🏡 Investment Property vs. Vacation Home: What's Best in Fernie?

Thinking about buying in Fernie but unsure what type of property is right for you? In this episode of The Property Mindset Podcast, we break down the pros and cons of investing in a rental property vs. securing your dream vacation home. With Fernie’s real estate values climbing and demand for short-term rentals increasing, now is the time to explore your options.

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The financial benefits of investment properties vs. vacation homes
• Market trends driving Fernie’s real estate growth
• Best areas for rental income and ski-in, ski-out vacation homes
• Key considerations for seasonal rental demand and ownership costs
• Real-world insights from helping buyers navigate Fernie’s housing market

🏡 Whether you’re looking for cash flow, long-term appreciation, or a personal mountain escape, Fernie offers incredible opportunities for real estate investment. But which one is the right fit for you?

👉 Schedule a consultation with Phil today

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more real estate insights and Fernie lifestyle tips!

Show Sponsor: First Tracks Real Estate Group - eXp Luxury

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Transcript

Phil: 0:00

Thinking about buying here in Fernie but unsure what to get into. Invest in a rental property secure your dream vacation home. With property values rising and demand for short term rentals increasing, Today we're going to break down Fernie's best real estate options. Whether you're looking for steady income or the perfect mountain retreat.

0:20

Welcome to the property mindset podcast, where we explore everything real estate from market trends to practical strategies for success. Whether you're a buyer or seller or an inspiring investor, a seasoned professional, or simply someone who loves real estate. This podcast is for you.

Phil: 0:39

But before we jump in, if you're on the channel and you haven't subscribed yet, please hit that subscribe button because it really does help the channel grow and bring you even more valuable, Fernie real estate market insights. Now let's get into it. Okay, so B. C., Fernie, B. C. is more than just a ski town. We're a thriving real estate market. offering great opportunities for both investors and vacation home buyers. but which option is right for you? Should you buy an income generating rental property? Or is it time to claim your own mountain escape? In this episode, we'll compare the financial benefits, lifestyle perks, and potential challenges of both investment properties and vacation homes here in Fernie, BC. So as of 2025, Fernie's real estate market continues to show strong growth. Home prices are projected to surpass, on average, single family homes on average 800, 000, with home sales across BC expecting to rise by 13 percent this year. This surge is driven by lower mortgage rates and increased demand for recreational properties. With more buyers looking for either rental income or a getaway, competition is heating up. But there are opportunities. So, investment property versus vacation home. What's right for you? let's break down the key features of both options to help you decide. Investment properties. Purpose. their purpose is to generate rental income or long term capital appreciation. Market trends. growing demand for rental properties due to lifestyle driven buyers and tourism. Ideal properties, in Fernie, we've got condos, townhomes, single family homes, and prime rental locations such as Pinnacle Ridge, Canyon Trail, on the Ski Hill, Timberline. Lizard Creek, lots of different options for buyers out there for investment properties. some key considerations, seasonal rental demand and potential income fluctuations. property management costs and responsibilities. attracting both, either short term vacationers, only certain areas allow, and you have to double check the short term bylaws in this town, so with those considerations for investment properties, how do they stack up against vacation homes? So the purpose, the primarily purpose for a vacation home is for personal use with optional rental income. What are the market trends? there's high demand for recreational properties here in Fernie. as you probably know, we have one of the best ski hills in North America. so especially the ski in ski out homes are a very high demand. So you're looking at ski hill properties, the single family homes, the chalets, the log cabins, the condos, Timberline again, Lizard Creek, right up in the main village. all have great ski in, ski out options. So what do you need to consider when buying a vacation home? how often do you plan to use the home versus renting it out? What are additional costs going to look like for maintenance, utilities and property taxes? And what is the rental income during the peak and summer seasons? And also, what's the rental income look like in the lower seasons? with Fernie's average home prices creeping towards 800, 000, it's essential to establish a clear budget before making a decision. here's a quick breakdown of current property options. condos are starting around 500, 000 for smaller units, going all the way up to 900, even over a million for premier ski and ski out properties. Single family home prices vary significantly. but you're not going to get much for a million bucks in Fernie. and some homes, one just sold on resort drive, exceeding 3 million, depending on the location and the features. So I've helped buyers on both sides. Some buyers are just looking for pure cash flow on the ski hill where they can rent out or down in places like Pinnacle Ridge where short term rentals, is allowed as in Silver Rock, as opposed to other people who want to buy their property, predominantly to use. And the extra income, it's not going to pay for the property, but it's going to help with the costs. Both approaches work, but success depends on your priorities. So, should you buy an investment property or a vacation home here in Fernie? If your goal is to maximise rental income and build long term wealth, an investment property could be your best bet. But if personal enjoyment is top priority, With some rental income on the side to pay for some of those bills, then a vacation home might be a better fit for you. Either way, Fernie offers some incredible opportunities. It's just a matter of choosing the right one for you. thanks for tuning in to this week's Property Mindset podcast. If you're thinking about buying in Fernie or selling, whether it's an investment property or a vacation home, we'd love to help explore your options. So don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment below and share this episode with someone you may know who's considering a move into Fernie or needs to sell their vacation home. So until next time, I'm Phil Gad. Stay focused, stay informed and keep building the property mindset.