Real Estate sales in Whistler showed a significant increase in sales activity in 2011 as compared to the prior two years. Overall sales activity increased by 18% in 2011 as compared to one year ago. All of the major categories (single family homes, condos townhouses and shared ownerships) experienced double digit increases in unit sales with buyers focused on properties that suited family lifestyles and were perceived to be good value for money.

Overall, the total value of real estate sales also rose in comparison to last year. The total value of reported sales increased by 6% (up to $363,665,000) for the calendar year. Most categories experienced a marginal gain in average values. That being said, outlier events continued to skew average numbers significantly so determining a reliable analysis of the market by using average values should be done with caution.

For 2011, the average sold value of a single family property in Whistler was $1,508,000, a condominium was $389,000, a townhouse was $657,750, a fractional interest was $124,000, and a building lot was $706,000.

The vast majority of sales in the Whistler area continue to be properties selling under $1,000,000. Given the dominance of medium density development (condos & townhouses) as a percentage of all properties in Whistler, it is not surprising that over 80% of all transactions in Whistler fall below this $1,000,000 mark.

Properties above $1,000,000 continued to sell at a similar pace to last year, with the luxury market (over $2,000,000) remained active despite a continuing consolidation phase of the market cycle as value buyers continue to pursue the best homes in the best locations.

The turnaround in market activity indicates that buyers have shaken off some of the uncertainty that resulted from the past financial crisis and are actively looking for purchases that demonstrate clear, long term value.

Whistler is back on the resort and recreational property buyers’ radar as good value for money combined with a world class lifestyle and recreational experience! We expect continued improvement in sales and an improvement in values in the year to come as a result.

A changing market?

5 Year Unit Sales by Volume

5 Year Chalet Unit Sales

5 Year Townhome Unit Sales

5 Year Condo Unit SalesChalet Dollar Volume Sales

Townhome Dollar Volume Sales

Condo Dollar Volume Sales

Purchasers Origin - Whistler Real Estate

Percentage of Sales Revenue

Lots of activity in the market this week!

Refer to the links below for all Whistler Real Estate Listing and Sale activity in the past 7 days:

New Listings - 30 new listings on the market

Back on Market - 3 listings returned to the Whistler Real Estate market

Price Changes - 16 listings had price changes

SOLD - 11 sales this week - 4 by our team!

• 26 Glacier Drive - $1,090,00 - Represented Buyer and Seller
• 520 First Tracks Lodge - $780,000 - Represented Seller
• 8 Lagoons - $339,000 - Represented Seller
• 701 Four Seasons Resort Whistler - $225,000 - Represented Seller

If you would like to be set up on our automatic email to receive listings/sales within your criteria please email us or complete the listing and sale notification at our Whistler Property Listings page.

* The above information is taken from the Whistler Listing System (WLS). As your Whistler Real Estate agent, we have access to all Whistler Real Estate Listings/Sales information. If you have thought of buying or selling in Whistler, please contact us. We can help you with all your real estate needs.

Real Estate sales activity during the third quarter of 2011 was highlighted by strong activity in the townhome segment of the marketplace.

Overall, sales activity improved by approximately 7% over that reported for the same period last year. Strong interest continues in the marketplace for life-style oriented, ready to move into opportunities which should insure that sales activity for the year will exceed that achieved in 2010.

The average sales price for a single family home was $1,248,000; for a condominium was $265,240; and for a townhome $605,113, during the most recent quarter.

Current high levels of interest in Whistler real estate opportunities should continually support the improving sales activity which will begin to be reflected in sales values. Increasingly, we find that the best valued properties are attracting offers quickly as purchasers are following the market closely looking for the best opportunities.

WHERE DO OUR BUYERS COME FROM

Real Estate sales continue to be strong in Whistler this month with 18 sales reported so far for May. Buyers are continuing to take advantage of the value in our market and lock in at low interest rates! With the 2010 Olympic Games less than a year away, it is hard not to get excited about the opportunities to buy in Whistler and become a part of this inspiring mountain community.

This week’s Whistler Real Estate picks

2972 Kadenwood Drive - a stunning luxury home located at the exclusive Kadenwood Estates. Ski-in Ski-out from Whistler mountain or take in the endless SW views of the Tantalus Mountain range from your outdoor hot tub & entertaining area, either way, the choice is yours.

21 Four Seasons Private Residence - with every need and wish catered for, these Private Residences are ready to welcome you home.

812 Pan Pacific Mountainside - take top position for the 2010 Olympic Games at the Whistlers desirable location. Steps from Whistler Blackcomb base this Penthouse suite offers quality finishing and excellent service in one of the best revenue producing hotels.

3 Northern Lights - Prime Location & Priced to Sell! Walk to village, shops & restaurants, ski-in ski-out to Whistler mountain or relax by the wood burning fireplace, this is a home perfect for the whole family.

Whistlers Fairmont Chateau Golf Course

Golf Season has begun with all of Whistler’s Championship Golf Courses open

Whistler Golf Club Arnold Palmer Signature Course
Fairmont Whistler Golf Course Robert Trent-Jones Signature Course
Nicklaus North Golf Course Jack Nichols Signature Course
Big Sky, Pemberton Robert Cupp Signature Course

Bank of Canada lowers overnight rate target by 1/2 percentage point to 1/2 per cent.

The bank has now reduced interest rates by four percentage points since it commenced the latest cycle of easing in December 2007.

The move by the central bank to lower lending costs was quickly followed by several of the country’s big chartered banks, as they cut their prime rates by one-half of a percentage to a record 2.5 per cent.