Whistler

Whistler’s real estate market operates in a league of its own. With a median household income of $99,000 and property values that reflect its status as a world-renowned resort destination, this isn’t your typical BC mountain town. The numbers tell an interesting story: 79.8% of residents are working age, yet unemployment sits at 17.5%—a reflection of the seasonal nature of resort life where many residents choose lifestyle over year-round employment stability.

The housing mix reveals Whistler’s unique character. Single-detached homes make up just 29.7% of dwellings, with row houses (26.3%) and apartments (24.6%) dominating the landscape. This density reflects both the premium on developable land and the community’s evolution from ski town to permanent residence for many of the 14,000 people who call it home.

Tekamar’s maximum LTV in Whistler is 0.0%—we don’t lend here. The decision reflects our conservative approach to markets where property values can swing dramatically with tourism cycles and economic shifts. While Whistler properties hold strong appeal for out-of-province buyers and the community’s world-class amenities create lasting demand, the seasonal employment patterns and tourism-dependent economy (27.5% work in accommodation and food services) create volatility that doesn’t align with our risk profile.

For mortgage brokers working with Whistler clients, this means looking beyond local MICs to major lenders or private sources. The good news? With 73.2% of residents holding post-secondary education and 41.2% with bachelor’s degrees or higher, many borrowers have the income documentation and credit profiles that traditional lenders prefer. The challenge remains matching financing to a market where lifestyle often trumps traditional lending metrics.