Real Estate Market Report: Q3 2026

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This is your update on how the Whistler and Pemberton markets performed in Q3 2026, compared with the same period last.

Whistler

Whistler’s third-quarter real estate market showed a mixed picture when compared with the same period last year, with total listings increasing by 6% and sales declining by 15%. In a relatively small market, these changes can reflect shifts in individual property categories and the timing of transactions, rather than a broader change in market direction. As economic conditions continue to influence real estate activity locally and globally, understanding the trends within each property type remains important for buyers and sellers navigating the market.

Listings and Sales

Compared with the previous quarter of 2026, chalet listings declined, while inventory increased across other property segments. Townhome listings rose by 10, shared ownership listings increased by five, and condo listings grew by six. Overall inventory increased by approximately 5% over last quarter, giving Buyers slightly more choice across much of the market.

Sales activity varied by property type. Chalet sales increased by 19% year over year, while townhome sales declined from 36 in the third quarter of 2025 to 30 this year. Shared ownership sales increased compared with the second quarter but remained below the same period last year. Condo sales followed a similar pattern, reflecting differences in activity across the market rather than a uniform trend.

For Buyers, increased inventory in several categories may create more opportunities to compare properties and assess value. For Sellers, understanding current competition, pricing and demand within their specific property segment remains key to positioning a home effectively.

Looking Ahead

As Whistler transitions into fall and ski season approaches, the market enters an important period for both Buyers and Sellers. The transitional period between seasons can make property viewings easier to arrange, while Buyers begin considering their options for personal winter use, long-term ownership or potential rental income, where permitted. Others may be waiting for a property that meets their specific needs to come to market.

Fall also offers plenty of reasons to spend time in Whistler, with events such as Cornucopia and the Whistler Film Festival bringing food, culture and entertainment to the resort. While the market continues to reflect broader economic uncertainty, opportunities remain for those who understand their priorities and approach decisions with current, property-specific information.

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Pemberton

Pemberton’s real estate market continued to navigate broader economic uncertainty in the third quarter, with affordability and the availability of suitable housing remaining key challenges. Inventory has increased modestly, but new listings in the more affordable price ranges remain limited.

Summer is traditionally a quieter time in real estate as residents and visitors enjoy the outdoor lifestyle and recreational activities. That pattern carried into September, as summer weather extended and the return of school came later this year. By mid-September, however, the market began showing signs of renewed momentum.

Listings and Sales

Comparing the third quarters of 2025 and 2026, new listings rose slightly across all market segments except vacant land, but not enough to spark a meaningful increase in active buyers. Chalet and chalet-with-acreage listings totaled 41, up from 38 a year ago. Townhome inventory rose significantly, yet buyers in that segment seemed distracted as we moved into the fall market. Condo inventory also rose year over year, but interest remained soft.

Listing activity is often an early indicator of where sales may head; however, this quarter, the modest rise in listings was not matched by a pickup in sales. Chalet and chalet-with-acreage sales declined to nine from 15 when compared the third quarter of 2025, though this is consistent with activity earlier in 2026 for this housing segment. Townhome sales were unchanged year over year despite the added inventory, while condo sales were sluggish over the summer months.

Looking Ahead

Being a small market, with limited data, it is hard to pin down a clear direction for the remainder of 2026 in Pemberton. Buyers seem to be mostly motivated by necessity, and while they are curious, they are also selective—looking for the right product and value. In this environment, sellers who price thoughtfully and remain open to negotiation are best positioned to attract serious interest.

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Market Share

Since 1978, The Whistler Real Estate Company has been the region’s market leader, representing more Buyers and Sellers than any other brokerage. Our longstanding leadership reflects nearly five decades of local knowledge, trusted relationships and firsthand market experience, giving our clients a distinct advantage when navigating the Whistler and Pemberton real estate markets.

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Interested in Learning More?

Whether you’re considering Buying or Selling, our team brings decades of local knowledge and firsthand market experience to help you make informed real estate decisions.

Connect with one of our local Agents today to discuss your next move.

Regulatory Information

From taxation to Buyer regulations, rental rights to property covenants — we have you covered on the latest Real Estate updates and legislations.

Foreign Buyer Ban

At this time, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District – of which Whistler and Pemberton are a part of – are except from both the federal Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act (Foreign Buyer Ban) and the provincial 20% Additional Property Transfer Tax (Foreign Buyer Tax).

Residential Tenancy Act Changes

On July 18, 2024 there were significant changes to the Residential Tenancy Act that those who own or are looking to sell or purchase tenant occupied properties should be aware of. Some of the key changes include: 

• Mandatory landlord use of a new web portal to generate Notices to End Tenancy for personal or caretaker use
• Extended notice period
• The individual moving into the property must occupy it for at least 12 months

It is strongly advised that you seek legal advice to navigate these new regulations effectively if you plan to proceed with a transaction involving tenant-occupied property to ensure compliance with the new rules and ensuring understanding of rights and obligations of the parties involved. More information regarding these changes can be found on the BC Government Website.

Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing

In 2023, the provincial government introduced new housing legislation to update zoning rules to deliver more small-scale, multi-unit (SSMU) housing, with the intended objective of building more homes faster. In most municipalities of more than 5,000 people, these changes can allow for 3-4 units permitted on lots currently zoned for single-family or duplex use, depending on lot size, however strata bylaws may impact this. 

Get in touch with your local Whistler Real Estate Company agent to learn more about how this may impact your Whistler or Pemberton property, or property of interest.

BC Home Flipping Tax

As of January 1, 2025, the BC Home Flipping Tax has been in effect. This provincial tax is distinct from the existing Federal Property Flipping Tax and specifically targets short-term property sales. Some of the details include:

• The tax applies to income from sales of residential properties, presale contracts, or assignments owned for less than two years;
• The rate starts at 20% for sales within 365 days of ownership, decreasing to 0% at 730 days;
• This tax applies to any person or entity (individual, corporation, partnership, or trust) selling property within BC, regardless of residency;
• Exemptions include certain primary residences,

To review all the details, please visit the BC Government Website, as well as the BC Real Estate Association website for a breakdown of the new tax, as well as a comparison with the current Federal Flipping Tax.