This Surprising Feature Adds Over $200K to a Home’s Price, According to Realtor.com

Inground and above-ground pools require significant upkeep, but that effort could pay off in a big way when it’s time to sell. New data from Realtor.com shows that homes with a pool still command a notable “pool premium” post-pandemic, adding thousands to a home’s list price. Here’s how much more buyers are willing to pay and where pools are most in demand right now. 

What the Data Says About Pool Premiums

More homes are hitting the market with pools, and this past April saw a record high: 333,000 U.S. home listings included one. (That means about one in four homes for sale right now feature a swimming spot). Las Vegas, Houston, Nashville, Tennessee, Indianapolis, and Miami experienced the largest increase in pool listings since 2019, likely due to their hotter climates and the influx of new construction in those areas. 

The “pool premium” trend first gained momentum in the height of the pandemic, as homeowners added plunge pools and other water features, and buyers began actively seeking out properties with these outdoor amenities. The premium refers to the percentage by which a home with a pool is typically listed for more compared to a similar home without one.

“During the pandemic, people were looking for ways to get more enjoyment out of their homes, and this surge in demand for features like pools, translated into a substantial ‘pool premium,’ where homes featuring a pool commanded significantly higher asking prices compared to their pool-less counterparts,” said senior economic research analyst Hannah Jones in a press release. “This trend peaked in January 2022, and although price premiums have normalized, the presence of a pool continues to drive a premium and be a popular item to include in listings as a home or community feature.”

How a Pool Impacts List Price

Homes with pools are listed for more money right now, and so are homes without pools. According to Realtor.com’s data, all listings have seen consistent price increases since 2019. For example, homes with a pool listed for $415,000 in 2019 is now worth $599,000 (44.3% appreciation). Homes without a pool increased from $274,000 in 2019 to $389,000 now, just lagging behind homes with pools at a 42% appreciation. 

Homes listed with pools tend to be about 600 square feet larger, and have a price per square feet of around $247, compared to $204 without. The “pool premium” hit a high point of 61% in January 2022 and now sits at a still-impressive 54%. Remarkably, a 2,450-square-foot home with a pool is currently priced, on average, $200,000 higher than a comparable home without one ($599,000 vs. $389,000). 

Buying and Selling a Home with a Pool

If your dream is to buy a home with a pool, now is a good time since that premium isn’t as high as it was in 2022. Since there is more inventory in general and less competition, Realtor.com says right now is a more buyer-friendly market. 

For sellers, homes with pools are still worth significantly more, but you shouldn’t add a pool just for resale, since the cost would exceed the price advantage in most cases.

“Sellers should be mindful of the evolving market dynamics and avoid overpricing their properties based solely on the presence of a pool,” said Jones. “The market is more sensitive to value today, and buyers have more choices. A strategic pricing approach that considers the current, more moderate pool premium, the size and overall condition of the home, and the specific characteristics of the local market is essential for a successful sale.”