Sean Phillips, REALTOR® · Coldwell Banker Executives Realty, Vernon BC · Cost-of-ownership calculator
What will a Big White property really cost to own?
The price is only the start. This calculator adds the mountain costs, from snow removal to the rental registry, and works out B.C. property transfer tax.
Updated September 2026 · by Sean Phillips, REALTOR®
Enter a price and your own figures for strata fees, property tax and insurance (ask for the seller’s actual bills). The mortgage inputs are examples to show the math, not a rate quote.
Where to find each number
- Property tax: on the seller’s latest notice. Big White is a rural area, billed by the Province’s Surveyor of Taxes with RDKB charges.
- Strata fee: on the listing and Form B. Check what it includes (heat, hot water, cable, parking, hot tubs).
- Utilities: water, sewer and propane from Big White Utilities, plus hydro and internet. Ask for 12 months of bills, winter included.
- Snow removal: often covered by the strata; a contract for chalets.
- Insurance: get a quote before removing subjects; rentals need the right coverage.
- Registry fee: $450 a year for a secondary property, $100 for a principal residence.
Not in this calculator: Big White isn’t in a speculation and vacancy tax area, and the 20% foreign buyers’ tax doesn’t apply in the Kootenay Boundary region (as of September 2026).
Offset costs with rent using the rental income estimator.
Common questions
What costs should I budget for when owning a home at Big White?
Beyond the purchase price, budget for strata fees, property tax, utilities, snow removal, insurance and the rental registry fee at Big White. Utilities include water, sewer and propane from Big White Utilities, plus hydro and internet. Sean suggests asking the sellers for 12 months of bills, winter included, so you see the real numbers.
Who pays for snow removal at Big White?
At Big White, snow removal is often covered by the strata, while chalets use a contract. Roof clearing, driveway plowing and heating a mountain home through a long winter are real costs that city buyers often underestimate. Ask the sellers for a year of utility bills. Details are in the Big White cost of ownership guide.
Questions? Call or text
Ask a local before you commit to a mountain property
Sean Phillips sells ski-resort homes at Big White, SilverStar and Sun Peaks, and has REALTOR® friends who live and ski at resorts right across B.C. Tell him how your family skis and what you want from a mountain home, and he’ll help you narrow it down to the right home at the right resort. Straight answers, no pressure.
- Start with Sarah, Sean’s AI assistant, 24/7. Call the Info Line and Sarah can answer questions about the resorts, current listings, and anything else that’s public information, any time of day.
- Then talk to Sean. When you’re ready for real estate advice, like how to list, pricing, or negotiating the best deal, get in touch with Sean directly.
You can reach Sean any time, of course. Our advice: do your research, get your questions answered, and then let’s get together.
Info Line: Sarah, Sean’s AI assistant, 24/7
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