Backyardpool by Vic Brincat is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Question:
“I’d really like to get a home with a pool in the backyard. How much more is that likely to cost?”
Answer:
Great question. There’s a lot of misinformation amongst the public and even agents on this topic.
Some people say that a pool adds no value, while others even say it makes a home harder to sell and decreases the value, since some homebuyers aren’t interested in a pool.
In reality, a pool typically adds 2-5% to a home’s value. The amount varies by…
Neighborhood
A pool in a ritzy neighborhood adds more value than one in a blue-collar neighborhood.
Pool Quality/Condition/Appeal
You won’t be surprised to hear that a beautiful pool adds more value than an ugly one. Nor will you be shocked to hear that a pool in heavy disrepair can actually decrease the value of a home.
Yard Size
A pool that eats up the whole yard is going to add less value than one in a large yard with plenty of space left over.
Coastal vs. Inland?
A pool in East County (think more hot days) may add more value than in a similar coastal-ish neighborhood. On the other hand, the more temperate coastal weather means less cold days. So I’m not as sure on this one.
