Disclaimer:
This information is provided for general guidance only and is not intended as financial, legal, or investment advice. All figures are approximate and based on current market trends in Whistler at the time of writing. Actual costs and returns may vary. Please consult with a licensed real estate professional, mortgage advisor, or financial planner before making any property decisions.

Thinking about spending more time in Whistler? Whether you're a weekend warrior or planning extended stays, many visitors face the same question:

Should I rent or buy?

Here’s a clear cost comparison to help you decide.

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1. Upfront Costs

Renting:

* First & last month’s rent: \$5,000–\$10,000 for a 2–3 bedroom

* Security deposit: \$1,000–\$2,500

✅ Low commitment

Owning:

* Down payment: 20% of purchase price

(e.g., \$400K on a \$2M property)

* Closing costs: \~\$15,000–\$30,000 (taxes, legal, inspections)

🔁 High upfront, long-term gain

---

2. Monthly Costs

Renting:

* High season: \$8,000–\$15,000/month

* Shoulder season: \$3,000–\$6,000/month

📉 Costs go up, nothing builds equity

Owning:

* Mortgage: Varies (e.g., \~\$6,000/month on \$1.6M loan @ 5%)

* Strata & property taxes: \$600–\$1,500/month

* Maintenance: \$250–\$500/month

🏡 Consistent payments that build equity

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### 💸 3. Revenue Potential

Renting:

* Expense only. No income.

Owning:

* Nightly rentals (Phase 1 zoning): \$300–\$1,200+/night

* Some owners cover 70–100% of their annual costs with rentals

📈 Your second home could become a source of income

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4. 5-Year Snapshot

So… Which One’s Right for You?

Rent if you:

* Visit fewer than 4 weeks/year

* Don’t want long-term commitments

* Are exploring the market

Buy if you:

* Want a legacy asset for your family

* Are tired of booking around others

* Want rental income + long-term appreciation

Contact me anytime if you have any questions or would like more information.

Cheers!

Kyoko Hamazaki

Whistler Realtor | Local Knowledge. Global Reach.
📧 kyoko.hamazaki@remax.net
📞 604-967-1238
🌐 whistlerluxuryhomes.ca
📱 @kyoko_whistlerrealtor

By Kyoko Hamazaki | Whistler Realtor | Local Knowledge. Global Reach

Thinking of buying a nightly rental property in Whistler? You’ve probably heard that GST (Goods and Services Tax) might apply—but how, when, and why? Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can make a confident, informed decision.

> ⚠️ Note: I’m not a tax expert, and this isn’t financial advice. I always recommend speaking with a qualified accountant familiar with Whistler real estate.

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When Does GST Apply?

If you're buying a Phase 1 property that has been used as a short-term rental (like Airbnb), there’s a strong chance GST will be applied to your purchase—usually 5% on top of the sale price.

But it depends on one thing: how the property is being used.

---

You Have Two Options at Closing:

1. Continue renting the property nightly

→ You may be able to defer the GST by registering for a GST account and operating the home as a commercial property.

2. Stop short-term rentals and use it personally

→ You’ll likely need to pay GST up front on the purchase price.

This decision must be made before closing, because your lawyer will need either:

Your *GST number** (if deferring), or

Your *payment** (if paying GST in full)

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### 📋 How to Defer GST

To qualify for a deferral:

Register for a GST number with the CRA

Operate the home commercially (make it available* and actively rented)

This isn’t just a checkbox—the CRA tracks usage closely and expects you to follow guidelines.

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What Counts as Commercial Use?

The CRA looks at how much you use the property personally versus how much it's rented out. Here’s the breakdown:

*90%+ Commercial Use** → You can claim full GST deferral

*80% Commercial / 20% Personal Use** → You’ll need to repay 20% of the GST at tax time

*<50% Commercial Use** → GST must be fully repaid

These percentages are calculated in your first GST return after purchasing.

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The Catch: Vacant Days Don’t Count

The CRA used to base use on a 365-day year. Now, they only count actual nights rented or used:

> Personal Use % = Personal Days ÷ (Rental Nights + Personal Days)

If your home sits empty, those days don’t help your case. It’s important to either use it or rent it actively if you want to claim commercial use.

Final Thoughts

GST rules can feel overwhelming, but understanding your obligations up front can save you thousands—and a lot of stress—down the road.

If you're considering buying a property in Whistler and want help navigating zoning, taxes, and rentals, I’m here to guide you.

Want the GST Guide PDF from BDO? [Click here to download.](https://bit.ly/GuidetoGST)

Or feel free to reach out—I’ll connect you directly with local experts.

Let’s Chat!

Kyoko Hamazaki

Whistler Realtor | Local Knowledge. Global Reach.

📧 [kyoko.hamazaki@remax.net](mailto:kyoko.hamazaki@remax.net)

📞 604-967-1238

🌐 [whistlerluxuryhomes.ca](http://whistlerluxuryhomes.ca)

📱 @kyoko_whistlerrealtor

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