If you’ve been dreaming about owning a slice of Whistler’s mountainside lifestyle, you’ve probably also heard about Canada’s foreign buyer bans, extra taxes, and tricky financing rules.
It’s enough to make any U.S. or international buyer wonder: “Can I even buy here anymore?”
The short answer is yes, you can!
But there are a few important rules you’ll need to understand before you start shopping. From exemptions to hidden taxes to financing hurdles, knowing the facts upfront will save you time, money, and stress.
Here’s exactly what every non-resident buyer needs to know before purchasing property in Whistler.
The Foreign Buyer Ban — The Truth Behind It
In early 2023, Canada introduced a ban on foreign buyers, but it’s not nearly as sweeping as the headlines made it seem.
The ban applies to large urban “census metropolitan areas” like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal which are not resort communities. That means Whistler, Banff, Mont-Tremblant, and Muskoka are completely exempt.
So if you’re buying in Whistler, you’re in the clear.
Example:
Last year, a client from Singapore assumed the ban meant they couldn’t buy here. After a quick Zoom call where the Whistler exemption was explained, they purchased a beautiful home right on the golf course in Nicklaus North. No issues at all.
If you’re a foreign owner of property in Whistler and you don’t personally use the property for at least 28 days a year, you may owe a 1% annual tax on its total value.
Yes, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can ask for proof. This can include airline tickets, grocery receipts, or even gas station slips from your stay.
Example:
A client from Seattle owned a Northstar townhome they rented out most of the year but only visited for a couple of weeks. To avoid the tax, they came up and enjoyed Whistler a bit more, just enough to clear the 28-day threshold.
Financing as a Foreign Buyer — The Biggest Hurdle
Financing tends to be where many foreign buyers run into roadblocks.
- U.S. banks won’t lend on Canadian property—full stop.
- Many Canadian lenders won’t finance hotel-condo (Phase 2) units.
- Most foreign buyers need at least 35% down, and sometimes 40% or more for hotel units.
Interest rates and terms can also look quite different from what you might be used to in your home country.
Some buyers use a home equity line of credit from a property back home, while others purchase in cash. Either way, the smartest first step is to talk to a Whistler-based mortgage broker experienced with foreign buyers.
Buying in Whistler as a Non-Resident Is Absolutely Possible
The rules aren’t as scary as they sound especially if you understand them upfront.
From financing strategies to tax planning to choosing the right type of property, knowing the rules before you buy will help you avoid costly surprises and make confident, well-informed decisions. If you’re considering buying in Whistler from abroad, contact us to get expert guidance every step of the way.
If you want a clear, straightforward breakdown of everything we just covered, check out the video below. In just a few minutes, you’ll know exactly what’s allowed, what’s not, and how to navigate taxes and financing as an international buyer.
