Types of Properties in Whistler
The Resort Municipality of Whistler offers a diverse selection of property types with the appropriate zoning or covenant in place to permit specific uses.
The following is just a summary and Buyers should be advised to confirm both the zoning and permitted uses on properties they are considering to purchase.
Residential Zones
Throughout most of Whistler, the residential neighbourhoods are zoned for “residential use “ only. Permitted uses include primary residences, residential tenancy rentals and personal recreational use. Commercial activity including “Tourist”, ie. short-term rental, is not permitted. The property types found in these areas include cabins, chalets, town homes, duplexes, appartment style condos and employee restricted” condominiums and homes.
Tourist Accommodation Zones
The majority of these properties are located in The Village area, Blackcomb Benchlands and selective areas of Whistler Creek. Outside of these areas there are “pockets” within the residential neighbourhoods of Green :Lake Estates and Tree Tops that permit tourist rentals.
Within The Village, The Benchlands and Creekside areas, the property types found are town homes, apartment style condos and hotel units.. These can range from studios to 3 and 4 bedroom luxury properties.
It is important to note that within these areas there are two types of properties commonly referred to as Phase One and Phase Two. By placing the restrictive covenants (Phase One and Phase Two) on properties designated as “Resort Land”, the municipality has stated that these properties must always be available and used as tourist beds. This guarantees a minimum percentage of units for tourist accommodation year round.
Phase I
Unrestricted owners” use - These are the properties which are best suited for the owner who wants flexibility and control over his property. The owner can determine when and how often he wants to offer it for rent. In most cases he can also decide how it should e rented; either through a rental company or by self managing it through an internet ,owner direct rental service.
This type of property works best for owners who treat their units as an equity investment, need some revenue and want to use them personally.
Phase II
Restricted use for the owners These properties are typically the “true hotel type” buildings such as The Westin, Holiday Inn, The Hilton, Delta Village Suites, Cascade Lodge, Pan Pacific, and many others. Owners are allowed to use their property for a maximum of 28 days in he summer and 28 days in the winter. The specific dates of usage must be The specific dates of usage must be booked in advance with the rental management company. These unit are generally incorporated into an ongoing hotel operation. Benefits include pooled revenues as well as the standard hotel services, ie daily maid service etc.
These types of units are best suited for the occasional visitor to Whistler and investors interested in revenue only.
Unrestricted Properties
In some areas there are developments which have no restrictive covenants registered on title and therefore must follow the permitted uses as per the zoning.
Fractional Ownership
This type of ownership makes the purchase more affordable. The owner has registered title to a fraction of the interest in the property as well as a shared use with the property’s other owners. The owners are allotted times for their use and can choose to use it or rent it out through the management company.
Restrictive covenants on title and zoning requirements are very important and can be complex to understand. Before purchasing, a Buyer should seek clarification from his Realtor and Lawyer.