Does a Swimming Pool Increase the Home Value?

According to a study of the National Association of Realtors inground swimming pools do increase the value of your home up to 8 percent. Other realtors argue, that potential buyers might shy away from a pool due to the water and maintenance costs. While both arguments are valid, the truth always depends on the location and the size of the home.

Consider the Location
While first time buyers of a small single family probably might shy away from the added cost of a pool, other people, investing in their dream home, will see an inground swimming pool as a necessity. Realtor.com allows buyers to narrow their home search to properties with only a pool. Those buyers usually also look for elegance and style.

You see, where we are going: If you are in an area, which attracts the upper scale market, a swimming pool can add quite some value. If your house were worth $500.000 the added 5 percent would add $25.000 to the selling price. Landscaping and other water features will also add to the value. Think of extra outdoor space, a BBQ area, an outdoor kitchen, a breathtaking waterfall, a koi-pond. Aesthetics play a great role, when it comes to selling a house.

Consider the Current Market
But don’t expect every improvement to pay off in its entirety. You also have to consider the current housing market, the average selling price in your area, the extra features the other properties in your proximity have to offer. An inground pool and a beautiful landscaped yard most probably will help a comparable house sell faster, but there is no guarantee, that all your investments will pay off to the last cent.

Consider Yourself
Imagine yourself being a buyer. What would attract you? Would you rather sit in a backyard surrounded by green grass - and a few weeds - or next to a shimmering swimming pool and landscaped patio looking at a breathtaking waterfall? Perhaps the most important thing to remember when adding a pool is the immediate benefit you and your family will enjoy. Do not start digging if you are solely thinking to improve the resale value, think on investing in your family life. In the end it is you and your children or grandchildren who should enjoy the pool and the extra features.

In short, a pool might increase the value of your home, can enhance your family and social life if you enjoy swimming and throwing some pool-parties, but will definitely increase the aesthetics of your yard.